Our Summary

This study is about a type of shoulder injury called a supraspinatus tear, which often happens after a long period of overuse. The researchers wanted to find out if tendons that had been overused healed the same way as normal tendons after surgery. To do this, they ran tests on rats, some of which had been made to overuse their tendons and some of which had not. They then performed surgery to repair the tendons and checked how they were healing 1 and 4 weeks later.

The results showed that there wasn’t much difference between the overused tendons and the normal ones. At 1 week, there was a bit more inflammation in the overused tendons, but by 4 weeks, this had mostly cleared up. The overused tendons did relax a little bit more than the normal ones, but other than that, there were no significant differences.

The researchers concluded that the surgical injury had a bigger impact on the healing process than the overuse did. Therefore, when testing how tendons heal after this type of surgery, it’s probably not necessary to overuse the tendons first.

FAQs

  1. What is a supraspinatus tear and how does it occur?
  2. Did the study find any differences in the healing process between overused tendons and normal ones after surgery?
  3. What was the conclusion of the researchers regarding the impact of overuse and surgery on tendon healing?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing tendon repair surgery to follow a tailored rehabilitation program to promote proper healing and prevent re-injury. This program may include specific exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the tendon, as well as guidance on gradually increasing activity levels to avoid overuse. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and attend physical therapy sessions to ensure the best possible outcome after tendon repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who have suffered a tendon tear, particularly in the shoulder, are typically recommended tendon repair surgery. This type of injury is often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing or swimming. Additionally, older individuals may also experience tendon tears due to wear and tear on the body over time. Overall, patients who have sustained a tendon tear and are experiencing pain, weakness, or limited range of motion are good candidates for tendon repair surgery.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  • Patient experiences pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the affected area
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as an MRI to diagnose the extent of the tendon injury
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or other conservative treatments to try to improve symptoms
  • If conservative treatments are not successful, patient may undergo surgery for tendon repair

After tendon repair:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to repair the torn or damaged tendon
  • Patient is typically immobilized in a sling or brace for a period of time to allow the tendon to heal
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the affected area
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the early stages of recovery
  • Over time, the patient gradually regains function and strength in the affected area
  • Full recovery can take several months, with follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tendon repair include:

  • What is the specific type of tendon injury I have and how severe is it?
  • What are the potential risks and benefits of tendon repair surgery in my case?
  • What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after tendon repair surgery?
  • Will I need physical therapy after surgery, and if so, what will it involve?
  • Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for my tendon injury?
  • What can I do to help prevent future tendon injuries or re-injury after surgery?
  • How likely is it that my tendon will fully heal and regain full function after surgery?
  • What are the long-term outcomes and potential complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  • Will I need any imaging tests or follow-up appointments to monitor the healing of my tendon after surgery?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should make during my recovery period to optimize the healing process?

Reference

Authors: Tucker JJ, Riggin CN, Connizzo BK, Mauck RL, Steinberg DR, Kuntz AF, Soslowsky LJ, Bernstein J. Journal: J Orthop Res. 2016 Jan;34(1):161-6. doi: 10.1002/jor.22993. Epub 2015 Aug 19. PMID: 26218457