Tendon Repair Surgery

Tendon repair surgery is a procedure designed to help people who have damaged tendons, which are the strong cords that connect muscles to bones. Tendons can get hurt due to injuries, overuse or certain health problems. This surgery not only helps improve movement but also reduces pain and prevents further damage.

So, what exactly is tendon repair surgery? It's a type of surgery that fixes torn or hurt tendons. In this procedure, doctors either stitch the tendon back together or use a piece of soft tissue to replace the damaged part. This allows the tendon to heal properly and helps the affected body part function normally again.

Indications of Tendon Repair Surgery

Tendon repair surgery is suggested for people who have:

• Serious injuries: This can happen from accidents or injuries that cause significant damage to the tendon.
• Ongoing issues: Some people might have damaged tendons from doing the same activity over and over like athletes or those with repetitive jobs.
• Tendon tears: If a tendon is completely torn, it can make it hard to move or use that part of the body.
• Wear and tear: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can weaken tendons over time, leading to pain and problems with movement.

Purpose of Tendon Repair Surgery

The main purpose of tendon repair surgery is to:

• Help you move better: The surgery aims to restore normal movement and functions in the affected area.
• Avoid stiffness: It helps prevent your joints from becoming stiff and immobile.
• Reduce pain: Patients often experience less pain and discomfort after the surgery.
• Improve strength: The procedure aims to make the affected area stronger and more functional, allowing for better performance in daily activities.

Who is Eligible for Tendon Repair Surgery?

People may be able to get surgery to repair a tendon if they:

• Have a complete or partial tear in the tendon that makes it hard to do everyday tasks.
• Feel a lot of pain and weakness in the affected arm or leg.
• Have not found relief from other treatments like physical therapy or medications.
• Have healthy tissues around the tendon that can help with recovery.

Preparation for Tendon Repair Surgery

Before undergoing surgery patients should:

• Undergo a medical evaluation including imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound.
• Discuss any medications they are taking with their doctor.
• Follow pre-surgery instructions such as fasting before anesthesia.
• Arrange for assistance post-surgery as mobility may be restricted.

Procedure of Tendon Repair Surgery

The surgical process for tendon repair includes several important steps:

• Anesthesia Administration: Before the surgery, you will receive either general anesthesia, which makes you completely asleep or local anesthesia, which numbs just the specific area being treated.
• Incision: The surgeon will make a small cut near the injured tendon so they can access it.
• Tendon Repair: If the tendon is torn, the surgeon will sew the ends back together. If the damage is more severe, they may use a piece of tendon from another part of your body to help repair it.
• Closure: After the repair is done, the surgeon will close the cut with stitches and put a protective bandage over it.
• Stabilizing the Area: To help the tendon heal properly, you might need to wear a splint or cast that keeps the area stable and supported during recovery.

Potential Risks of Tendon Repair Surgery

Tendon repair surgery is often a safe procedure, but there are some risks you should be aware of:

• Infection: There’s a chance of getting an infection where the surgery was done.
• Stiffness: After the surgery, you might feel stiffness or find it hard to move the affected area.
• Nerve Issues: Sometimes, nearby nerves can be affected, leading to numbness or weakness in the surrounding area.
• Re-tearing: There’s a possibility that the tendon might re-tear if it doesn’t heal fully.

Recovery from Tendon Repair Surgery

The recovery process can differ based on where the injury is and how serious it is, but generally, here is what you can expect:

• First Few Weeks: You will need to keep the area still with a cast or splint.
• 4-8 Weeks: After a few weeks you will slowly start physical therapy to help regain movement.
• 3-6 Months: Most people can expect to be fully healed and have their tendon function back to normal within this time frame. 

Conclusion

Tendon repair surgery is an important operation that helps fix tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. If you have ongoing pain, weakness or difficulty moving a part of your body, it might be a good idea to talk to an orthopedic doctor. They can help you figure out whether surgery could help you feel better.