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Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

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Tendon repair - Overview

Alternative Names

Repair of tendon

Definition of Tendon repair:

Tendon repair is surgery to repair damaged or torn tendons.

Description:

Tendon repair can be performed using:

  • Local anesthesia (the immediate area of the surgery is pain-free)
  • Regional anesthesia (the local and surrounding areas are pain-free)
  • General anesthesia (the patient is unconscious and pain-free)

A surgical cut is made over the injured tendon. The damaged or torn ends of the tendon are sewn together.

If the tendon has been severely injured, a tendon graft may be required. In this case, a piece of tendon from the foot, toe, or another part of the body is often used. If necessary, tendons are reattached to the surrounding connective tissue. The area is examined for injuries to nerves and blood vessels, and the cut is closed.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

The goal of tendon repair is to bring back normal function of joints or surrounding tissues following a tendon laceration.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/17/2008
  • Andrew L Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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