Tendon Repair Surgery

Tendon repair surgery reconnects torn tendon ends or reattaches a tendon, followed by protected rehabilitation to restore useful movement and strength.

A tendon joins muscle to bone and transfers force across a joint. When it is completely torn or pulled away, the ends may no longer work together. The surgeon exposes the injured area, prepares the tendon and secures it with stitches, anchors or another suitable fixation method. The repair site then needs protection while it heals.

The repaired tendon is usually protected in a splint, brace or controlled position at first. Movement begins according to the tendon and the repair, often with guided exercises before active loading is allowed. Rehabilitation then develops range, muscle control and strength in stages. Missing appointments or testing the repair too early can place excessive force on healing tissue.

Possible complications include infection, wound problems, stiffness, scar sensitivity, nerve irritation, blood clots, anaesthetic reactions, weakness or failure of the repair. The tendon may heal in a length or position that limits function, and some injuries can re-tear. Seek prompt advice for fever, increasing drainage, a sudden pop, new deformity, or a sudden loss of movement.

Repair restores tendon continuity, but the final result also depends on the injury pattern, tissue quality, timing, rehabilitation and the demands placed on the area. It may improve force transfer without making the tendon identical to an uninjured tendon. Long-term protection includes rebuilding strength and learning how to increase activity gradually.

Not every tendon injury needs surgery. Examination and imaging help show whether the tendon is fully disrupted, where the tear lies and whether the joint can still function. The repair plan differs between the elbow, knee and finger, so another person’s timeline should not be used as your prescription.

Surgery may be considered for selected complete tears, tendon avulsions or injuries that prevent useful joint function. Examples include Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture, Patellar Tendon Rupture, Quadriceps Tendon Rupture and some cases of Mallet Finger. The urgency and treatment choice depend on the tendon, injury age, skin condition, general health and functional goals.

The team confirms the injured site, gives anaesthesia and exposes the tendon through an appropriate incision. Torn ends are cleaned only as needed, brought together or reattached, and secured. The limb is positioned to protect the repair before the wound is closed. Discharge instructions cover the brace or splint, swelling control, medication and follow-up.

Early appointments check the wound, swelling, circulation and protection device. Later sessions introduce carefully limited motion, then active control and resistance. Walking, gripping, lifting and sport are added according to the repaired tendon’s tolerance. Recovery is measured by safe function and examination findings, not by rushing to a target date.

Keep the dressing and brace instructions clear, attend reviews and protect the repair during sleep and transfers. Do not remove a splint or start strengthening unless your team allows it. Smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions and poor wound healing can affect recovery; disclose relevant health information before surgery.

Depending on the tear, alternatives can include splinting, bracing, physiotherapy, activity modification or observation. These may be reasonable when the tendon remains functional, the injury is partial, surgical risk is high or the expected benefit does not match the person’s goals. A specialist should explain the trade-offs.

Seek assessment from an orthopaedic or hand specialist familiar with the injured tendon. Ask who will supervise the splint or brace, when movement can begin, which tasks are restricted and how progress will be tested. Bring the injury date, mechanism and any loss of function to the appointment.