Why tendon reconstruction is needed
Why is tendon reconstruction necessary?
Tendon reconstruction is often indispensable when tendons have been damaged by injury or degenerative disease. Such damage can be caused by sports injuries, accidents or chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. A reconstruction can help to restore full function and mobility and to relieve pain.
Tendons act as the connection between muscles and bones. If a tendon tears or is severely damaged, everyday movements can be severely restricted. Tendon reconstruction is necessary in order to remedy such restrictions and improve patients’ quality of life. You will find further information on similar treatments in our article on acromioclavicular joint separation.
What tendon reconstruction means for your health
The importance of tendon reconstruction for your health cannot be emphasised enough. By restoring tendon function, patients can not only resume their daily activities, but also avoid the risk of further complications. Tendon damage left untreated over the long term can lead to muscle wasting, chronic pain and permanent restrictions in mobility.
Successful tendon reconstruction also contributes to the general improvement of joint health. Tendon reconstruction in the shoulder area, for example, as used in cases of shoulder pain, can increase the stability of the joint and minimise the risk of further injury. Tendon reconstruction is also a central part of treating conditions such as shoulder osteoarthritis and calcific shoulder, since it supports the biomechanical function of the joint.
- Tendon tear: restoration of function
- Chronic tendon damage: prevention of muscle wasting
- Tendon inflammation: relief of chronic pain
When choosing tendon reconstruction in Munich, it is important to opt for a specialised clinic with extensive experience in this field. This ensures that patients receive the best possible care and aftercare. You can find further information and services under our areas of expertise.
Preparing for tendon reconstruction
Thorough preparation for tendon reconstruction is crucial in order to ensure the success of the operation. This section looks at the important preliminary examinations and diagnostic procedures as well as the steps that should be taken before the procedure.
Preliminary examinations and diagnostic procedures
Before tendon reconstruction is considered, various examinations are necessary in order to determine the exact cause and the extent of the injury. These diagnostic procedures include:
- Clinical examination: the orthopaedic specialist examines the affected tendon manually for signs of swelling, pain and restricted movement.
- Imaging procedures: these include X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to obtain a detailed view of the tendon and the surrounding tissue.
- Laboratory tests: blood tests can be carried out in order to rule out inflammation or other underlying conditions.
- X-ray: detection of changes in the bone
- Ultrasound: visualisation of the soft tissue
- MRI: detailed images of the tendon structure
- Blood tests: checking for inflammation
Important steps before the procedure
In addition to the diagnostic procedures, there are several important steps that should be taken before a tendon reconstruction:
- Consultation: a detailed conversation with the treating doctor explains how the operation will proceed, the possible risks and the expected recovery time.
- Medical history: a detailed medical history is taken in order to assess the patient’s general state of health.
- Medication: the use of certain medicines such as blood thinners may need to be adjusted in order to avoid complications during the operation.
- Physical preparation: targeted physiotherapy can help to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve mobility.
For further information on related topics, visit our articles on tendon therapy and calcific shoulder.
The tendon reconstruction process
The following section explains what patients can expect in the course of a tendon reconstruction and which measures are needed for aftercare and recovery.
The procedure: what to expect
Tendon reconstruction is a surgical procedure carried out under local or general anaesthetic. The surgeon first makes an incision in the skin over the injured tendon in order to gain access to the affected area. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the tendon can be repaired or a piece of tendon can be grafted. Finally the incision is stitched and the area is bandaged.
- Anaesthetic: local or general anaesthetic
- Skin incision: access to the affected tendon
- Repair or graft: restoration of the tendon
- Wound closure: stitching and bandaging
You will find more on the various treatment options under our areas of expertise.
Aftercare and the recovery phase
After tendon reconstruction, comprehensive aftercare is crucial for the healing process. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions closely in order to avoid complications and ensure an optimal recovery.
Immediately after the operation
In the first few days after the operation the affected area should be kept still and raised in order to minimise swelling. Painkillers can help to relieve postoperative pain. The use of an orthosis or splint is often necessary in order to stabilise the tendon during the first phase of healing.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring function and mobility. A physiotherapist specialising in tendon reconstruction will guide you through individual exercises in order to improve muscle strength and flexibility step by step.
- Immobilisation – 1 to 2 weeks – elevation, painkillers
- Early rehabilitation – 3 to 6 weeks – gentle mobility exercises
- Advanced rehabilitation – 7 to 12 weeks – building strength, mobility training
You will find more information on postoperative therapies and techniques under tendon therapy.
