Zone 3-4 Extensor Tendon Repair Immobilisation
Date issued: October 2023
Review date: October 2025
Ref: B-497/JT/Occupational Therapy/Zone 3-4 Extensor Tendon Repair Immobilisation
PDF: Zone 3-4 Extensor Tendon Repair Immobilisation.pdf[pdf] 79KB
Introduction
You have had surgery to repair the tendon that straightens the middle joint of your finger. This will need to be protected in a splint and it will take several months to become strong.
Your splint has been made from:........................................................
Strapping:........................................................
Wearing your splint
The purpose of the splint is to stop the middle joint of your finger bending allowing the tendon to heal.
When to wear your splint
Please wear your splint:
- 24 hours a day.
- Remove daily to wash hand / finger always keeping hand / finger straight and supported on a table as directed by your therapist.
- Wear in bath / shower as directed by your therapist.
If you notice
-
Red marks on your skin due to rubbing, try relieving with tissue / cotton wool.
-
General irritation or a skin rash, remove the splint more often to wash hand / finger.
-
You experience severe pain, swelling, stiffness or numbness of the hand / finger concerned when you wear the splint, try elevating hand.
If you are concerned seek advice from your therapist
Your splint should not be removed unless instructed to do so by your therapist, that includes showering / bathing.
Keep the splint away from anything hot (hot water / fire / radiator) as it will become soft and lose its shape.
Remember
- Keep your hand elevated to reduce the swelling.
- Keep your uninjured joints moving to prevent stiffness.
- If your splint is rubbing or is uncomfortable, please contact us.
- Do not use your hand unless advised to do so by your therapist.
Exercise
When directed by your therapist you will need to do regular exercises to prevent your finger becoming stiff and to allow the tendon to glide when it is strong enough to do so.
The specific type of tendon injury that you have experienced will dictate the timescales for commencing exercises.
If there is a sudden change in your movement, or the splint is causing you discomfort or is damaged, please contact your therapist.
Your therapist name is:………………………………………………
Tel:..........................................................
If you have any questions / concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
