Tendon Repair Surgery in Houston
Tendons may qualify as the unsung heroes of the musculoskeletal system. Even the largest, most powerful muscles would be useless without these tough bands of connective tissue, which anchor the muscles to bones and provide the necessary leverage for joint motion. But if you tear or rupture a tendon, the tendon loses much of its function, making common motions painful or even impossible. That’s when you should consider tendon repair surgery in Houston.
What Are the Common Causes of a Tendon Rupture?
Tendons can tear or rupture for many reasons, from acute damage to gradual degeneration. Common causes include:
- Direct trauma – Most obviously, a traumatic injury can cut or sever a tendon.
Excessive stress – Acute overstretching of the tendon during sports or some other strenuous activity can also tear the fibers in the tissue, creating a partial or total tear. For instance, if you fall on your outstretched hand, you could tear the tendons in your wrist.- Age-related deterioration – As you age, your tendons may not receive as much blood as they once did. Over time, the loss of nutrients can cause the tendons to grow steadily weaker and more vulnerable to ruptures.
- Underlying health problems – Certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can raise your tendon rupture risk. If you take medications such as fluoroquinolones (a type of antibiotic), you might also have an elevated risk for tendon ruptures.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tendon Rupture?
Tendon ruptures tend to produce some immediately recognizable symptoms. If you rupture a tendon, you may experience:
Sharp, intense pain at the site of the rupture.- Significant swelling, bruising, or another deformity such as a lump beneath the skin.
- The sudden inability of a weight-bearing joint to support your weight.
- A snapping or popping noise/ sensation in the affected tendon.
- An inability to move an injured leg or arm normally, if at all.
What Can You Expect From Tendon Repair Surgery?
Not all tendon injuries call for surgery. Smaller tears can often repair themselves with the aid of rest and supportive therapies. However, if the damage involves most of the tendon’s width or the tendon has torn completely away from the bone, you will most likely need to schedule tendon repair surgery in Houston to restore comfort and function to the affected body part.
While some tendon ruptures might call for traditional open surgery, many cases respond just as well to more minimally-invasive options such as arthroscopy. In arthroscopy, the surgeon makes a few tiny incisions and performs the whole operation through specially-designed surgical instruments that fit into the incisions. Your orthopedic surgeon will most likely recommend this option when possible since it causes less postoperative pain and permits faster healing.
Depending on the procedure you undergo, you might need to receive general anesthesia, or your surgeon may anesthetize only the surgery site. After gaining access to the tendon injury, the surgeon will stitch the torn ends of the tendon fragments back together or stitch the tendon back onto the bone, removing any hopelessly damaged tissue. The incisions are then closed and covered with sterile bandages. you may need to wear a splint or other immobilizing device during your recovery.
Let NW Surgery Help You
A delicate procedure such as tendon repair surgery merits top-quality orthopedic expertise — and that’s what you get when you turn to NW Surgery for help. As Houston’s finest and most established orthopedic surgery center, our surgeons offer collective decades of skill and experience.
You’ll notice the difference when you consult the specialists at NW Surgery. Our physician-owned organization always puts the patient first, whether we’re performing minimally-invasive joint surgery or providing the state of the art in modern pain management services. We welcome insured and uninsured patients alike, providing personalized care to address each individual’s needs and ability to pay.
Schedule Some TLC for Your Damaged Tendon
You don’t have to let a damaged tendon keep you from pursuing your everyday activities without undue pain and stiffness. Contact NW Surgery today so we can learn more about your injury. We’re more than happy to connect you with an expert in the field for your tendon repair surgery in Houston.
