Tendons and ligaments are crucial for providing stability to your body. These stabilizing structures enable the movement of your joints. When an injury or other situation damages them, it can lead to instability and pain in your joints.
Tendon and ligament repair surgery is an excellent option for people who have a damaged tendon or ligament that cannot be treated with rest or rehabilitation.
What is a Tendon?
The tendons connect your muscles and bones together. These tendons help you walk, run, and climb. However, when they are damaged, they no longer work properly. This damage can occur due to an injury, such as the Achilles tendon injury, or as a result of aging. For example, the Achilles tendon injury occurs when the tendon becomes overloaded. This can damage the tendon and result in pain.
What is a Ligament?
A ligament connects two bones together, usually at the joint. These ligaments connect the ends of the bones and provide stabilization.
For example, in the knee, the ligaments connect the shin bone to the kneecap and the top of the tibia to the inside of the lower leg. Ligament injuries can occur due to sports injuries or as a result of aging.
What is the Purpose of Tendon and Ligament Repair Surgery?
A sports injury, such as a ruptured Achilles tendon, can be caused by repeated stress on your tendons. This can result in tendinosis.
Tendinosis is an injury that can occur if your tendons are used repeatedly under the same conditions. Fortunately, most tendinosis can be treated with rest, stretching exercises, and physical therapy. However, if rest and treatment don’t work, then tendon repair surgery may be an option.
The result of this procedure is a stronger tendon that should prevent future injury. When you have tendinosis, you may feel pain and stiffness in your injured tendons. That’s because the damaged tendons are now sending pain signals to your brain. Tendinosis can be treated with rest, physical therapy, surgery, etc.
The Procedure of the Surgery
The below steps take place during most surgeries-
- The orthopedic doctor will make one cut on the skin above the injured tendon. This helps them to look for injuries.
- If there is any damaged tendon, then they will remove it.
- After that, torn ends of the tendon will be sewn back together.
- The surgeon will sew the skin with medical stitches.
- The wound and stitches will be covered with fresh medical dressings.
During this surgery, the tendon or ligament is removed and examined to determine the extent of the damage. If the damage is extensive, then the surgeon replaces the damaged tissue with healthy tissue. If the damage is less extensive, then the surgeon uses a small graft to patch the damaged tissue.
Who Can Be Treated with Tendon Repair Surgery?
Tendon repair surgery is an excellent option for people who have a damaged tendon or ligament that cannot be treated with rest or rehabilitation.
With the right combination of rehabilitation and strengthening exercises, most injuries can be healed without surgery. However, when these methods fail, a tendon and ligament repair surgery can restore stability to your knee, shoulder, or ankle.
One of the most important roles of this procedure is to strengthen the muscles and ligaments surrounding the injured area. In addition to restoring stability, this surgery can improve your balance and endurance.
Conclusion
Tendon and ligament damage can occur from sports injuries, aging, etc. If you have a damaged tendon or ligament, then you should first consult a medical professional in your city. Within India, looking for the best hospital in Hyderabad, Mumbai, etc. is suggested as these locations provide top quality treatment at efficient prices. If you’re experiencing pain and limited mobility, then the doctor might suggest tendon and ligament repair surgery. Follow the treatment they suggest in order to get better quickly.