ARTHROSCOPY & SPORTS INJURY ASSOCIATES
OVERVIEW
Get back elbow strength, stability, and regain the ability to move with the help of our advanced tendon repair procedures which will help you recover.
Tendon Repair is a set of operations which is used to repair torn, ruptured, or seriously damaged tendons in the elbow area. Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach muscles to the bones and contribute to smooth movement and joint stability. Damage to a tendon will definitely affect the strength, flexibility, and even daily routine of a person. Tendon repair helps to improve elbow function and restore strength.
Here are some key points to understand Tendon Repair better:
- Repair torn, ruptured or damaged tendons in the elbow area
- Contribute to improved strength and function
- Recommended in case of serious tendon injuries
- Timely intervention improves results
Tendon Repair is a set of operations which is used to repair torn, ruptured, or seriously damaged tendons in the elbow area. Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach muscles to the bones and contribute to smooth movement and joint stability. Damage to a tendon will definitely affect the strength, flexibility, and even daily routine of a person. Tendon repair helps to improve elbow function and restore strength.
Here are some key points to understand Tendon Repair better:
- Repair torn, ruptured or damaged tendons in the elbow area
- Contribute to improved strength and function
- Recommended in case of serious tendon injuries
- Timely intervention improves results
Surgeons Available for Consultations
Dr. Karnav Panchal
M.B.B.S, M.S. (Orthopedics),
FAOS (South Korea)
Consultant Arthroscopist & Sports Injury Specialist Consultant Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Aniket Gupta
M.B.B.S, M.S. (Orthopedics),
MRCS (Edinburgh)
Training & Qualifications Fellowship in MRCS (UK) Arthroscopy & Arthroplasty (Milan, Italy)
Consultant Physiotherapist
Dr. Aarsh Bhatt
B.P.T,M.P.T (Cardio-Respiratory Disorders) MIAP , HCPC (UK) , DHA (UAE)
Consultant Physiotherapist
Dr. Hetvi Dimothe
BPT , M.P.T (Rehabilitation) MIAP, HCPC (UK) , DHA (UAE)
Consultant Physiotherapist
Causes
What Causes Elbow Tendon Injuries?
Tendon injuries in the elbow occur because of excessive strain, repetitive motions, or injuries. Tendon injuries may appear gradually due to overuse or happen suddenly during sports, heavy lifting, falls, or accidents. Rupture of the tendons, damage, and inflammation may result in serious consequences, so treatment is required.
Causes
What Causes Elbow Tendon Injuries?
Tendon injuries in the elbow occur because of excessive strain, repetitive motions, or injuries. Tendon injuries may appear gradually due to overuse or happen suddenly during sports, heavy lifting, falls, or accidents. Rupture of the tendons, damage, and inflammation may result in serious consequences, so treatment is required.
Elbow Tendon Injuries can occur due to the following factors:
- Lifting too much weight and placing strain on elbow tendons
- Sports injuries including injuries during sudden arm movements
- Repeated actions leading to tendon overuse
- Accidents or falls
- Degeneration of the tendons with age
What Other Structures Can Be Affected along with Elbow Tendon Injuries?
As we mentioned above, the elbow is quite a complex joint, therefore, elbow tendon injuries may affect not only the tendons but other nearby structures such as muscles, ligaments, nerves, and surrounding soft tissues.
- Elbow stabilizing ligaments
- Muscles near the elbow
- Adjacent tendons
- Joint capsule
- Nerves near the elbow
- Surrounding soft tissues
SYMPTOMS
What are the Symptoms of Elbow Tendon Injuries?
There are different symptoms which may appear depending on the severity and location of tendon injury. For instance, some patients feel gradual pain, while others have a sudden development of pain and weakness after injury. Identification of symptoms is very important since it helps to treat the condition earlier and have better results.
Elbow Pain
Development of pain either suddenly or gradually during some action and getting worse after movement or lifting.
Weakness
Loss of strength due to tendon injuries making it hard to lift, carry, push or pull something.
Swelling
Inflammation of the injured tendon leads to its swelling and tenderness near the elbow.
Ignoring of symptoms may lead to further damage, weakness, loss of elbow function and longer recovery period.
Connect with our experts and get the right guidance for your condition.
Decreased Range of Motion
Movement of the elbow may be limited due to pain and tendon damage.
