Tendon Grafting
Tendon repair is surgery done to treat a torn or otherwise damaged tendon. Tendons are the soft, band-like tissues that connect muscles to bone. When the muscles contract, the tendons pull the bones and cause the joints to move.
When tendon damage occurs, movement may be seriously limited. The damaged area may feel weak or painful. Tendon repair surgery may be helpful for people who have tendon injuries that are making it difficult for them to move a joint or are very painful.
PHX Plastic Surgery offers the latest innovations in tendon repair surgery to improve hand mobility and function.
Patient History and Examination
Tendon Repair Surgery
The most common traumatic hand or finger injury requiring hand surgery is tendon repair. When a tendon is cut, it will retract from the original wound site. Tendon repair retrieves the retracted tendon and reconnects it using surgical techniques to restore function and movement.
While complex tendon repair surgery may be necessary, tendon repair surgery at PHX Plastic Surgery usually includes:
- Primary tendon repair surgery, which involves direct surgical correction of the injury
- Secondary tendon repair surgery that includes tendon grafts (inserting tendons from other areas of the body in place of the damaged tendon)
Recovery and Care After Surgery
Tendon repair surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting at PHX Plastic Surgery. Recovery may take from 6 to 12 weeks. The injury is kept in a cast or splint to keep it still. With therapy, the tendon is gradually moved to full range of motion.
Dr. Jason D. Johnson may recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy. Expect movement to return gradually, with some stiffness.
You may need treatment after the surgery to minimize scar tissue. Too much scar tissue can make it difficult to move the damaged tendon.