Hand Therapy – Central Slip Closed Injury

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?

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.

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]

Leaflet 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]