Our Summary

Tendons are crucial parts of our musculoskeletal system, connecting our muscles to our bones and helping us move. However, when they get damaged, they are difficult to repair. This is a significant problem in orthopedic medicine. Tendons are primarily made up of a substance called type I collagen. This collagen is organized in a specific way that gives tendons their special mechanical properties. Despite their importance, we still don’t know a lot about how tendons function. One major goal in the study of tendons is to understand how type I collagen is produced and put together during growth, healing, and after birth. This knowledge could help us develop new treatments for tendon injuries. This paper reviews what we currently know about the signals that regulate tendon growth and how this understanding could help us improve tendon healing.

FAQs

  1. Why are tendons difficult to repair when damaged?
  2. What is the significance of type I collagen in the structure and function of tendons?
  3. How could understanding the production and assembly of type I collagen help in developing new treatments for tendon injuries?

Doctor’s Tip

After tendon repair surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for rehabilitation and physical therapy. This will help strengthen the repaired tendon and improve your range of motion. It is also important to give yourself enough time to heal properly before returning to your normal activities to prevent re-injury. Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort to your doctor during the recovery process. Remember, patience and consistency in following your doctor’s advice are key to a successful tendon repair.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended tendon repair surgery typically include:

  1. Athletes: Athletes who have suffered a tendon injury, such as a torn Achilles tendon or rotator cuff tear, may require surgery to repair the damaged tendon and restore function.

  2. Individuals with chronic tendon conditions: Patients with chronic tendon conditions such as tendinitis or tendinosis may require surgery if conservative treatments have not been effective in reducing pain and improving function.

  3. Trauma patients: Patients who have suffered a traumatic injury, such as a laceration or avulsion injury, that has resulted in a tendon tear may require surgical repair to restore function and prevent long-term disability.

  4. Individuals with degenerative tendon conditions: Patients with degenerative conditions such as tendon degeneration or tendon ruptures may require surgery to repair the damaged tendon and improve overall function.

  5. Patients with congenital tendon abnormalities: Patients born with congenital tendon abnormalities, such as tendon hypoplasia or tendon aplasia, may require surgical intervention to improve function and prevent complications.

It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific tendon injury or condition.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Injury: The patient experiences trauma or overuse that leads to damage to the tendon.
  2. Diagnosis: The patient seeks medical attention and undergoes imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to determine the extent of the tendon injury.
  3. Treatment options: The patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, which may include conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, or medications, or surgical repair for severe cases.

After tendon repair:

  1. Surgery: The patient undergoes a surgical procedure to repair the damaged tendon. This may involve suturing the tendon back together or using techniques such as tendon grafts or transfers.
  2. Rehabilitation: The patient undergoes a structured rehabilitation program to help strengthen the repaired tendon, improve range of motion, and prevent stiffness or re-injury.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient follows up with their healthcare provider for regular check-ups to monitor the healing process and adjust the rehabilitation program as needed.
  4. Return to normal activities: With proper rehabilitation and care, the patient gradually resumes normal activities and regains full function of the repaired tendon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What caused my tendon injury and how severe is it?
  2. What are the treatment options available for tendon repair?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after tendon repair surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative therapies or treatments that could benefit my tendon injury?
  6. How can I prevent future tendon injuries or re-injury after surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of tendon repair surgery for my specific injury?
  8. Will I need physical therapy after surgery, and if so, for how long?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should make to support the healing of my tendon?
  10. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery for progress monitoring and potential complications?

Reference

Authors: Gaut L, Duprez D. Journal: Wiley Interdiscip Rev Dev Biol. 2016 Jan-Feb;5(1):5-23. doi: 10.1002/wdev.201. Epub 2015 Aug 7. PMID: 26256998