Tendon Repair

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• MRI of the injured tendon
• Blood and urine tests

In the days leading up to the procedure:

• For a few days before the procedure, do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, and other over-the-counter pain killers such as aspirin or ibuprofen .
• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including water.

During Procedure

Anesthesia will be administered.

Anesthesia

Local, regional, or general anesthesia , depending on where the tendon is located

Description of the Procedure

An incision is made over the injured tendon. The torn ends of the tendon are located and sewn together.

In cases of severe injury, a tendon graft may be required. In this case, a piece of healthy tendon is taken from another part of the body, often from the foot or toe. It is used to reconnect the broken tendon. In some cases, the tendon may need to be reattached to surrounding connective tissue.

The area is examined for injuries to nerves and blood vessels. The incision is closed with stitches, which are usually removed about 10 days after surgery. The doctor may put you in a splint or plaster cast to keep the injured area in position for proper healing. This will stay on for 2 to 6 weeks after surgery.

After Procedure

Blood tests will be taken.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, but you will likely experience pain during recovery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage this pain. Use only as much as you need and don't take prescription pain medications longer than 4 to 7 days. You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain, if your doctor agrees.

Possible Complications

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Formation of scar tissue that interferes with normal tendon movement
• Partial loss of function in the involved joint(s)

Average Hospital Stay

Hospital stay is not always necessary but may be for 1 day.

Postoperative Care

• If the wound bleeds during the first 24 hours after surgery, apply pressure with a clean cloth for ten minutes to stop the bleeding.
• Use an electric heating pad or a warm compress to help relieve pain at the incision. Check with your doctor first and never use it until 48 hours after surgery.
• Take antibiotics, if prescribed by your doctor.
• As soon as you feel able, resume daily activities, including work.
• Once the splint or cast is removed, begin exercises to rebuild strength in the area of the injury.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for six weeks after surgery.

Caring for your splint or cast:

• If you have a cast, do not get it wet; when you bathe, cover the cast with plastic. If you have a fiberglass cast and it gets wet, you may dry it with a hair dryer.
• Bathe or shower as usual after the splint is removed.
• Between bathing, keep the wound dry with a bandage for the first 2 to 3 days after the splint is removed. If the bandage gets wet, change it immediately.