What is an extensor tendon?
Extensor tendons, located on the back of the hand, allow you to straighten your fingers and thumb. These tendons are attached to muscles in the forearm. As the tendons continue into the fingers, they become flat and thin. In the fingers, these tendons are joined by smaller tendons from the muscles in the hand. It is these small muscle tendons that allow delicate finger motions and coordination. How are extensor tendons injured? Extensor tendons are just under the top surface of the skin, directly on the bone, on the back of the hands and fingers. Because of their location, they can be easily injured even by a minor cut. Jamming a finger may cause these thin tendons to rip apart from their attachment to bone. After this type of injury, you can have a hard time straightening one or more joints. Treatment is necessary to get back use of the tendon. How are these injuries treated? Most extensor tendon injuries are treated with a splint. Cuts that actually split the tendon may need stitches
