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Tendon repair

Alternative Names: Repair of tendon

Tendon repair is surgery to repair damaged or torn tendons.

Description of Procedure

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.

Risks of Tendon repair

Risks for any anesthesia include:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Additional risks for tendon repair surgery include:

  • Scar tissue formation that prevents smooth movements
  • Partial loss of use in the involved joint
  • Stiffness of the joint

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Review Date: 7/28/2010
Reviewed By: 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.
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