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 are the causes?
This most often happens due to a cut from a knife, glass, a sharp tool, or jagged material. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have a tendon laceration if you work with machinery or sharp tools. ‚
What are the main signs?
- A deep cut through the skin
- Bleeding
- Pain and swelling
- Not able to move a joint in one direction
- Bulge at the muscle or above where the tendon was attached
- Numbness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam. Your doctor will look at the area of the body that you injured. The doctor may need to clean out the wound first in order to fully see the damage. You may be given a shot of a numbing drug when your doctor does this. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray to check for damage to the bone
- MRI
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Splint, brace, or cast to keep the joint from moving
- Surgery
Are there other health problems to treat?
If there was damage to bone, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels, they will also need to be fixed. ‚
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. ‚
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.
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. ‚