Orthopaedic - Tendon and Ligament Repair

Orthopedic: Tendon and Ligament Repair

A tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones. They are capable of withstanding tension. A ligament, also known as an articular ligament, is a fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones. Both tendons and ligaments serve as intermediaries between muscles and bones. Tendons and ligaments are more fibrous and compact than muscles. Tendons act as shock absorbers and provide cushioning when the muscles and bones move whereas ligaments do not have this property.

What do we need to know about tendon and ligament repair?

Tendon and ligament injuries are some of the most common forms of orthopedic injuries that cause tearing of the fibrous connective tissues. Both the soft tissues can suffer injuries due to overuse or direct blow. Swelling and irritation in tendons as a result of injury cause tendinitis. Injuries to tendons and ligaments occur in similar ways but they generally have different outcomes for patients. The most common types of physical injuries occur as a result of overstretching, rupture, tearing, and bruising of these soft tissues. Trauma from falling or sudden twist to a tendon can cause strain. Severe strains can take several weeks to heal. Severe injury to the soft tissues can also cause severe damage and may require tendon and ligament repair or surgery.

To know more, you can consult an orthopedic surgeon near you or you can visit an ortho hospital in Jaipur.

What are the symptoms of tendon and ligament injuries?

The symptoms of the tendons and ligament injuries are very similar. The following symptoms are the most common among all soft tissue injuries:

• Cramps
• Swelling
• Pain
• Soreness

What are the possible causes of tendon and ligament injuries?

Almost anyone at any age can suffer from tendon or ligament injury. However, athletes are more prone to tendon and ligament injuries. Stress, overuse of the soft tissue, structural damage, and traumatic injury are the factors that contribute to soft tissue injury.

What are the risk factors for tendons and ligament injuries?

Various factors can increase the risk of tendon and ligament injury. They are mentioned below:

• Trauma from blow or fall
• Overuse of tissues due to some activities such as playing sports or a guitar
• Weakness in the region surrounding the muscles
• Sedentary lifestyle 
• Twisting of tendons and ligaments in an awkward position

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you experience any symptoms of swelling and pain after an injury, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. To consult an orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur,

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Call 18605002244 to book an appointment.

What are the complications?

If left untreated, injuries of tendons and ligaments can increase your risk of experiencing rupture - a much more serious condition, which may also require surgery. If your symptoms persist for a prolonged duration, it may cause degenerative changes in the tendons and ligaments and may cause serious complications.

Can we prevent tendon and ligament injuries?

Injuries to tendons and ligaments cannot be completely prevented in all cases. However, some tips are recommended to reduce the likelihood of such injuries:

• Always stretch properly before any physical exertion, sports or workout. This warms up the soft tissues and stretches them out.
• Stay hydrated to prevent the risk of heat exhaustion during physical exertion.
• Take appropriate rests between intense workout sessions and physical exertion.
• Exercise regularly to prevent overuse of soft tissues.
• Practice balanced fitness and focus on strength training.

How can tendons and ligaments be repaired?

An orthopedic surgeon will carry out tendon and ligament repair surgery to fix the injury. The goal is to restore motion and reduce pain. Tendon repair can be performed using anesthesia to cut the damaged or torn section and sew the ends together. When the repair is complete, the wound is closed using a bandage. In case of severe injury, your orthopedic surgeon might repair the injured section by reconstruction. The treatment is followed by physical therapy to gain normal function. 

Other measures of treatment are the use of anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and physical therapy.

Conclusion

Individuals are likely to experience strain, sprain or other types of injuries to tendons and ligaments at some point in their lives either due to exercise, sports or overuse. Depending on the severity of the injury, your orthopedic surgeon may initiate appropriate therapy. Take preventive steps to avoid injury to ligaments, tendons or muscles.