What are tendons?
Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones, allowing the muscles to move the bones and facilitate body movement.
There are two groups of tendons in the hand:
Flexor tendons: These are like the body’s pullers. When you want to make a fist, for example, your flexor tendons tighten up and pull the bones together.
Extensor tendons: Think of these as stretchers. They help parts of your body move outward. For instance, when you stand on your toes or straighten your fingers, your extensor tendons are at work.
The role of a hand surgeon for tendon repair
Tendon repair:
Tendon repair is a surgical procedure designed to address damaged or torn tendons, essential components that connect muscles to bones. Tendons play a critical role in facilitating joint movement and overall body mobility. When tendons sustain injuries due to trauma, overuse, or degeneration, tendon repair becomes necessary. Here are key aspects related to the process:
Tendon repair can be done with different types of anesthesia:
Local anesthesia makes only the surgery area pain-free.
Regional anesthesia: Numbs a larger area, including around the surgery site.
General anesthesia puts you to sleep, so you feel no pain during the procedure.
If a tendon is severely injured, a tendon graft might be needed. This involves:
Using a piece of tendon from another part of the body or an artificial tendon.
Reattaching tendons to nearby tissue if necessary.
The surgeon checks for injuries to the nerves and blood vessels. Once the repair is done, the wound is closed, and a bandage is applied.
Procedure
The following steps occur during most tendon repair operations:
Incision: The doctor makes a cut in the skin above the injured tendon to get a clear view of the damage.
Tissue Removal: Any damaged tendon tissue is carefully removed.
Suturing Torn Ends: The torn ends of the tendon are skillfully sewn back together.
Skin Closure: The cut in the skin is stitched up with medical stitches.
Dressing Application: A doctor or nurse covers the wound and stitches with fresh medical dressings.
Splint or Dressing: A splint or a similar dressing is applied to reduce tension during the healing process. Excessive tension can lead to repair failure.
Tendon Graft (if needed):
If the tendon is too short, a piece of healthy tendon is grafted between the ends to bridge the gap.
The graft tissue is usually taken from another part of the person’s body.
Tendon Transfer (if needed):
In some cases, a tendon transfer may be necessary.
This involves removing a tendon close to the injured one and sewing it into place to restore function.
What are the general stages of tendon healing after tendon surgery?
Inflammatory Phase: Following surgery, the inflammatory phase initiates almost immediately, marked by the onset of swelling and inflammation. Swift and appropriate care is crucial during this stage, encompassing measures such as adequate rest and the use of prescribed medications to effectively manage these symptoms.
Proliferative Phase: This stage unfolds a few days to weeks post-surgery, involving the active growth of new tissue. Guided by a therapist, gentle exercises are gradually introduced to facilitate the healing process and enhance mobility.
Remodeling Phase: Extending over several months, the remodeling phase concentrates on fortifying the affected tendon and enhancing flexibility. The key to success in this stage lies in the incorporation of progressive exercises that contribute to the comprehensive restoration of function.
Full Recovery: The journey to complete recovery spans from a few months to a year, contingent upon the specific nature of the injury and an individual’s unique response to treatment. Consistent adherence to the rehabilitation regimen and ongoing communication with the orthopedic surgeon play vital roles in ensuring that the recovery process stays on course.
What actions can someone take to promote healing after surgery by hand surgeon Specialist?
After tendon surgery, key steps for effective healing include:
Follow Instructions: Stick to post-op guidelines provided by your surgeon.
Physical Therapy: Engage in prescribed exercises to aid recovery.
Healthy Diet: Support healing with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Avoid Overexertion: Steer clear of excessive strain to promote a smooth recovery.
Conclusion
Tendon surgery, a critical procedure for damaged tendons, demands precise repair steps. The recovery journey, spanning months to a year, involves crucial stages guided by a hand surgeon specialist like Dr. Chaitanya Karande. The healing time after tendon surgery varies, influenced by factors like the type of surgery and the specific tendon involved. Initial recovery takes weeks, while complete healing spans months to a year. Adhering to post-operative instructions and rehabilitation is vital. Consult a hand surgeon in Pune for personalized guidance on tendon surgery or tendon transfer surgery in Pune.
