Can Torn Finger Ligaments Be Reattached? Expert Insights and Costs

Reattachment of finger ligaments

Hello Dr.
Cheng,
I would like to ask you a question.
Many years ago, I suffered a deep cut on my thumb from glass.
At that time, the exterior was stitched up with hundreds of stitches, but the tendon was not reattached.
As a result, my thumb cannot bend or exert force properly.
Is there a way to reconnect the tendon now? If I have health insurance, what additional costs should I expect? Thank you for your guidance!

Donghai Huige, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/01

Dr. Zheng Zhong reply Neurosurgery

1.
The inability to flex the thumb normally and apply force after an injury years ago may be due to: (1) the tendon cannot be reattached as described, (2) scar tissue contracture, (3) adhesive capsulitis of the joint, (4) adhesion of ligaments and tendons.

2.
Given that several years have passed, reattaching the tendon may no longer be feasible, and a tendon transfer surgery may be necessary, which involves sacrificing the tendon of another finger to provide function to the thumb.

3.
Health insurance may cover the procedure, and other costs should not be significant.

4.
A consultation and evaluation at a plastic surgery outpatient clinic is required.

Reply Date: 2009/12/01

More Info

Torn finger ligaments can indeed be reattached, but the success of the procedure largely depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury, the time elapsed since the injury occurred, and the specific ligaments involved. In your case, since the injury occurred several years ago and the ligaments were not reattached at that time, the situation may be more complex.

When ligaments are torn, they can either be partially torn or completely ruptured. In cases of complete rupture, surgical intervention is often necessary to restore function. The procedure typically involves suturing the torn ends of the ligament back together, and in some cases, grafting tissue may be required if the ligament ends are too far apart or if there is significant damage.

Given that your injury involved a deep cut and the ligaments were not reattached initially, it is crucial to consult with a hand surgeon or an orthopedic specialist who can assess the current state of your finger. They will likely perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to evaluate the condition of the ligaments and surrounding structures.

In terms of costs, if you have health insurance, a significant portion of the surgical costs may be covered, but this can vary widely depending on your specific plan and the provider's network. Typically, you may still be responsible for copays, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by your insurance. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage details and any potential costs you may incur.

The recovery process after ligament repair surgery usually involves a period of immobilization, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion. The timeline for recovery can vary, but many patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few months, depending on the severity of the injury and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

It is important to note that if the ligaments are not repaired, you may experience long-term functional limitations, such as difficulty gripping, reduced strength, and pain. Therefore, seeking surgical intervention sooner rather than later is advisable to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.

In summary, while it is possible to reattach torn finger ligaments, the success of the procedure depends on various factors, including the timing of the surgery and the extent of the injury. Consulting with a qualified hand surgeon will provide you with the best course of action and a clearer understanding of the potential costs involved.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Ligament Reconstruction: Options for Thumb Injury Recovery

Hello, Dr. Shen. In July 2016, I injured my left thumb's right-side ligament while playing basketball. The doctor I consulted at that time said surgery was not necessary, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, recently, my hand has been getting increasingly pain...

Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, netizen: If a ligament tear has undergone three months of conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) and there is still pain, discomfort, or even instability, surgical intervention should be considered. As for the timing and method of surgery, it is advisable to have ...

Delayed Diagnosis of Finger Ligament Injury: Treatment Options and Recovery

I was in a car accident at the end of November. At that time, I only had an X-ray to check for bone injuries, and no ligament tear in my finger was detected. It wasn't until mid-January that I underwent an MRI and discovered a torn ligament in my little finger. I would like ...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Please first confirm the diagnosis as the treatment methods differ for ligament and tendon injuries. If it is indeed a ligament tear, in most cases, surgery is not necessary and conservative treatment is sufficient. If there are any issues, please make an appointment at the ortho...

Understanding Ligament Tears: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights

Hello Dr. Shen, Due to an accidental impact, I have sustained a rupture of the ligament in the first phalanx of my little finger. There was no redness, swelling, or pain, but I am unable to fully extend the finger. An X-ray examination showed no bone damage. The doctor applied a...

Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics
Hello, based on your description, it seems you are referring to a distal extensor tendon rupture, commonly known as Mallet finger. It can be treated with either conservative therapy or surgical intervention. Since you have immobilized it for a period, you may experience stiffness...

Understanding Ligament Harvesting and Its Impact on Finger Function

The ring finger and little finger were treated with a pin (self-paid steel pin), but there has been persistent suture material protruding that won't heal. After the self-paid pin procedure, the fingers remained in a drooping position. Subsequently, I underwent debridement to...

Dr. Zhan Xian reply Orthopedics
Hello Mr. Huai-Zhen, the most common sequelae of a hammer toe are stiffness in the joints and an inability to fully extend the toe. Even after surgery or without surgery, it is still likely to have a bent angle. Regarding the ligaments harvested, the palmaris longus muscle is mos...