Advanced Treatment Options for Hand and Wrist Ligament and Tendon Injuries
Ligament and tendon injuries in the hand and wrist are prevalent among individuals of all ages, often caused by accidents, sports activities, or repetitive motions. These injuries can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced function, making everyday tasks challenging.
At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery we are dedicated to delivering specialised care for hand and wrist injuries. Under the guidance of Specialist Hand Surgeon Mr Patrick Goon, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options to restore function and alleviate discomfort, allowing patients to regain mobility and strength.
Common Types of Hand and Wrist Ligament and Tendon Injuries
Injuries to ligaments and tendons vary in severity and impact. Common conditions include:
- Tendon Injuries: Damage to tendons can affect the ability of the fingers and thumb to move. Flexor tendons and extensor tendons are particularly vulnerable.
- Flexor Tendon Injury: Often resulting from cuts or traumatic events, these injuries impair the ability to bend the fingers or thumb.
- Extensor Tendon Injuries: These occur on the back of the hand and can hinder the ability to straighten the fingers.
- Wrist Sprain: A common condition where wrist ligaments are overstretched or torn, often resulting from a sudden twist or fall onto an injured wrist.
- Scapholunate Ligament Injury: Damage to this critical wrist ligament can destabilise the wrist joint, leading to long-term complications if untreated.
Symptoms of Ligament and Tendon Injuries
Early recognition of symptoms is essential for effective treatment. Common signs of hand and wrist injuries include:
- Wrist Pain and Swelling: A hallmark symptom of tendon and ligament damage, often exacerbated by movement.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the fingers and thumb or limited wrist joint movement.
- Weak Grip Strength: A common indicator of tendon or ligament injury, especially following trauma.
- Visible Deformity: In cases of severe injuries, such as a ruptured tendon or torn ligament, deformity may be noticeable.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: These may occur during movement, particularly with wrist ligament injuries.
Early diagnosis of a wrist ligament injury or hand tendon injury ensures appropriate treatment and prevents complications like chronic pain or limited mobility.
Treatment Options for
Hand and Wrist Ligament and Tendon Injuries
Treatment depends on the severity and nature of the injury, ranging from conservative measures to surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For less severe injuries, conservative treatments are often effective, including:
- Immobilisation: A wrist splint or cast stabilises the injured area, allowing the ligaments or tendons to heal naturally.
- Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice helps manage swelling and pain.
- Physical Therapy: Gradual exercises improve the range of motion and restore strength.
Surgical Treatments
Severe injuries, such as a torn tendon or ruptured ligament, may require surgical intervention. Options include:
- Flexor Tendon Repair: This procedure reconnects torn thumb flexor tendons, or flexor tendons in the fingers, restoring their function.
- Extensor Tendon Repair: Essential for restoring the ability to straighten the fingers and thumb.
- Hand Tendon Repair: In cases where extensive damage affects multiple tendons, surgical repair is necessary to reconnect muscles and restore mobility.
- Ligament Repair: For injuries like scapholunate ligament injury or ulnar collateral ligament damage, surgical repair stabilises the wrist joint and prevents further complications.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for a severe hand tendon injury, especially if the damaged tendon affects finger movement.
Recovery and Aftercare
A comprehensive recovery plan is vital for optimal healing. Key aspects include:
- Immobilisation: Following surgical treatment, stabilisation with a wrist splint or cast ensures proper healing of the repaired tendon or ligament.
- Gradual Rehabilitation: Guided physical therapy improves mobility and prevents stiffness.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-ups assess healing and to even ensure the uninjured wrist remains unaffected by compensatory movements, whilst the affected side continues to heal.
Why Choose UK Hand and Wrist Surgery
for Ligament and Tendon Injuries?
At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, our expert team, led by Mr Patrick Goon, provides advanced care for a range of hand and wrist injuries. Whether addressing sports injuries, wrist ligament tears, or needed hand tendon repair, we deliver personalised treatment to help patients regain function and strength. Patients can be confident that their treatment is based on expertise and experience. Our focus is on achieving the best possible outcomes for each patient, ensuring a return to daily activities with restored mobility and comfort.
Meet Mr Patrick Goon
Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist fusion and tendon repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Find out more
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 01707 443 444 or email us at Enquiries@handwristsurgery.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the usual recovery time for a sprained wrist?
The recovery time for a sprained wrist varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may heal within a few weeks with rest, ice and support, while more severe cases could take several months. Proper care helps prevent complications like tendon damage.
How do the scaphoid and lunate bones contribute to wrist movement?
The scaphoid and lunate bones are key components of the wrist joint. They work together to provide stability and enable smooth, coordinated wrist movements. Injuries to these bones can affect overall wrist function and may require targeted treatment.
Why is it important for muscles to contract effectively in hand and wrist movements?
When muscles contract, they generate the force needed to move the fingers, hand and wrist. This contraction pulls on the attached tendons, allowing precise and controlled movements critical for daily tasks.
How do ligaments and tendons connect muscles to bones?
Ligaments stabilise joints, while tendons connect muscles to bones, transmitting the force created by muscles to enable movement. The proper function of these structures is essential for a strong and mobile hand and wrist. Together, the muscles, tendons and ligaments work synergistically to stabilise and control movement.
What are common signs of tendon damage in the wrist?
Tendon damage often presents as pain, swelling and difficulty moving the wrist or fingers. Early treatment is important to prevent long-term complications and restore normal function.
What Our Patients Say
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
5th July 2024
I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.
After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.
I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.
It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.
The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
3rd October 2024
I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
10th October 2024
I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.
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