All surgeries
Surgery & recovery
Flexor tendon repair
Surgical repair of a cut or torn finger flexor tendon. Recovery is highly protocol-driven.
Why it's done
- Cut or ruptured flexor tendon, often after a laceration
Typical recovery phases
Timelines are general patterns. Your surgeon's protocol always wins.
- 1Weeks 0–4
Protect the repair; controlled motion in a dorsal blocking splint.
Strict splint wear; perform exactly the motion your therapist prescribes.
- 2Weeks 4–8
Active motion without resistance.
Splint adjustments; more motion, no lifting.
- 3Weeks 8–12
Begin light strengthening as cleared.
Light putty; progress only with therapist sign-off.
Red flags — call your team
- A sudden 'pop' with loss of finger bending — possible re-rupture
- Increasing pain, redness, drainage, or fever
- Worsening numbness
Splints you may wear
Sources
- Flexor tendon injuries — American Society for Surgery of the Hand(accessed 2026-04-21)