Flexor Tendon Repair
What is Flexor Tendon Repair?
“Tendon repair is surgery to repair damaged or torn tendons.
Description
Tendon repair can be performed using:
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Local anesthesia (the immediate area of the surgery is pain-free)
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Regional anesthesia (the local and surrounding areas are pain-free)
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General anesthesia (the patient is asleep and pain-free
The surgeon makes a cut on the skin over the injured tendon. The damaged or torn ends of the tendon are sewn together.
If the tendon has been severely injured, a tendon graft may be needed.
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In this case, a piece of tendon from the foot, toe, or another part of the body is often used.
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If needed, tendons are reattached to the surrounding tissue.
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The surgeon examines the area to see if there any injuries to nerves and blood vessels. When complete, the wound is closed.
If the tendon damage is too severe, the repair and reconstruction may have to be done at different times.
The surgeon will perform one operation to repair part of the injury, and then allow the hand to heal for a few weeks. Another surgery will be later done to complete the reconstruction and repair the tendon.
Why the Procedure is Performed
The goal of tendon repair is to bring back normal function of joints or surrounding tissues following a tendon laceration.”
"Tendon Repair: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002970.htm>.