Tendon Repair

Surgical repair of a damaged or torn tendon

Parts of the Body Involved

Depends on the location of the injured tendon; may be the hand, foot, ankle, wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow

Reasons for Procedure

To repair a torn tendon and to restore normal function to the joints and tissue surrounding the tendon

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Age: 60 or older
Obesity
Smoking
Alcoholism
Poor nutrition
Recent or chronic illness
Use of certain medications, including blood pressure-lowering drugs, insulin, cortisone, and some sedatives
Use of mind-altering drugs

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

X-rays of the injured tendon
Blood and urine tests

In the days leading up to the procedure:

For a few days before the procedure, do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, and other over-the-counter pain killers such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure
The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including water

During Procedure - Anesthesia

Anesthesia - Local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on where the tendon is located

Description of the Procedure - An incision is made over the injured tendon. The torn ends of the tendon are located and sewn together. In cases of severe injury, a tendon graft may be required. In this case, a piece of healthy tendon is taken from another part of the body, often from the foot or toe, and is used to reconnect the broken tendon. And in some cases, the tendon may need to be reattached to surrounding connective tissue.

The area is examined for injuries to nerves and blood vessels, and the incision is closed with stitches, which are usually removed about 10 days after surgery. The doctor may put you in a splint or plaster cast to keep the injured area in position for proper healing. This will stay on for 2-6 weeks after surgery.

After Procedure - Blood tests

Will It Hurt? Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, but you will likely experience pain during recovery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage this pain. Use only as much as you need and don't take prescription pain medications longer than 4-7 days. You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

Possible Complications:

Excessive bleeding
Infection
Formation of scar tissue that interferes with normal tendon movement
Partial loss of function in the involved joint(s)

Average Hospital Stay: 0-1 day

Postoperative Care:

If the wound bleeds during the first 24 hours after surgery, apply pressure with a clean cloth for ten minutes to stop the bleeding
Use an electric heating pad or a warm compress to help relieve pain at the incision
Take antibiotics, if prescribed by your doctor
As soon as you feel able, resume daily activities, including work
Once the splint or cast is removed, begin exercises to rebuild strength in the area of the injury
Resume driving 4 weeks after returning home
Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery

Caring for your splint or cast:

If you have a cast, do not get it wet; when you bathe, cover the cast with plastic. If you have a fiberglass cast and it gets wet, you may dry it with a hair dryer
Bathe or shower as usual after the splint is removed
Between bathing, keep the wound dry with a bandage for the first 2-3 days after the splint is removed; if the bandage gets wet, change it immediately

Outcome

Expect complete healing within six weeks, and a return to full function at the injured tendon

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
Skin below the cast becomes cold, discolored, numb, or tingly
Your bandage gets wet or dirty and needs to be changed before your next visit
Your cast or splint breaks or gets very wet and soft
New, unexplained symptoms
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting