Tendon Issues

Treatments for Tendon Injuries

Flexor tendon examination

Tendon avulsion & transfer FDS

Flexor tendon Repair Complete

Tendon transfer ECRB to Extensors of fingers

EIP to EPL transfer yash 12 08 2021

Tendon Injuries

can occur when the tendons, which are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, become damaged or torn. These injuries can result from various causes, including overuse, trauma, or underlying medical conditions. Tendon injuries can range in severity from mild inflammation (tendonitis) to complete tears (tendon ruptures). Here are some common types of tendon injuries:

Tendonitis:

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often due to repetitive motions or overuse. It can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area. Common types of tendonitis include:

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Affecting the shoulder tendons.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Affecting the tendons on the outer part of the elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Affecting the tendons on the inner part of the elbow.
Achilles Tendonitis: Affecting the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle.

Tendinosis:
Tendinosis is a chronic degeneration of a tendon without significant inflammation. It can develop as a result of long-term overuse or repetitive strain.
Tendon Ruptures:

Tendon ruptures occur when a tendon partially or completely tears. Common tendon ruptures include:

  • Achilles Tendon Rupture: Often caused by sudden force or overstretching of the Achilles tendon, typically resulting in severe pain and difficulty walking.
  • Rotator Cuff Tear: Affecting the shoulder tendons and often resulting from trauma or chronic degeneration.
  • Biceps Tendon Rupture: The rupture of the biceps tendon can occur at the shoulder or the elbow, causing weakness and deformity.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis:
This condition involves irritation and swelling of the tendons at the base of the thumb, causing pain and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist.
Tendinopathy:
Tendinopathy is a general term used to describe conditions that affect the tendons, including tendonitis and tendinosis. It can result from both acute injuries and chronic degeneration.
Tendon Impingement:
Tendon impingement occurs when a tendon becomes pinched or compressed by surrounding structures, such as bone or other tissues. It can cause pain and inflammation. Tendon Injury Treatment for ies depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Common treatment approaches include Rest: Resting the affected tendon to allow it to heal is often the first step in treatment.
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, as well as promote tendon healing.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections:
In some cases of severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
Bracing or Splinting:
Immobilizing the affected area with a brace or splint may be necessary to protect the tendon during healing.
Tendon Repair Surgery:
In cases of severe tendon tears or ruptures, surgical repair may be required. This typically involves suturing the torn tendon back together.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT):
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to stimulate tendon healing and reduce pain. Recovery from tendon injuries varies depending on the type and severity of the injury and the chosen treatment approach. It’s essential to seek prompt medical evaluation and follow a prescribed treatment plan to optimize healing and prevent long-term complications. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are often important components of recovery to regain strength and function in the affected area.

Tendon transfer surgery

is a surgical procedure in which a healthy tendon is moved from its original attachment site and transferred to a different location to restore or improve muscle function and joint stability. This surgical technique is commonly used to address various musculoskeletal conditions, traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, or neuromuscular disorders that have resulted in muscle weakness or loss of function. Tendon transfer surgery aims to enhance the function and overall quality of life for individuals with these conditions. Here’s an overview of how tendon transfer surgery typically works:
Here’s an overview of how tendon transfer surgery typically works:
Patient Evaluation:
Before undergoing tendon transfer surgery, a thorough evaluation is conducted by an orthopedic surgeon or a hand specialist. The evaluation includes a review of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI), and functional assessments.
Identification of Weak or Paralyzed Muscles:
  • The surgeon identifies the muscles that have been weakened or paralyzed due to injury, disease, or other factors.
Selection of Donor Tendon:
A healthy tendon, often referred to as the donor tendon, is selected based on its compatibility with the recipient site and its ability to perform the desired function. Common donor tendons may come from the patient’s own body, such as tendons from the forearm or leg, or from cadaveric donors (allografts).
Tendon Transfer:
During the surgery, the surgeon carefully detaches the selected donor tendon from its original attachment and reattaches it to the weakened or paralyzed muscle at the recipient site. The tendon is secured using sutures or other fixation methods.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Following tendon transfer surgery, rehabilitation plays a critical role in the patient’s recovery. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are often prescribed to help the patient regain strength, range of motion, and functional use of the affected limb.
Tendon transfer surgery can be performed on various parts of the body, including the hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, and lower extremities. Common conditions that may benefit from tendon transfer surgery include:

  • Rotator cuff tears: Tendon transfers can be used to compensate for a damaged or torn rotator cuff muscle.
  • Brachial plexus injuries: Tendon transfers are often employed to restore function in cases of brachial plexus injuries, which can result in paralysis or weakness in the arm.
  • Cerebral palsy: Tendon transfers can improve function in individuals with cerebral palsy by correcting muscle imbalances.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Tendon transfers may help individuals with spinal cord injuries regain hand or arm function.
  • Tendon injuries: In some cases of tendon injuries where the tendon is irreparably damaged, tendon transfer may be necessary to restore function.
Foot drop:
Tendon transfers can correct foot drop, a condition where the foot cannot be lifted properly due to muscle weakness or paralysis. It’s important to note that the success of tendon transfer surgery depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the specific condition being treated, the surgical technique used, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation. The decision to undergo tendon transfer surgery is typically made after a comprehensive evaluation and discussion between the patient and their healthcare provider to determine the potential benefits and risks.