Bruising
Development of bruising in case of severe tendon injuries or trauma.
Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
Even simple movements with the injured arm may be painful and troublesome.
Decreased Functional Performance
Participating in sport, working or doing any physically demanding activities becomes harder because of the weakening of the tendon.
Connect with our experts and get the right guidance for your condition.
BOOK CONSULTATIONDIAGNOSIS
How Do Doctors Diagnose Elbow Tendon Injuries?
Diagnosis of elbow tendon injuries includes discussion of symptoms and the ways of injury occurrence, as well as a physical exam. The doctor examines the pain, swelling, strength of the muscle, range of motion and elbow stability in order to determine the degree of damage. In addition, imaging tests should be done to check for tendon damage and possible associated injuries and choose the appropriate treatment. At ALIGN ASIA, we make sure to make the proper diagnosis for all our patients.
DIAGNOSIS
How Do Doctors Diagnose Elbow Tendon Injuries?
Diagnosis of elbow tendon injuries includes discussion of symptoms and the ways of injury occurrence, as well as a physical exam. The doctor examines the pain, swelling, strength of the muscle, range of motion and elbow stability in order to determine the degree of damage. In addition, imaging tests should be done to check for tendon damage and possible associated injuries and choose the appropriate treatment. At ALIGN ASIA, we make sure to make the proper diagnosis for all our patients.
Elbow Tendon Injuries may be diagnosed with the help of the following methods:
- Physical examination for pain, strength, movement and function of the tendon
- Imaging tests for evaluation of tendon damage and associated injuries
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- X-rays (only in case when it is needed to evaluate associated bone injuries)
TREATMENT
What is the Treatment for Elbow Tendon Injuries?
Depending on the severity of injury, the degree of tendon damage, physical activity, and functional requirements of the patient, the treatment of tendon injuries in the elbow may differ. Mild injuries are usually treated conservatively, but the surgery may be necessary in case of complete tendon rupture or limited function. Early treatment helps to eliminate symptoms, improve movement, and recover elbow strength.
Pain management
Reduces pain and inflammation.
Activity modification
Properly protects the tendon while it heals.
Physiotherapy
Improves the range of motion, flexibility and strength of muscles.
Tendon rehabilitation
Promotes tendon healing and helps to return to normal activities.
Tendon repair surgery
Helps to fix attachment and strength of the joint.
NON-SURGICAL CARE
How are Elbow Tendon Injuries Treated Without Surgery?
Most elbow tendon injuries can be treated without surgery and the recovery will be successful in case of conservative treatment. It involves eliminating pain, promoting healing, and restoring the movement and strengthening of surrounding muscles. A properly conducted rehabilitation program allows restoring the function of the elbow joint and reducing the risk of injury in the future.
NON-SURGICAL CARE
How are Elbow Tendon Injuries Treated Without Surgery?
Most elbow tendon injuries can be treated without surgery and the recovery will be successful in case of conservative treatment. It involves eliminating pain, promoting healing, and restoring the movement and strengthening of surrounding muscles. A properly conducted rehabilitation program allows restoring the function of the elbow joint and reducing the risk of injury in the future.
Conservative treatment may include the following methods:
- Physiotherapy programs for improvement of flexibility and muscle strength of the elbow.
- Activity modification for reduction of stress on the injured tendon.
- Use of anti-inflammatory medications for relief of pain during rehabilitation.
RISKS OF NO TREATMENT
When is Tendon Repair Needed?
Not all tendon injuries in the elbow require surgery, but there are cases when the surgery is the only way to fix the problem. Complete tendon rupture, significant weakness, persistent pain, or limited function after conservative treatment are indications for tendon repair surgery.
RISKS OF NO TREATMENT
When is Tendon Repair Needed?
Not all tendon injuries in the elbow require surgery, but there are cases when the surgery is the only way to fix the problem. Complete tendon rupture, significant weakness, persistent pain, or limited function after conservative treatment are indications for tendon repair surgery.
Tendon repair may be indicated in the following cases:
- Complete tendon rupture which affects function of the elbow
- Persistent pain or weakness despite the conservative treatment
- Loss of strength which affects work or participating in sport activities
- Injuries which lead to instability or limited movement of the arm
Timely treatment helps to restore elbow strength and improves mobility.
