Flexor tendon injuries of the hand

Flexor tendon injuries can be problematic injuries from the time of occurrence until the patient returns to full and complete recovery. There are many misadventures that can occur along the way. The emergency physician must be keenly aware of the anatomy involved, and a careful history and physical examination must be performed. The diagnosis may be obvious or subtle, and the emergency physician must methodically search for the unsuspected injury. An appropriate referral should be initiated soon after an injury is determined. The hand surgeon has many considerations and obstacles in flexor tendon repairs, but good to excellent results can be expected in up to 80% of patients if the emergency physician and the hand surgeon work together to ensure an optimal patient outcome.