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Date issued: October 2023

Review date: October 2025

Ref: B-498/JT/Occupational Therapy/Zone 3-4 Extensor Tendon Repair SAM (Short Arc Motion)

PDF:  Zone 3-4 Extensor Tendon Repair SAM (Short Arc Motion) final October 2023.pdf [pdf] 105KB

Introduction

You have had the tendon that straightens the middle joint of your finger repaired. This will need to be protected in a splint. It will take several months to become strong.

Wearing your splint

• The splint is fitted to stop your finger bending too much and to protect your tendon repair.
• 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 for heavy activities.

Exercise & Splint Regime

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.

In your main protection splint: Wear your protection splint 24 hours a day. Bend at the big knuckle as far as you can, then straighten up fully.

Repeat this exercises x 10 per hour or a minimum of x 4 daily.

Your therapist will advise when you are safe to start mobilising and will provide you with exercise splint/s.

Replace your protection splint with your exercise splint/s hourly or minimum x 4 daily, please make sure you keep your finger straight and supported as you change between them.

Exercises:

Bend your wrist forwards slightly, depending on type of splint, remove end strap or if wearing exercise splint with end joint free , bend the end joint, hold it there for 2 seconds then straighten finger. Repeat x 10 per hour or minimum of x 4 daily.

Bend your wrist forwards slightly, depending on type of splint. Remove x 2 end straps and attach exercise splint or wear exercise splint with whole finger included. Hold the splint in place point your finger straight, hold it there for 2 seconds then gently let the finger bend down to meet the splint. Repeat these exercises x 10 per hour or minimum of x 4 daily.

The angle of your splint will be gradually increased as your tendon becomes stronger.

If there is a sudden decrease in your movement, or the splint is causing you discomfort or is damaged, please contact your therapist.

Scar massage

You should spend at least 5 minutes 3-4 times a day performing scar massage. Use an unperfumed moisturiser to massage into the skin, rub firmly using circular movements up / down the scar. This will flatten the scars appearance, prevent sticking / adhesions and avoid any tightness.

Your therapist name is:………………………………………………

Tel:..........................................................

If you have any questions / concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.