Hand Tendon Repair in Turkey: Cost, Procedure, Recovery and Results

Hand tendon repair is a type of tendon surgery that aims to preserve the hand tendon while fixing the tendon injury, and restoring its function

Hand tendon repair in Turkey is performed with advanced technologies, by extensively expert surgeons, in globally known state-of-the-art medical centers.

Treatment of hand tendon injury reduces severe chronic pain and restores hand function effectively and permanently.

In this article, we will explain hand tendon repair in Turkey, exploring hand tendon injury causes, symptoms, and types, and how much is hand repair surgery in Turkey.

Hand Tendons and Ligaments

Tendons are tough, cord-like fibers that connect muscles to bone and transfer the muscle movement into the bone to help bone movement.

The ligaments are the fibers that connect muscles

Hand ligaments and tendons in the hand work together to coordinate and stabilize hand movements.

In the hand two main types of tendons run through the wrist, palm, and hand fingers

Extensor tendons are located in the back of the hand. They run from the forearm to the hand, wrist, fingers, and thumb, and they permit the straightening of these digits.

On the other hand, flexor tendons are the tendons that originate in the forearm, travel through the wrist, and cross the palm, allowing for the bending motion of the fingers.

These represent tendons in the wrist, palm, back, and fingers of the hand

Surgical procedures often repair any damage incurred by these tendon groups.

Hand Tendon Injury

A tendon injury can occur in hand tendons in different locations, either the extensor or the flexor tendon injury can occur in your wrist, fingers, thumb or palm tendon.

According to a study, Tendon injuries are the second most common injuries of the hand and therefore an important topic in trauma and orthopedic patients. Most injuries are open injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons

Causes of hand tendon injury

1. Trauma and tendon cut: cuts across the back or palm of your hand can result in injury to your tendons

2. Overuse and age-related wear and tear

3. Arthritis and degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can weaken tendons, making them more prone to injury.

Symptoms of hand tendon injury

1. Limited capacity to completely flex or extend a finger or thumb.

2. Discomfort during motion

3. Inflammation symptoms like swelling and pain

4. Drooping of the affecting finger when compared to other fingers

5. Reduced power when straightening the finger

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Types of Hand Tendon Injuries

The types of hand tendon injuries vary depending on the location of the tendon and the nature of the injury. Based on this, the treatment approach, severity, and recovery outcomes also differ.

Open vs. Closed Hand Tendon Injury

They differ in injury patterns. Open tendon injury occurs when the palm side of your hand is injured by a cut or laceration that leads to an inability to bend your hand.

The close tendon injury affects the tendon on the back sites of your hand and this leads to an inability to straighten your hand and fingers.

Close injury usually occurs due to overuse, sudden and sharp movements, or age-related degeneration.

Common open tendon injuries cause

These occur when the skin is cut or punctured, exposing the tendon. They are often caused by:

• Lacerations – Deep cuts from sharp objects (knives, glass, machinery).
• Penetrating Injuries – Wounds from nails, needles, or other sharp objects.
• Surgical Injuries – Tendon damage during medical procedures.

Common closed tendon injuries cause

These occur without an external wound, usually due to overuse or trauma. Common causes include:

• Tendon Ruptures – Partial or complete tearing due to sudden force or age-related degeneration.
• Avulsion Injuries – When a tendon pulls away from the bone, often seen in sports injuries.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) – Tendon damage from excessive use, such as in typing or manual labor

Flexor vs. Extensor Hand Tendon Injury

If your extensor tendons are damaged, you'll be unable to straighten 1 or more fingers. If your flexor tendons are damaged, you'll be unable to bend 1 or more fingers.

A flexor tendon injury is generally more serious because they're often put under more strain than extensor tendons.

Flexor tendon injuries include trigger fingers, flexor tendon ruptures, and lacerations.

Extensor tendon injuries include Mallet finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and extensor tendon lacerations.

Discover other ligaments injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

Flexor tendon injury picture:

Extensor tendon injury picture:

Hand Tendon Injury Treatment

Treatment of tendon injury in the hand varies according to the severity of the injury.

Mild tendon injury can be overcome by rest, immobilization, and stabilization by hand splint. Using anti-inflammatory medication minimizes pain and inflammation and using ice bags aids in reducing swelling

Moderate and severe tendon injuries mostly require surgical repair

Hand Tendon Repair Surgery

Tendon surgery is the prefered option for patients having severe tendon damage usually due to rupture or deep cut

Flexor tendon repair: Requires precise stitching to restore hand function, as these tendons control finger bending.

Extensor tendon repair: Often simpler but still crucial, as these tendons help straighten the fingers and wrist.

The tendon repair procedure involves making an incision to expose the harmed tendon entirely

The surgeon usually uses medical sutures to stitch and connect the divided parts of the tendon

Tendon repair surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the location of the injury and the surgical technique used.

