Ask the Expert

Get answers to your shoulder and elbow questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

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.

Tendons and muscles

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)