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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 asleep and pain-free)

The surgeon make a cut in the skin 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 tissue. The surgeon examines the area to see if there any injuries to nerves and blood vessels. When complete, the wound 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: 7/28/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Sokolove PE. Extensor and flexor tendon injuries in the hand, wrist, and foot. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 48.

Cuts and puncture wounds

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