Usually, the extensor tendon repair is easier due to its location and can be repaired under local anesthesia while the flexor tendon injury is deeper

Flexor tendons are difficult to reach and require complex surgical techniques, so patients are usually placed under general anesthesia for their repair.

Surgery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. You will likely go home on the day of your surgery.

As with meniscus repair, arthroscopic techniques may be used in some cases of hand tendon repair to achieve a minimally invasive approach.

Hand Tendon repair vs. tendon reconstruction vs. tendon transfer

Tendon Reconstruction Surgery: Restores function in severely damaged or degenerated tendons using grafts or synthetic materials.

Tendon Transfer Surgery: Moves a healthy tendon from one location to replace a non-functional or missing tendon

Why Choose Turkey for Hand Tendon Repair

1. advanced devices and cutting-edge technology that ensure providing of the best medical care

2. Highly qualified surgeon with international certifications: Turkey is famous for being a home for expertise, skilled, and updated orthopedic surgeons.

3. Affordable prices: with all-inclusive medical packages, variable budget-friendly payment plans, and all the years of competitive offers, you can ensure having cost-effective treatment combined with the best services and outcomes.

4. Advanced facilities operating under the strict quality standards of JCI, WHO, and FDA, ensuring compliance with infrastructure, equipment, and treatment protocol regulations.

Turkey is a leading destination for orthopedic surgeries, offering advanced medical care, experienced surgeons, and cost-effective treatment options compared to other countries.

The country specializes in joint replacement surgeries, including knee, shoulder, toe, and hip replacements, as well as complex foot reconstruction and tendon and ligament procedures such as ACL and meniscus repair.

These procedures are performed with high success rates and a minimal risk of complications or failure.

Hand Tendon Repair Cost in Turkey

The average hand tendon surgery cost in Turkey is between 7000$ to USD 9500$.

Several factors affect the tendon repair cost; these include the clinic’s location, surgeon qualification, the complexity of the case, and the technique used in the procedure.

However, the price of hand tendon repair in Turkey is significantly cheaper than in other locations such as Western countries, the US, and UK quality compromising.

For international patients, several options make their medical tourism easier and more affordable.

Several clinics in Istanbul offer cost-effective medical packages that include surgery fees, accommodation, travel expenses, medical consultations, follow-up visits, and post-surgery care.

Additionally, various financial options and payment plans are available at all clinics, allowing you to negotiate the most budget-friendly offer that suits your needs.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Tendon Repair

After surgery, the tendons need a lengthy period of rehabilitation to recover from the injury, and the surgery and to restore movement.

This period is similar to the recovery time for ACL and meniscus ligament repair, which typically lasts around 12 weeks. However, it may take longer for individuals with complex injuries or complications such as joint deformities.

Recovery Timeline

• First Few Weeks: The hand is typically placed in a splint to protect the repaired tendon and prevent unwanted movement.

• 4 to 6 Weeks: Gradual physical therapy begins to restore flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• 8 to 12 Weeks: Strengthening exercises are introduced to improve hand function.
• 3 to 6 Months: Full recovery is expected, though some complex cases may take longer.

Rehabilitation Process

1. Immobilization: A splint or cast keeps the tendon stable to allow healing.

2. Physical Therapy: Supervised exercises help restore range of motion and prevent stiffness.
3. Gradual Strengthening: Once healed, strengthening exercises improve grip and hand function.
4. Pain Management: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended.

Factors Affecting Recovery

• Type of Tendon Injured (Flexor tendons usually take longer to heal than extensor tendons).
• Patient Compliance with therapy and post-surgical instructions.
• Presence of Complications such as infections or tendon adhesions.

Hand Tendon Repair Results

Success rates

Hand tendon repair surgery generally has high success rates, especially when performed by skilled surgeons and followed by proper rehabilitation.

85-95% of patients regain significant hand function after tendon repair, depending on the severity of the injury and adherence to post-surgical therapy.

Expected outcomes:

The expected outcomes of hand tendon repair include restored mobility, pain relief, and improved grip strength.

Most patients regain the ability to bend or straighten their fingers with proper rehabilitation.

While some stiffness or scarring may occur, modern surgical techniques help minimize these effects.

Some fingers may not regain full movement. However, the tendon repair will still give a better result than not having surgery.

FAQs

Can hand tendons be repaired?
Yes, hand tendons can be repaired through surgery, which reconnects the torn or damaged tendon to restore function.

How long does it take for a hand tendon to heal?
Healing typically takes 3 to 6 months, but full recovery may take up to a year with proper rehabilitation.

Is tendon repair a major surgery?
It depends on the severity of the injury; some cases require minor outpatient surgery, while others involve more complex procedures.

How long is a hand tendon repair surgery?
The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the injury and surgical technique used.

How much does hand tendon repair cost?
The cost varies by country and clinic but typically ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, with Turkey offering more affordable options.