Tendon Repair Surgery
/ Tendon Reconstruction

Tendon Repair Surgery

Tendon repair surgery is done to treat a torn or otherwise damaged tendon. Tendons are the soft, band-like tissues that connect muscles to bone. When the muscles contract, the tendons pull the bones and cause the joints to move.

When tendon damage occurs, movement may be seriously limited. The damaged area may feel weak or painful.

Tendon repair surgery may be helpful for people who have tendon injuries that are making it difficult for them to move a joint or are very painful.

How is tendon repair done?

Generally, during tendon repair a surgeon will:

• Make one or more small incisions (cuts) in the skin over the damaged tendon
• Sew the torn ends of the tendon together
• Check the surrounding tissue to make sure no other injuries have occurred, such as injury to the blood vessels or nerves
• Close the incision
• Cover the area with sterile bandages or dressings
• Immobilize or splint the joint so as to allow the tendon to heal

If there isn’t enough healthy tendon to reconnect, the surgeon may perform a tendon graft using a piece of tendon from another part of the body. It may be from the foot or toe, for example. On occasion, a tendon transfer (moving a tendon from one area to another) may be useful in restoring function.

Anesthesia (pain medication) is used during tendon repair to prevent the patient from feeling pain during the surgery.