About this topic
A tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendons help with movement . They pull on the bone when a muscle contracts. A tendon laceration happens when the tendon is fully cut in two. The muscle is no longer attached to the bone. Your joint may not be able to move normally. The end of the tendon closest to the muscle most often pulls back. The edges are no longer near each other. Most tendon lacerations happen in the hand, but they can happen anywhere in the body. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Wear your splint, brace, or cast if ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy or an occupational therapist to help with range of motion and to prevent scar tissue from forming.
- Your doctor may send you to a bone doctor called an orthopedic surgeon. You may not have surgery right away. Often, it will be done within 7 to 10 days of your injury.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Your doctor may give you a tetanus shot if there is a break in the skin and you have not had this shot in the past 5 to 10 years. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you work out or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. You may need to wear a splint full-time for a while. You may have to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to do to get back your strength and motion. Ask your doctor how long you will need to do these exercises. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Never use sharp tools or machinery when you are tired.
- Always turn the lawnmower off when trying to remove jammed objects.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Skin below your splint becomes cold or pale. You feel numb or tingly below your splint.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if the skin below my splint becomes cold or pale.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00015 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