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Severed Tendon

16 years ago

I broke my wrist this winter and when the cast came off I find part of my thumb doesn't work. Dr. figures the tendon is severed at the base of my thumb so I an waiting for appt, with specialist.

There are people that tell me their or someone's horror experience and they are scaring me. Stuff like the tendons die back,,,if the can find the other part to hook it up...waited too long...to late...on and on.

Is there anyone here that works in the medical profession that can give me some true info. and what I might expect to get the use of my thumb back.
Jean

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Comments (5)

lindac
16 years ago
I'd be looking for a lawyer about now.
Why didn't they see that before you were cast??
Yes....what they say is pretty well the way it is. If a tendon is severed, in a matter of hours it begins to retreat up the arm ( or where ever) and surgery is required to find it and pull it down and re attach and it will require lots of PT and you can only hope to get full use of your thumb back.
You should NOT be waiting for an appointment with a specialist....you should be demanding to see someone tomorrow.
Time is of the essence...Tell your doctor you need to see a specialist this week...and then call one your self if he doesn't refer you.
Linda C
love2sew
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for your reply Linda. Well it is 8 weeks since the accident so what is a couple more now. It is just part of my thumb that doesn't work (last two joints) but I have feeling and my tendons aren't dead I can assure you because trying to make the thumb works puts pain up nearly to my elbow.

My Dr did say I don't know if it can be fixed...I kinda freaked and he sent an urgent fax!!! The way my wrist looked I'm lucky it is not worse. The palm of my hand was almost touching my forearm and then my fingers were poking out everywhere...very gross.

I was wondering if the tendon could be pinched vs torn because it hurts so much to force movement? I did read they can do a scope of a wrist like a knee so maybe that will be done...is that a bad thing to have? I like to sew and do needlework so this thumb thing has me down.
Jean
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I severed my Flexor Tendon, and all the nerves above my IP Joint in my left thumb on 11-25-07 on my table saw. A surgeon from The Indiana Hand Center met me at the hospital that same day to repair the damage that I inflicted upon myself. With-in a month I had a 'sensation' to touch in my thumb above my IP Joint. I continued my PT (Physcal Therapy), but was informed that surgery (Arthrofibrosis) would be required to remove scar tissue and to relieve my capillaries in order to get the motion back in my IP Joint. This surgery was performed on 4-4-08. On 4-11-08 while doing my PT I felt something snap. I underwent a 3rd surgery on 4-18-08. What had happened was that my Flexor Tendon ruptured at the point that it attached to my bone in my thumb. I now have my Flexor Tendon sewed back on and 2 wires running through the Flexor Tendon and out through the bone then the thumb nail with a button to keep them from pulling back into my thumb. I have complete faith of getting at least 60% usage of my thumb back. After being without it for the past 5 1/2 months, that sounds wonderful. I've done extensive research on this on the internet, and everything tells me the same basic information. Stick to your therapy appointments, and do all your therapy as instructed if you expect a good recovery. I hope yours doesn't go the way mine has, but I still have faith in my recovery. I'll keep you in my prayers
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Hope the surgery goes well. My MIL got her arm caught in a school bus lift and besides a small amount of numbness in a finger she has recovered well from her surgery. Maybe she had the same doctor as you?? If you don't mine walking and if you don't get caught up in road construction on 40/61, the St. Louis Zoo is one of the best in the US. You might also want to see the Cathedral Basilica which has one of the largest amounts of mosaics in the world. It really is quite stunning. Downtown St. Charles (Main St) is nice for shopping.. it still has the old brick roads and historic houses. A couple nice casinos there too. St. Charles is just outside of St. Louis. Here is a link that might be useful: Cathedral Basilica
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jenn
16 years ago
I severed the tendon in my thumb using a quilter's rotary cutter. I had out-patient surgery to repair it one week later. What I didn't know at the time was that the blade also sliced into the joint capsule around the ligaments that attach the bones at the joint. I had PT and my thumb is about 95% of normal due to scar tissue in the joint (otherwise the injury is not noticeable).

Two weeks CAN make a difference in your condition -- don't be timid and passive about this. Did you tell the specialist of your condition and that you need an appointment much sooner? If not, then please do so!
love2sew
Original Author
16 years ago
I remember your thumb Jen...glad it is that good...that was scary and I got safety gloves for Christmas after I showed my family and I do use them.

Thanks for the encouragement...I have 50% use.
Jean
jenn
16 years ago
Did you ask for an earlier appointment yet?

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