From the Guidelines
Surgical techniques, including excision of abnormal tendon tissue and performance of longitudinal tenotomies to release areas of scarring and fibrosis, are effective in reducing scar tissue in fingers after tendon repair. According to 1, surgery is an effective treatment option in carefully selected patients, and techniques such as excision of abnormal tendon tissue and longitudinal tenotomies can help release areas of scarring and fibrosis.
Key Interventions
- Surgical techniques, including excision of abnormal tendon tissue and performance of longitudinal tenotomies, can help reduce scar tissue in fingers after tendon repair 1.
- Rest and avoiding activities that worsen pain can help promote tendon healing, although the duration of rest is not well established 1.
- Tensile loading of the tendon, such as through eccentric exercise, can stimulate collagen production and guide normal alignment of newly formed collagen fibers 1.
- Cryotherapy, such as icing, can provide short-term pain relief and reduce swelling and pain in cases of acute inflammatory tendinopathies 1.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can effectively relieve tendinopathy pain and may offer additional benefit in acute inflammatory tendonitis due to their anti-inflammatory properties 1.
Additional Considerations
- Early intervention is crucial, as scar tissue becomes more resistant to treatment over time.
- Patients should begin appropriate therapies as soon as their surgeon approves.
- A multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, rest, exercise, and medication, may be necessary to effectively reduce scar tissue in fingers after tendon repair.
From the Research
Effective Ways of Reducing Scar Tissue in Fingers after Tendon Repair
- There are several methods that have been studied for reducing scar tissue in fingers after tendon repair, including:
- Silicone sheets: Studies have shown that silicone sheets can be effective in reducing hypertrophic scars 2, 3.
- Pulsed dye laser (PDL): PDL has been shown to be effective in reducing the prominence of hypertrophic scars 2.
- Intralesional triamcinolone: This treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing raised areas of scar tissue 2.
- Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion can be effective in reducing the appearance of scars, especially if used 8 weeks after surgery 2.
- Hyaluronic acid: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing scar tissue and adhesions after tendon surgery 4.
- Physical scar management: This includes techniques such as massage, compression, and splinting, which can help to minimize the formation of scar tissue and improve range of motion 5, 6.
- The timing and type of scar tissue are important factors to consider when choosing a treatment method 2.
- A combination of treatments may be more effective than a single treatment alone 5, 6.
- It's also important to note that time helps scars to settle and fade, and typical scar maturation takes 18-24 months 2.