Tendon Repair Surgery in Melbourne
Tendon repair surgery is a specialised procedure designed to restore function to damaged tendons in your hand and fingers. When tendons are severed or injured, this microsurgical intervention can help you regain the ability to bend and straighten your fingers, grip objects, and perform daily activities.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based hand surgeons provide comprehensive care for patients who have experienced traumatic injuries, sports-related accidents, or degenerative conditions affecting their hand tendons.
Our team specialises in both flexor tendon repairs (which allow you to bend your fingers) and extensor tendon repairs (which enable you to straighten your fingers).
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
Book Consultation
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Do you need surgery?
Tendon repair surgery may be appropriate for you if:
- You have a complete tendon laceration from a sharp cut or traumatic injury
- You’ve experienced a tendon rupture from sports activities or forceful movements
- You’re unable to bend or straighten one or more fingers normally
- Conservative treatments, such as splinting, have not restored function for partial injuries
- You’re committed to following a strict rehabilitation programme after surgery
- You’re in good general health and can tolerate surgery and anaesthesia
During your initial consultation, we will assess your injury, review your medical history, and determine whether tendon repair surgery is the most suitable treatment for your condition.
Potential benefits
- Restored hand function. Surgery can significantly enhance your ability to grip, pinch, and manipulate objects, enabling you to return to work and daily activities [1].
- Pain relief and stability. Repairing damaged tendons often reduces pain and provides structural stability to your affected fingers [2].
- Prevention of further complications. Early surgical intervention can prevent the development of joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and permanent disability [3].
- Improved quality of life. Successful tendon repair allows patients to regain independence in personal care, work tasks, and recreational activities [1].
- Better long-term outcomes. When performed promptly after injury, tendon repair generally provides superior results compared to delayed treatment [4].
Potential risks
- Tendon rupture following surgery. The repaired tendon may rupture if proper precautions aren’t followed during healing, which occurs in approximately one in twenty cases [5].
- Tendon adhesion and stiffness. Scar tissue can form around the repaired tendon, potentially limiting finger movement and requiring additional surgery [6].
- Infection and wound complications. As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, affecting approximately 1 in 20 patients [5].
- Incomplete recovery of movement. Some patients may not regain full finger flexibility, particularly with complex injuries involving multiple structures [2].
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Meet our hand surgeons
Tendon repair surgery journey
Here’s what you can expect during your tendon repair surgery. These steps provide a general overview; your individual experience may vary depending on your specific injury and treatment plan.
1. Initial consultation
We’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your injury, review your medical history, and explain the surgical process.
You’ll receive detailed instructions about medications, fasting requirements, and what to expect on the day of surgery.
2. Anaesthesia and positioning
You’ll receive either regional anaesthesia to numb your entire arm or general anaesthesia.
We’ll position your hand carefully and apply a tourniquet to minimise bleeding during the procedure.
3. Surgical repair and reconstruction
Our surgeon will carefully locate the damaged tendon ends, clean the wound, and reconnect the tendons using specialised suturing techniques.
If needed, we may use tendon grafts from other areas to bridge any gaps.
4. Wound closure and splinting
Once the repair is complete, we’ll close the surgical site with sutures and apply a protective splint to immobilise your hand.
This splint is crucial for protecting the repair during the early stages of healing.
5. Recovery and monitoring
You’ll be monitored in our recovery area until the anaesthesia wears off.
We’ll provide pain management instructions and schedule your first follow-up appointment before you go home.
6. Hand therapy initiation
Within the first week after surgery, you’ll begin working with our hand therapy team.
They’ll guide you through specific exercises designed to promote healing while preventing complications, such as adhesions.
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Tendon repair surgery FAQ
The procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your injury and whether multiple tendons are involved.
Most patients experience significant improvement in hand function, though complete recovery varies. Clean cuts generally heal better than crushing injuries, and following your rehabilitation programme closely is essential for optimal outcomes.
You’ll typically wear a protective splint continuously for 3 to 6 weeks, followed by nighttime wear for an additional few weeks. Your hand therapist will guide you through this process.
Returning to work depends on your job requirements and your healing progress. Desk work may be possible within a few weeks using one hand, while manual labour typically requires 10 to 12 weeks of recovery.
Not following your therapy programme significantly increases the risk of tendon rupture, adhesions, and poor functional outcomes. Strict adherence to restrictions is crucial for successful healing.
Yes, hand therapy is an essential component of recovery. You’ll work with specialised therapists who understand tendon healing and will design a programme specific to your repair type.
Costs vary depending on your specific procedure and the type of insurance coverage you have. Our team will provide detailed information about fees and help you understand your options during your consultation.
Most patients can return to their previous activities, though some may need to modify high-risk behaviours. Your surgeon will discuss any long-term activity restrictions based on your specific situation.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Johnson SP, Kelley BP, Waljee JF, Chung KC. Effect of Time to Hand Therapy following Zone II Flexor Tendon Repair. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(12):e3278. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7787324/
[2] NHS Inform. Hand tendon repair. 2025. https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/surgical-procedures/hand-tendon-repair/
[3] Sameem M, Wood T, Ignacy T, et al. A systematic review of rehabilitation protocols after surgical repair of the extensor tendons in zones V-VIII of the hand. J Hand Ther. 2011;24(4):365-373.
[4] Melbourne Hand Surgery. Tendon repair. 2024. https://www.melbournehandsurgery.com/43-hands/tendon-surgery/54-tendon-repair
[5] NHS. Hand tendon repair – Risks. 2021. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-tendon-repair/risks/
[6] Cambridge University Hospitals. Rehabilitation following finger extensor tendon repair. 2024. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/rehabilitation-following-finger-extensor-tendon-repair-information-for-patients/