Therapy and Prophylaxis | Torn tendon

Therapy and Prophylaxis

A torn tendon can be treated both conservatively and surgically. The conservative treatment also includes immediate measures according to the PECH rule (rest, ice, compression, elevation).If the affected person experiences sudden severe pain with a preceding popping sound and subsequent swelling of the corresponding region, the current load should be paused immediately in order not to cause any further damage or to provoke a total tendon rupture, for example if there is only a partial rupture at the current point. Afterwards it is important to cool with ice, compress the region with the help of tight bandages and store the area of the tendon high.

The aspects of the PECH rule are ideal for initial treatment and are beneficial for the further healing process of a tendon rupture. Depending on its severity, a torn tendon can heal again through consistent immobilization. If the torn ends are sufficiently close together, small tears or partial tendon tears can heal again.

A torn tendon can always be treated with medication. Against an inflammation, one can give so-called anti-inflammatory drugs. The usual painkillers have proven to be effective against the pain.

Since it is possible that you may not be able to move much in the first days after the operation, many patients are prescribed thrombosis prophylaxis. This is to keep the blood fluid enough to prevent blood clots from forming due to lack of exercise, which could come loose and cause a pulmonary embolism in the lungs. In addition to the prophylactic medication, however, preventive measures can be taken so that a rupture of the tendon does not occur in the first place, or the risk of this happening is kept lower.

Before you start exercising, you should integrate a sufficient warm-up program including stretching into your training to prepare the tendons for the strain. Another aspect relates to the nutrition and vitality of the tendons. Although the tissue fluid mentioned at the beginning of this article ensures the nutrition of the tendons, this is rather slow.

By increasing activity in the form of regular exercise, this sluggish nutrition can be accelerated and improved. Good blood circulation strengthens the tendon and prevents it from becoming brittle and less elastic than it already is. Thus, the risk of a torn tendon can be reduced by regular exercise and stretching exercises.

In order to optimize the healing process, it is sometimes useful to use certain support systems to help. If the Achilles tendon is torn, it is good to wear an elevated shoe, because the tendon is relieved and has better chances of healing. If the tendon of the hand is torn, wearing a splint can be beneficial for the healing process.

In most cases, however, this conservative type of therapy is not sufficient, so that surgery is necessary. Especially for athletes, it is advisable to operate, since the tendon will be exposed to heavy strain again after recovery and the risk of a renewed rupture is too high with pure conservative therapy. The aim of surgical treatment is to reattach and refix the torn tendon parts.

This means that a tendon must either be reattached intraoperatively at its point of attachment, usually to the bone, or sutured together in its course if there has been an interruption in the continuity of the tendon. To adequately reattach the tendon, there are very specific suture techniques or stable titanium anchors that can be sunk into the bone. If there is a tear fracture, the torn tendon and the broken bone must be treated.

Here, screwing the splintered part of the bone to the bone is particularly suitable. Depending on the location, the entire procedure can be minimally invasive. If tendons in a joint region are affected, the operation can be performed arthroscopically.

This means that only 2-3 small incisions are made and a camera and a trocar with appropriate necessary instruments are inserted above it. Such a surgical method can be used, for example, in the case of a torn shoulder tendon, the supraspinatus tendon. After each torn tendon surgery, the affected area must be immobilized for 4-6 weeks. It is then important to slowly return the tendon to its original position and not to place extreme strain on it again immediately.