Definition

This is surgery to repair a damaged or torn tendon.

Repair of Tendons in the Left Shoulder
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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 or loss of function. Reattaching the tendon can fix the weakness and improve function.

Possible Complications

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

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

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

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

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 1 week prior to your procedure.
  • Arrange for a ride home from the care center.
  • The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

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

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

Description of the Procedure

A cut will be made 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 area will be examined for injuries to nerves and blood vessels. Lastly, the incision will be closed with stitches.

Immediately After Procedure

You may be put 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.

How Long Will It Take?

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

Will It Hurt?

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

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

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

You will start physical therapy soon after surgery.

At Home

When you return home, take these steps:

  • Your doctor or physical therapist will recommend exercises or rehabilitation program.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications such as:

  • 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 medications you have been given
  • Your cast or splint becomes wet, dirty, or broken
  • Skin below the cast becomes cold, discolored, numb, or tingly
  • New or worsening symptoms

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

RESOURCES:

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org

OrthoInfo—American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Rheumatology Association
http://www.rheum.ca

REFERENCES:

Achilles tendon rupture. Foot Health Facts—American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture. Accessed February 8, 2018.

Achilles tendon rupture. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116632/Achilles-tendon-rupture. Updated March 21, 2016. Accessed February 8, 2018.

Rupture of the biceps tendon. Ortho Info—American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00031. Updated December 2013. Accessed February 8, 2018.

Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM  Last Updated: 3/1/2013