What is Tendon Repair ?

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Why do you need Tendon Repair ?

Tendon repair is indicated for:

  • Acute tendon injuries:
    • Lacerations: Cuts severing tendons (e.g., flexor tendons in the hand from glass or knife injuries).
    • Ruptures: Sudden tears (e.g., Achilles tendon during sports, rotator cuff from lifting).
  • Chronic tendon injuries:
    • Degenerative tears: Rotator cuff tears in older adults due to wear-and-tear.
    • Delayed presentation: Untreated acute injuries causing loss of function.
  • Associated conditions:
    • Fractures or dislocations (e.g., biceps tendon rupture with shoulder dislocation).
  • Common sites:
    • Hand/wrist: Flexor/extensor tendons.
    • Shoulder: Rotator cuff, biceps tendon.
    • Ankle: Achilles tendon.

The procedure aims to reattach or suture the torn tendon ends, restoring continuity and function, often using sutures or anchors to secure the tendon to bone or itself.

Why Do Tendon Repair Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Tendon Repair Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Physical exam: Assesses loss of motion, strength (e.g., inability to flex finger, weak ankle push-off).
      • Ultrasound/MRI: Confirms tendon tear, location, and retraction.
      • Blood testsBlood sugar, clotting profile (esp. for diabetics).
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe.
    • Consent: Risks, including re-rupture, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Tendon Repair:
      • Performed under regional (e.g., brachial plexus block for hand) or general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
      • Incision: Varies by site (e.g., 2–5 cm for hand flexor tendons, 5–10 cm for Achilles).
      • Repair:
        • Direct suture: Torn tendon ends sutured together using strong non-absorbable sutures (e.g., Kessler or Bunnell technique for hand tendons).
        • Tendon-to-bone: Anchors reattach tendon to bone (e.g., rotator cuff repair with suture anchors).
        • Graft (if needed): Tendon graft (e.g., palmaris longus) for chronic tears with retraction.
      • Incision closed with sutures; a splint or cast is applied to protect the repair.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Microsurgery instruments: For hand tendon repairs.
      • Suture anchors: Secure tendon to bone (e.g., rotator cuff).
      • Fluoroscopy: Guides anchor placement (if used).
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: Same-day discharge (hand tendons); 1–2 days (Achilles, rotator cuff).
    • Care: Splint/cast for 4–6 weeks; keep incision dry; elevate the limb to reduce swelling.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with analgesics (e.g., paracetamol).
    • Instructions: Avoid active motion of the repaired tendon for 4–6 weeks; start protected physiotherapy early.

Recovery After Tendon Repair

  • Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (minor); 1–2 days (complex).
  • Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Peaks at 3–5 days; ice and elevation help; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Immobilization: Splint/cast for 4–6 weeks (e.g., Achilles: walking boot; hand: custom splint).
    • Physiotherapy:
      • Early (0–4 weeks): Protected passive motion (e.g., Duran protocol for hand tendons).
      • Later (4–12 weeks): Active motion, strengthening (e.g., rotator cuff: scapular exercises).
    • Activity: Varies by site:
      • Hand: Light use in 6–8 weeks; full grip strength in 3–6 months.
      • Achilles: Weight-bearing in 6–8 weeks; sports in 6–9 months.
      • Rotator cuff: Overhead activities in 4–6 months.
  • Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week, 2 weeks (suture removal), 1 month, and 3 months.
    • Ultrasound/MRI (if needed): At 3 months to assess tendon healing.
    • Most resume normal activities in 2–6 months; full recovery takes 6–12 months. Success rate: 80–90% achieve restored function; outcomes vary (e.g., hand tendons: 70–80% regain full motion; Achilles: 85% return to sports).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Infection (1–3%): Treated with antibiotics; may need debridement.
    • Bleeding (1–2%): Hematoma; may need drainage.
    • Nerve injury (1–2%): Numbness (e.g., sural nerve in Achilles repair); usually temporary.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Re-rupture (2–5%): Higher in Achilles (early weight-bearing); may need revision surgery.
    • Adhesions (5–10%): Tendon sticks to surrounding tissue (esp. hand); may need tenolysis.
    • Stiffness (5–10%): Limited motion; managed with physiotherapy.
    • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, <1%, Achilles): Blood clot; prevented with early mobilization.
  • Long-Term:
    • Weakness (2–5%): Persistent strength deficit (e.g., rotator cuff); needs prolonged rehab.
    • Scar sensitivity (2–5%): Tenderness at incision; improves in 3–6 months.

Report severe pain, swelling, fever, or loss of motion promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes tendon injuries?

Trauma (cuts, sports injuries), overuse (rotator cuff), or degeneration (aging, repetitive stress).

Can I avoid tendon repair?

Yes, if minor: Rest, physiotherapy, or bracing; surgery is for complete tears or significant functional loss.

Is tendon repair painful?

Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with medication; discomfort reduces in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light use: 6–8 weeks (hand); normal activities: 2–6 months; sports: 6–12 months (Achilles, rotator cuff).

Is tendon repair covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for functional issues; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Severe pain, swelling, fever, or loss of motion.

Will I regain full function after surgery?

80–90% regain good function; full recovery depends on tendon type and rehab adherence.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Follow protected motion protocols, avoid early overuse, attend physiotherapy, and monitor for complications.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Tendon Repair

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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