Tendon Repair Surgery

Advanced Tendon Repair by Dr. Mohamed Abas Elbishbishi

Tendons play an essential role in the movement of the hand, wrist, and fingers. When a tendon is injured or torn, even simple activities such as writing, holding objects, or buttoning a shirt can become difficult.

At the clinic of Dr. Mohamed Abas Elbishbishi, tendon injuries are carefully evaluated to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Whether treatment involves conservative management or surgical repair, the goal is to restore movement, preserve hand function, and support a safe return to everyday activities.

What Is Tendon Repair Surgery?

Tendon repair surgery is a specialized procedure used to restore the continuity and function of a damaged or completely torn tendon.

Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow the muscles to produce movement. When a tendon is cut or ruptured, this connection can be disrupted, resulting in weakness or an inability to move the affected finger or joint normally.

Surgical repair reconnects the injured tendon and provides the conditions needed for healing and functional recovery. The appropriate treatment depends on the location, severity, and nature of the injury.

Signs & Symptoms of a Tendon Injury

The symptoms of a tendon injury depend on the affected tendon and the severity of the damage.

Common symptoms include:

• Inability to bend or straighten a finger normally
• Sudden loss of hand or finger movement
• Pain following a deep cut or traumatic injury
• Weak grip strength
• Difficulty holding or lifting objects
• Swelling around the injured area
• Tenderness or pain during movement
• A visible wound associated with loss of movement

Any sudden loss of normal finger or hand movement following an injury should be evaluated promptly.

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Tendon injuries can occur following different types of trauma, including:

• Glass cuts
• Knife or sharp-object injuries
• Deep lacerations
• Workplace accidents
• Sports injuries
• Machinery-related injuries
• Crush injuries
• Road traffic accidents

Tendon injuries may also occur together with damage to nerves, blood vessels, bones, or other soft tissues. Identifying these associated injuries is important when planning treatment.

How Are Tendon Injuries Diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and comprehensive physical examination.

During your consultation, Dr. Mohamed Abas Elbishbishi may assess:

• Finger and hand movement
• Tendon function
• Muscle strength
• Joint mobility
• Location and depth of the wound
• Associated nerve injuries
• Blood circulation
• Other associated soft-tissue injuries

In selected cases, imaging studies may be recommended to provide additional information about the injury and assist with treatment planning.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Not every tendon injury requires surgery. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, conservative treatment may be appropriate.

Treatment may include:

• Protective splinting
• Immobilization
• Wound care
• Pain management
• Activity modification
• Regular clinical follow-up
• Hand therapy
• Guided rehabilitation exercises

The appropriate treatment depends on the tendon involved, the extent of the injury, and the patient’s functional requirements.

Tendon Repair Surgery

When a tendon is completely divided or significantly damaged, surgical repair may be recommended.

During tendon repair surgery, the injured tendon ends are carefully identified and reconnected using specialized surgical techniques. The procedure is performed with attention to preserving surrounding structures and creating the best possible conditions for tendon healing.

The surgical approach is individualized according to the location and severity of the injury, associated tissue damage, and the patient’s specific functional needs.

In complex injuries, additional procedures may sometimes be required to address associated damage to nerves, blood vessels, bones, or other soft tissues.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery continues well beyond the surgical procedure. A carefully planned rehabilitation program is an essential part of successful tendon repair.

Depending on the injury and treatment, rehabilitation may include:

• Protective splinting
• Supervised hand therapy
• Controlled range-of-motion exercises
• Progressive strengthening
• Flexibility exercises
• Functional hand rehabilitation
• Regular follow-up appointments

The rehabilitation program is carefully adjusted as healing progresses. Following medical and therapy instructions is important to protect the repaired tendon while gradually restoring movement and strength.

When Should You See a Hand Specialist?

You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• A deep cut involving the hand or fingers
• Inability to move a finger normally
• Sudden weakness following an injury
• Loss of movement associated with pain
• Difficulty gripping or holding objects
• A suspected tendon injury
• A hand injury caused by glass or a sharp object
• A wound accompanied by numbness or abnormal sensation

Early specialist evaluation can help identify tendon damage and associated injuries and allow appropriate treatment to begin as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a torn tendon heal without surgery?

Some partial or less severe tendon injuries may be treated without surgery. However, completely divided tendons often require surgical repair to restore continuity and normal function.

Is tendon repair surgery an emergency?

The urgency depends on the type of injury and whether other structures such as nerves or blood vessels are involved. A suspected tendon injury should be assessed promptly so that the appropriate treatment can be planned.

How long does recovery take after tendon repair?

Recovery varies depending on the tendon involved, the severity of the injury, the treatment performed, and the rehabilitation program. Tendon healing and functional recovery may continue over several weeks or months.

Will I need hand therapy after tendon repair?

Yes. Hand therapy is often an important part of recovery. A structured rehabilitation program helps protect the repair while gradually restoring movement, strength, and function.

Can I regain full hand function after tendon repair?

Many patients achieve significant improvement following appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. However, the final outcome depends on factors such as the severity and location of the injury, associated damage, healing, and adherence to the rehabilitation program.