Our Summary

This research paper is about how tendons (the tough fibers that connect muscle to bone) heal after being completely cut through. This is a common and expensive injury, but doctors and scientists don’t fully agree on the best way to treat and rehabilitate it. We do know that the way tendons respond to physical forces (mechanobiology) is important for their healing, but we need to understand this better.

Many studies have been done on small animals like rats and mice, looking at different aspects of how tendons heal, such as their shape, structure, composition, mechanical properties, and the behavior of their cells. Some of these studies also looked at how different levels of physical strain affect the healing process.

The purpose of this paper is to gather and summarize what we know from these studies about how tendons heal over time and in different locations, especially in response to different levels of physical strain.

FAQs

  1. What role does mechanobiology play in tendon regeneration and healing?
  2. How do different mechanical loading regimens affect the healing process of tendons in rodents?
  3. What are some properties studied to characterize the progression of tendon healing in small animal studies?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about tendon repair is to follow a structured rehabilitation program that includes both rest and gradual strengthening exercises. It is important to give the tendon enough time to heal properly before starting any strenuous activities. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help support the body’s natural healing processes. It is also important to listen to your body and not push through pain during rehabilitation, as this can potentially cause further damage to the tendon. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider can also help track progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tendon repair are those who have suffered a tendon rupture or injury that has significantly impacted their ability to perform daily activities or participate in sports or physical activities. These patients may experience pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the affected tendon. Tendon repair may be recommended for injuries such as Achilles tendon ruptures, rotator cuff tears, or extensor tendon injuries in the hand. The decision to undergo tendon repair is typically made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who will assess the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health and functional goals.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Injury: The patient experiences a tendon rupture due to trauma or overuse.
  2. Diagnosis: The patient seeks medical attention and undergoes diagnostic tests to confirm the tendon rupture.
  3. Pre-operative preparation: The patient may undergo pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and readiness for surgery.
  4. Surgery: The patient undergoes tendon repair surgery to reattach the torn tendon and restore functionality.
  5. Post-operative care: The patient is monitored in the hospital for a period of time following surgery and may undergo physical therapy to aid in recovery.

After tendon repair:

  1. Immediate post-operative period: The patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected area.
  2. Rehabilitation: The patient undergoes a structured rehabilitation program to gradually regain strength, flexibility, and function in the repaired tendon.
  3. Healing process: Over time, the repaired tendon undergoes a process of healing and remodeling to restore its structural integrity.
  4. Return to normal activities: The patient gradually resumes normal activities and may eventually regain full functionality in the affected tendon.
  5. Long-term follow-up: The patient may be monitored periodically for any signs of re-injury or complications related to the tendon repair surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific type of tendon injury I have, and what is the recommended treatment plan for tendon repair?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tendon repair surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery process expected to take, and what can I do to optimize my healing and rehabilitation?

  4. Will I need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after tendon repair surgery, and if so, what will that entail?

  5. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should make during the recovery process to promote optimal healing?

  6. What are the expected outcomes and prognosis for my tendon repair surgery?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may be beneficial for my specific case of tendon injury?

  8. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery for monitoring and evaluation of my healing progress?

  9. Are there any specific precautions or restrictions I should be aware of during the recovery period to prevent re-injury or complications?

  10. Can you provide me with information or resources on how to prevent future tendon injuries or ways to strengthen my tendons to reduce the risk of re-injury?

Reference

Authors: Notermans T, Hammerman H, Eliasson P, Isaksson H. Journal: Eur Cell Mater. 2021 Nov 2;42:375-391. doi: 10.22203/eCM.v042a23. PMID: 34725807