Our Summary

This study looked at the impact of a type of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, on the healing of tendons that had undergone surgery. The researchers used 40 rats for their experiment. They divided these rats into four groups. The first and third groups did not receive any drug treatment after their tendon surgery. The second and fourth groups were given 300 mg/kg of a specific fluoroquinolone called ciprofloxacin for a week following the surgery.

The researchers then examined the tendons in the rats. They found that the tendons in the rats that received ciprofloxacin could withstand more force before breaking compared to those in the rats that did not receive the drug. This was true for both the one-week and three-week post-surgery groups.

In addition, when looking at the tendons under a microscope, they found results that supported their earlier findings. This led them to conclude that ciprofloxacin did not have the negative effects on tendon healing that were initially expected. In fact, it seemed to help the healing process in the short term by influencing the stage of healing that involves inflammation.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of fluoroquinolones on the healing of surgically repaired tendons?
  2. What were the results of the study when the rats were given ciprofloxacin after tendon surgery?
  3. Does ciprofloxacin have any negative effects on tendon healing after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing tendon repair surgery to follow their prescribed medication regimen, as certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin may aid in the healing process by reducing inflammation and improving tendon strength. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone tendon surgery and are at risk of complications or delayed healing may be recommended tendon repair. This could include individuals with tendon injuries, tendonitis, or tendon tears that require surgical intervention to restore function and alleviate pain. Additionally, patients with underlying medical conditions that may impact tendon healing, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may also be recommended tendon repair to prevent further damage and improve overall outcomes.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  • Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected area
  • Consults with a healthcare provider who recommends surgery to repair the tendon
  • Undergoes tendon repair surgery, which may involve suturing or reattaching the torn tendon
  • Receives post-operative care instructions, including rest, physical therapy, and medication to manage pain and inflammation

After tendon repair:

  • Patient may experience initial pain and discomfort following surgery
  • Begins physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected area
  • Follows up with healthcare provider for monitoring of healing progress
  • Gradually resumes normal activities and exercises as directed by healthcare provider
  • Continues rehabilitation and monitoring of the repaired tendon to ensure proper healing and function

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the typical recovery timeline for tendon repair surgery?
  2. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to optimize healing?
  3. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should be aware of during the recovery process?
  4. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with tendon repair surgery?
  5. Should I be taking any specific medications or supplements to aid in the healing process?
  6. Is physical therapy necessary as part of the rehabilitation process?
  7. How soon can I expect to return to normal activities or sports following tendon repair surgery?
  8. Are there any factors that may affect the success of the surgery or the healing process?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options I should consider before proceeding with tendon repair surgery?
  10. What are the chances of experiencing a re-injury or complications in the future after tendon repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Demir T, Sener E, Öztürk AM, Bekmezci T, Esen E, Take Kaplanoglu G. Journal: Jt Dis Relat Surg. 2024 Aug 14;35(3):654-661. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2024.1832. Epub 2024 Aug 14. PMID: 39189576