Why is this procedure done?
A tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. If this band of tissue is damaged, you may need surgery to repair it. Then, the joint by your injured tendon may be able to move normally and not hurt. ‚
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What will the results be?
You will be able to move your joint without pain. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Your doctor will make a cut to your skin over the damaged tendon. The doctor may use stitches to connect the tendon to the bone and muscle again. Sometimes, a graft or healthy tendon is used.
- The doctor will carefully tie the stitches to get just the right amount of pull on the tendon. The cut is closed with more stitches.
- The surgery may take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may go home the same day of your surgery.
- You will wear a sling or cast to hold your tendon in the right position. This is just while your tendon is healing.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Joint stiffness
- Tendon or joint may not work as well as before it was hurt
- Tendon tears or ruptures again after surgery
- Scarring or adhesions
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take breaks often when doing things that use the same movement over and over.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being heavy puts more stress on your joints. This makes them more likely to be hurt.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tendonhand/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
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. ‚