Tendon repair and reconstruction.

Tendon Repair and Reconstruction: Restoring Strength and Mobility

Tendons are essential structures that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement and providing stability to joints. Injuries to tendons—whether from trauma, overuse, or degenerative conditions—can lead to pain, weakness, and loss of function in the affected area. Tendon repair and reconstruction surgeries are performed to restore the integrity of damaged tendons, helping patients regain mobility, strength, and normal function.

What is Tendon Repair?

Tendon repair is a surgical procedure that involves reconnecting torn or ruptured tendons to the bone or surrounding structures. This procedure is commonly performed on areas such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, and wrist, where tendon injuries can severely impact movement and quality of life. In this surgery, the damaged tendon is carefully reattached to its original position, allowing it to heal and restore normal function.

What is Tendon Reconstruction?

Tendon reconstruction is required when a tendon is too damaged or deteriorated to be repaired. In these cases, a new tendon is created by using a graft, often taken from another part of the patient’s body or from a donor. The graft is attached to the damaged area to replace or reinforce the weakened tendon, restoring strength and stability. Tendon reconstruction is often used in complex cases, such as chronic injuries or after failed prior surgeries.

Benefits of Tendon Repair and Reconstruction

1. Restores Mobility and Function: These procedures are designed to bring back full movement and function to the affected area, allowing patients to return to their daily activities.
2. Relieves Pain: By repairing or reconstructing the damaged tendon, pain and discomfort are significantly reduced.
3. Improves Joint Stability: Restored tendons help stabilize the joint, preventing further injury and providing greater strength.
4. Prevents Further Damage: Early intervention can prevent long-term complications, such as muscle atrophy, joint instability, or arthritis.

Common Conditions Treated

Tendon repair and reconstruction can address various conditions, including:

1. Rotator Cuff Tears: Tendon tears in the shoulder, often caused by injury or wear and tear.
2. Achilles Tendon Rupture: A common injury in the ankle that impacts mobility and strength.
3. Patellar Tendon Tears: Knee tendon injuries that affect the ability to walk or bear weight.
4. Flexor and Extensor Tendon Injuries: Hand and wrist tendon injuries, often caused by trauma, that limit finger movement.

Who Should Consider Tendon Repair and Reconstruction?

Patients experiencing loss of function, chronic pain, or weakness due to a torn or ruptured tendon are likely candidates for tendon repair or reconstruction. Surgery is usually recommended when conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medications have not provided relief or when the tendon injury is severe.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from tendon repair or reconstruction involves:

1. Immobilization: The affected area is typically immobilized to allow the tendon to heal properly.
2. Physical Therapy: Once initial healing has occurred, physical therapy is essential to restore range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
3. Gradual Return to Activity: Full recovery can take several months, depending on the injury’s location and severity, as well as the patient’s adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

If you are dealing with a tendon injury that affects your mobility or quality of life, tendon repair or reconstruction may be the right solution. Contact us today to learn more about how these procedures can help restore your strength and get you back to doing what you love.