Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

This is surgery to repair a damaged or torn tendon.

Repair of Tendons in the Left Shoulder

nucleus image
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

A tendon attaches muscle to bone. If a tendon tears, the muscle will no longer be able to work properly. This will cause weakness. Reattaching the tendon can fix the weakness.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potention problems like:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Formation of scar tissue that interferes with normal tendon movement
  • Partial loss of function in the involved joint

If your age is 60 years or older, it may increase risk of complications. Other factors include:

What to Expect

Your doctor will perform a physical exam. You may also need some tests. These may include:

Leading up to the procedure:

  • Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may need to stop taking some medications 7 days prior to your procedure. These may include:
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs
    • Blood thinners
    • Anti-platelet drugs
  • Arrange for a ride home from the care center.
  • The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Depending on where the tendon is located, you may be given:

  • General anesthesia—you will be asleep during the procedure
  • Regional anesthesia—to numb specific region of the body
  • Local anesthesia—to numb the surgical site

The doctor will make a cut in the skin over the injured tendon. The torn ends of the tendon will be sewn together or reattached to the bone. If you have a severe injury, a tendon graft may be needed. In this case, a piece of healthy tendon will be taken from another part of the body. This healthy tendon will be used to reconnect the broken tendon. The doctor will examine the area for injuries to nerves and blood vessels. Lastly, the incision will be closed with stitches.

The doctor may put you in a splint or cast. This is to keep the injured area in position for proper healing. The splint or cast will usually stay on for a period of weeks.

This depends on where the tendon is located and the severity of the injury.

Anesthesia will keep you pain-free and comfortable during the procedure. To reduce pain after the procedure, your doctor may recommend pain medication.

After the procedure, you will be in a recovery room. The staff will monitor your progress. You may also get pain medication.

When you return home, take these steps:

  • Follow your doctor's instructions on cleaning the incision site.
  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
  • Your doctor or physical therapist will recommend exercises or rehabilitation program.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Follow these guidelines to care for your splint or cast:

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
  • Your cast or splint becomes wet, dirty, or broken
  • Skin below the cast becomes cold, discolored, numb, or tingly
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • New or worsening symptoms

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.