Reconstruction of Injured Tendons in Israel

Professor Shlomo Vaintraub

Orthopedist, specialist in pediatric orthopedics

Injury to the tendons of the hand is one of the most common types of injuries. Tendon reconstruction is a rather complex procedure, so it is very important that it is performed by professionals with extensive experience who have thoroughly studied everything related to the processes of hand movement and tendon healing.

At the Hand Surgery Center of Top Ihilov Clinic, leading specialists in Israel perform reconstruction of injured tendons, annually restoring mobility to the hands and fingers of thousands of patients.

Request Price

30%

of diagnoses made in the CIS countries are found to be incorrect at Top Ihilov Clinic

82%

successful cases of treatment with conservative methods

24

-hour support in Russian

Tendon Reconstruction of the Hand: Advantages of Treatment at Top Ihilov Clinic

Most tendon injuries, especially tendon avulsion from the bone, are treated by applying splints that shift the ends of the tendons. In the case of a complete tendon rupture, not only are the ends shifted, but the tendon is also reinforced by suturing.

Recently, a more reliable closed, transarticular fixation has become increasingly popular. This is performed using a thin pin that is inserted into the finger and passed through the interphalangeal joint. The pin exits onto the palmar surface of the phalanx, and its end is passed through the palmar surface and through the bone - to the dorsal surface of the proximal phalanx. The ends of the pin are cut off so that they are embedded under the skin. A plaster cast is then applied to the finger, which fixes it in this position. After 6 weeks, the cast is removed, the pin is cut on the palmar surface, and both segments are pulled out. For faster healing, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy are prescribed.

According to recent studies by Israeli doctors, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells can be used to "transform" them into tendons and heart muscle cells. In the near future, this innovative method will be applicable for the reconstruction of damaged tendons, significantly simplifying and improving the success of this process.

Tendon Reconstruction of the Hand: Types of Injuries

The extensor tendons of the fingers run close to the surface of the skin, so any fairly deep skin injury can affect them: the tendon may be torn, cut, or avulsed from the bone.

At the Hand Surgery Center of Top Ihilov Clinic, highly qualified specialists successfully perform tendon reconstruction of the hand in the case of the following injuries:

• If less than 50% of the tendon surface is damaged due to a cut or tear, there is no need for surgical intervention: it is limited to applying a splint to the wrist and part of the finger. The splint is usually made "dynamic": it partially consists of rubber parts that allow the splint to stretch, giving the joints the opportunity to move and preventing sepsis.

• There are three possible causes: tendon injury between the second and nail joints, avulsion of the tendon from the nail phalanx joint (both of these injuries are referred to as "tendinous mallet finger") and
  avulsion of the tendon from the bone, where a piece of bone remains attached to the tendon (bony mallet finger). Tendon reconstruction for "mallet finger" is performed using a special plastic splint, which is obtained during occupational therapy. The splint is applied in such a way as not to interfere with the bending of the phalanx. This splint must be worn for 6-8 weeks without removal (only for hygiene purposes).