SURGERY
What Types of Tendon Repair are Available?
There are several tendon repair procedures depending on the location and severity of the injury. Based on the clinical assessment and imaging studies, it is possible to choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient. At ALIGN ASIA, we tailor the treatment individually for each patient depending on his injury, functional requirements and recovery goals.
The following tendon repair procedures are usually performed:
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
It is used to repair a torn distal biceps tendon and improve the elbow flexion strength and forearm rotation after a tendon rupture.
Distal Triceps Tendon Repair
It is used to repair a torn distal triceps tendon to improve the elbow extension strength.
These procedures are selected based on the tendon that requires treatment and the degree of the injury.
SURGERY
What Types of Tendon Repair are Available?
There are several tendon repair procedures depending on the location and severity of the injury. Based on the clinical assessment and imaging studies, it is possible to choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient. At ALIGN ASIA, we tailor the treatment individually for each patient depending on his injury, functional requirements and recovery goals.
The following tendon repair procedures are usually performed:
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
It is used to repair a torn distal biceps tendon and improve the elbow flexion strength and forearm rotation after a tendon rupture.
Distal Triceps Tendon Repair
It is used to repair a torn distal triceps tendon to improve the elbow extension strength.
These procedures are selected based on the tendon that requires treatment and the degree of the injury.
COMPLICATIONS
What are the Possible Complications of Elbow Tendon Injuries or Their Treatment?
Despite the fact that many patients recover with the help of treatment of tendon injuries in the elbow, there are some complications which may happen when the condition is left untreated or during the process of healing. Early diagnosis, timely treatment and rehabilitation help to minimize the risks of complications.
Persistent weakness
Due to persistent tendon damage or poor healing, weakness may continue and affect lifting, pushing or pulling.
Elbow stiffness
Limited joint movement may appear during the recovery period.
Recurrence of tendon injury
Early return to demanding activities may increase the risk of recurrence.
Impaired elbow function
Severe injuries or delay in treatment may affect the elbow function and movement.
Connect with our experts and get the right guidance for your condition.
RECOVERY & OUTCOMES
What is the Recovery Process after Tendon Repair?
RECOVERY & OUTCOMES
What is the Recovery Process after Tendon Repair?
Tendon repair surgery requires a prolonged recovery time as it involves protection of the repaired tendon and restoration of elbow movement, strength, and function. The duration of the process may vary depending on the kind of tendon, degree of the injury, and individual healing. Specialized rehabilitation helps to restore confidence and go back to work, sport, and daily activities.
The recovery process after Tendon Repair usually involves the following steps:
- Protection of the repaired tendon with the help of prescribed bracing or other devices
- Gradual range of motion exercises
- Gradual strengthening of the elbow, forearm and the surrounding muscles
- Physiotherapy to restore flexibility, stability and function
- Gradual return to work, sport, and daily activities
AFTERCARE
Recovery & Aftercare for Tendon Repair
AFTERCARE
Recovery & Aftercare for Tendon Repair
Effective recovery after tendon repair requires careful aftercare and adherence to rehabilitation. Follow your medical recommendations in order to protect the repaired tendon, promote healing, restore the strength of the elbow and minimize the risks of future injuries. Regular follow-ups also help your specialist to monitor the process of recovery and adjust your rehabilitation.
The following aftercare measures will be helpful for recovery:
- Use of prescribed braces or other support devices during the recovery period as recommended by your specialist.
- Attending physiotherapy sessions as recommended.
- Doing rehabilitation exercises as described.
- Increase activity level gradually and avoid lifting heavy things until the clearance from the doctor.
- Attendance of follow-up appointments for monitoring of tendon healing.
FAQ'S
Do You Have Any Question?
Mild or partial tendon injuries respond well to conservative treatment, but complete tendon ruptures usually need surgical intervention to regain proper functionality.
The time required for rehabilitation differs based on the tendon damaged, the extent of the damage, and individual healing abilities. Your surgeon will give you personal recommendations about the rehabilitation period.
The answer depends on the process of tendon healing and the recovery of muscle strength as well as rehabilitation.
It is a common orthopedic procedure that is considered quite safe when carried out by professionals and followed by appropriate rehabilitation.
Though it is not very likely to happen, you can avoid reinjuries by following the rehabilitation protocol and resuming physical activity gradually.
