Hi ladymouse 

Sorry to hear about your injury! The small joints of the finger can be quite prone to develop stiffness after an injury and tendon repair. It’s quite common not to be able to regain full function/motion after such an injury.

Nonetheless, if the result is not satisfactory, it might be worth getting an ultrasound scan done to look at how the tendon repair is doing and also how much excursion (sliding) of the tendon is possible. Options for adhesions can include more therapy, a steroid injection and manipulation of the joint and surgery for adhesiolysis. As for shockwave, I’m not aware of data that it’s useful though I don’t see how it can be harmful. 

Hope that helps!

Dear @LadyMouse ,

Thank you for your detailed description of your problem. I am sorry that you are experiencing stiffness following your tendon repair. From what you have described, it seems like you had a Zone II flexor tendon injury. This zone historically had very poor results but results have improved due to advances in postoperative motion protocols. There is also risk of adhesion in Zone II injuries. It seems like you had a good robust repair and you had started early mobilization as well. The optimal time for tenolysis surgery is up for debates but in current literature ranges from from 2 to almost 25 months. Most commonly, it has been reported to be suitable from 6 to 9 months following the initial repair.  While there is  relatively strong evidence to supports the use of shockwave therapy other tendon conditions, I am not sure about its use in tendon adhesions. I would advise you to discuss your concerns and options with the surgeon-in-charge to come to a mutually agreeable treatment plan. Please take care!