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What is
Tendon Repair?
The surgical repair of damaged or torn
tendons is called tendon repair.
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Effects
of Tendon Repair
Tendon repair intends to restore the normal
function of joints or adjoining tissues
following a tendon
laceration. The majority of tendon
repairs are successful, which makes full
joint function possible.
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Candidates
for Tendon Repair
People who have tendons that may have
ruptured as a consequence of rheumatoid
arthritis or due to the tendons rubbing on a
rough piece of bone are ideal candidates for
tendon repair.
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Your
Consultation
Before the undergoing tendon repair, the
doctor will require you to stop smoking and
to lower your weight if you are overweight.
If you have any complications with your
blood pressure, your heart or your lungs,
ask the doctor to make sure that these are
under control.
On the ward, you may be examined for previous illnesses, and
you may have special tests to ensure that you are
well-prepared and that you can go through the operation as
safely as possible.
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The Tendon Repair
Procedure
Tendon repairs are usually performed in an
outpatient setting and hospital stays, if
any, are brief. Prior to the procedure, you
will be given local, regional or general
anesthesia. During tendon repair, an
incision is made over the injured tendon.
Then the damaged or torn ends of the tendon
are sewn together.
If the tendon has been injured badly, a tendon graft may be
necessary (a piece of tendon from the foot or toe or another
part of the body is often used). If needed, tendons are
connected again to the adjoining connective tissue. Then the
area is checked for injuries to nerves and
blood
vessels. After that, the incision is closed.
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Recovery
Healing can take as long as 6 weeks, in the
course of which the injured part may have to
be immobilized in a splint or a cast.
Post-operative therapy is normally required
to reduce
scar tissue and maximize function
after repair.
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Risks
Complications consist of risks for
anesthesia, bleeding and infection. Specific
risks for this procedure include the
development of
scar tissue which prevents smooth
movements (adequate tendon gliding), and
restricted loss of function in the involved
joint.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What is a tendon?
A:
A tendon is characterized as a strong cord that links a
muscle to a bone. It allows the bone to move when the muscle
contracts. The tendons that straighten your fingers run over
the back of your wrist and hand. Two tendons run to the
index and little fingers. And there is only one tendon to
each of your other fingers.
Q: What happens during a tendon repair procedure?
A:
Once an incision is made, the ends of the tendon will be
sutured together. A graft is rarely necessary to elongate
the tendon. If a tendon graft is needed, it will be obtained
from either the same forearm or the leg. This should not
result in any functional deficit in the forearm or leg.
Q: Are there any other alternatives?
A:
You will not be able to straighten your finger if you leave
the tendon damaged. Even plaster casts and splints will not
be able to help on their own.
Q: Are there any complications in this procedure?
A:
Sometimes, wound infection occurs. You will be provided
antibiotics to try and prevent this. More crucial
complications like damage to the blood vessels or the nerves
in or around the area of the operation hardly ever happen,
and you possibly will require further operation to fix them.
The tendon is at its weakest two weeks after it has been
fixed. The tendon repair can occasionally come apart. If
this happens, you will immediately not be able to straighten
your finger. Go to straight to the doctor for a second
repair.
Q: Will there be scars?
A:
There will be a minor scar where the original incision was
made.
Q:
When can I expect to return to work and/or resume normal
activities?
A:
use of the involved hand will be limited for several weeks,
depending on the nature of the tendon injury and kind of
repair done, in order to permit appropriate healing and
rehabilitation. Your surgeon will explain this in detail
with you.
It is encouraged that you only do light activity after
surgery. Expect to be able to go back to normal activities
such as showering, driving, walking up the stairs and
working within a few days. You should not drive if you are
taking narcotic medications for pain.
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