Long-term aftercare
The return to full function and mobility can take several months. Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopaedic specialist help to monitor the healing process and to identify any problems at an early stage.
Further details on operations and their aftercare can also be found under epicondylitis surgery or radial head fracture.
With careful aftercare and targeted rehabilitation, patients can regain their full function and quality of life after a tendon reconstruction.
Risks and complications
Possible risks of tendon reconstruction
As with any surgical procedure, tendon reconstruction also involves possible risks and complications. These should always be taken into consideration in order to make well-founded decisions about the treatment.
- Infection: probability 1 to 2 per cent
- Thrombosis: probability 0.5 to 1 per cent
- Nerve damage: probability 0.1 to 0.5 per cent
- Problems with wound healing: probability 2 to 3 per cent
- Infection: the probability of infection after tendon reconstruction surgery is around 1 to 2 per cent. Infections can impair the healing process and may make further procedures necessary.
- Thrombosis: around 0.5 to 1 per cent of patients may develop a thrombosis, which causes blood to clot in the veins.
- Nerve damage: in rare cases (0.1 to 0.5 per cent) nerve damage can occur, impairing sensation.
- Problems with wound healing: around 2 to 3 per cent of patients may have problems with wound healing, which can lead to a longer recovery time.
It is important to discuss potential risks with your treating doctor in order to understand your individual risk factors and the precautions that can be taken.
Dealing with complications after the procedure
Should complications arise after the procedure, there are various measures for treating them and supporting recovery.
- Infection: at any sign of infection, such as redness, swelling or the formation of pus, medical advice should be sought immediately. Antibiotics can be prescribed to fight the infection.
- Thrombosis: wearing compression stockings or taking blood-thinning medication can be useful in preventing thrombosis. If a thrombosis is present, immediate treatment by a specialist is necessary.
- Nerve damage: physiotherapy and targeted exercises can help to stimulate and improve nerve function. In some cases a further operation may be necessary.
- Problems with wound healing: thorough wound care and regular check-ups with the doctor are crucial for good wound healing. Special wound dressings and ointments can support the healing process.
Aftercare and the handling of any complications are essential parts of a successful recovery after tendon reconstruction. It is advisable to keep tendon therapy as well as specific shoulder stabilisation surgery in mind and to consult your treating doctor regularly in order to ensure the best possible healing process.
Quality of life after tendon reconstruction
After a tendon reconstruction, recovery and the return to a normal quality of life take centre stage. It is important for patients to know what they can expect from the recovery and how they can regain their full function and mobility.
What to expect from the recovery
The recovery phase after tendon reconstruction varies depending on the individual situation and the type of injury. In general, however, patients should bear a few points in mind:
- A supervised rehabilitation process: aftercare and rehabilitation are crucial for a successful recovery. Physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring the mobility and strength of the affected tendon.
- Patience and consistency: it is important to remain patient and to carry out the exercises recommended by your doctors and therapists consistently in order to achieve optimal results.
- Pain management: pain and discomfort can occur in the first weeks after the operation. These can usually be relieved with painkillers and suitable physiotherapy.
- Acute phase: typically 1 to 2 weeks
- Start of rehabilitation: typically 3 to 6 weeks
- Advanced rehabilitation: typically 6 to 12 weeks
- Return to active pursuits: typically 12 weeks and beyond
You will find further information on aftercare and the individual phases in our article on tendon therapy.
Returning to full function and mobility
The final return to full function and mobility depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury and your individual capacity to heal. Here is some general guidance:
- Continuous physical therapy: a rehabilitation programme is indispensable. Regular visits to a physiotherapist help to restore mobility and strength systematically.
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles: once the initial healing phase is complete, specific exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles should be scheduled. This supports the stability and function of the affected area.
- A gradual return to everyday life: patients should resume activities slowly and step by step in order to avoid overloading. A return to physically demanding activities should only take place once your doctor has given the go-ahead.
- Light everyday activities: resume after 2 to 3 weeks
- Moderate training: resume after 8 to 12 weeks
- Sporting activities: resume after 12 weeks and beyond
To achieve the best possible progress, we recommend that our patients coordinate regularly with their treating doctor and physiotherapist. You will find further tips on returning safely to everyday life after a tendon reconstruction in our articles on sports medicine consultation and sports injuries.
With a targeted rehabilitation programme and consistent aftercare, patients can expect a considerable improvement in their quality of life after a tendon reconstruction, including the full restoration of function and mobility.
