Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
What is a central slip injury?
The central slip makes up part of the extensor tendons of the fingers. The extensor tendons are responsible for straightening your fingers. The central slip works on straightening the middle joint of your finger. An injury to these tendons is a serious injury and will require regular Hand Therapy to regain movement.
What can I expect after central slip injury?
- Swelling around the area of injury. This is normal and should reduce over time. Elevating your hand above your heart can reduce this.
- Pain. Please discuss this with Hand Therapist.
- Hand Therapy appointment within 1 week of injury.
How long might my recovery take?
After the injury your tendon is very weak and can break very easily. Your hand will require care and attention for the next 3 months. This will allow the tendon to heal and regain strength without the risk of it breaking.
Patients are referred to the Hand Therapy team within one week of the injury to aid rehabilitation and improve the fingers long term function. The Hand Therapist will guide you through each stage of the rehabilitation process, which takes approximately 12 weeks.
What are the potential complications?
- Deformity of the finger
- Development of extensor lag
- Joint stiffness
What exercises can I do?
After your injury you will follow a strict rehabilitation programme for 12 weeks. At your first appointment with the Hand Therapist you will be given specific exercises that should be completed regularly. Please do not try your own exercises as this could cause damage to the tendon.
How do I care for my splint?
You will be provided with a plastic splint in order to protect your tendon repair. The Hand Therapist will make you a splint to wear on your injured finger, which keeps it straight and protects it, and is applied with velcro. It must be worn continuously for a 3 week period, following this you will be issued with a new splint.
- DO NOT remove the splint.
- Keep the splint clean and dry – cover in a plastic bag for showering / bathing.
- DO NOT try to make alterations to your splint.
- Keep away from sources of heat.
- You may clean the outside with baby wipes / a damp cloth.
Please be aware wearing a splint continuously can cause irritation of the skin on your hand. You may notice some rubbing or digging in. If this becomes red, dry or blistered please contact the Hand Therapist.
When can I return to normal activities?
| LIGHT (6 weeks) | MEDIUM (8 weeks) | HEAVY (12 weeks) |
| Personal Washing/Shaving/Make-Up Putting on light clothes Fastening Zip/buttons Combing hair Tying shoe laces Other activities Reading newspaper Playing cards Using telephone Handling money Using remove control Writing and typing Dusting Switching on light switch | Domestic Sweeping up Unscrewing jars/tins Hanging washing out Washing up and wiping up Ring pull can opening Using knife/fork/spoon but not cutting meat Other activities Holding a point of liquid or a cup of tea Using scissors Using towels Opening and closing door handles Using key to open door Driving Putting on socks Reading a book | Manual work Hand washing or wringing out clothes Using a knife Gardening Carrying shopping Lifting boxes Ironing Cooking and lifting pans and kettles Making Bed Vacuuming Lifting children Lifting heavy objects Cleaning car Decorating Sport-gold/swimming/gym/cycling /running/football/rugby |
Do I need to take time off work?
Your Hand Therapist will discuss with you when it is appropriate to return back to your normal work and hobbies. Please speak to your GP, if you need a sick note. The table below gives you a guide of when you may expect to return to work. This will depend on the type of work or activity you do.
| Type of work/acitivity | Approximately time off |
| Office based | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Driving | 8 weeks |
| Manual work | 12 weeks |
| Contact sport | 12 weeks |
Contact Numbers
If you need any further advice regarding:
- your appointment with the consultant
- the surgery you may have had
- your wound, dressing or cast
Please contact your local Orthopaedic Outpatient Department.
University Hospital of North Tees
Orthopaedic Outpatient Department
Telephone: 01642 624473
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Orthopaedic Outpatient Department
Telephone: 01429 522590
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hand Therapy
Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:
- You have any concerns or questions regarding your exercises.
- If your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.
Hand Therapy Team
Telephone: 01429 522471
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You will be asked to attend either:
Hand Therapy
First Floor, North Wing
University Hospital of North Tees
Physiotherapy Outpatients Department
Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1182
Date for Review: December 2026
