Tendon repair Health Dictionary

A tendon – also known as sinew, or leader – is the cord of tissue that attaches the end of a muscle to the bone or other structure upon which the muscle acts when it contracts. Tendons are composed of bundles of white ?brous tissue arranged in a very dense manner, and are of great strength. Some are rounded, some ?attened bands, whilst others are very short – the muscle-?bres being attached almost directly to the bone. Most tendons are surrounded by sheaths lined with membrane similar to the SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE lining joint-cavities: in this sheath the tendon glides smoothly over surrounding parts. The ?bres of a tendon pass into the substance of the bone and blend with the ?bres composing it. One of the largest tendons in the body is the Achilles tendon, or tendo calcaneus, which attaches the muscle of the calf to the calcaneus or heel-bone.

Tendon injuries are one of the hazards of sports (see SPORTS MEDICINE). They usually result from indirect violence, or overuse, rather than direct violence.

Rupture usually results from the sudden application of an unbalanced load. Thus, complete rupture of the Achilles tendon is common in taking an awkward step backwards playing squash. There is sudden pain; the victim is often under the impression that he or she has received a blow. This is accompanied by loss of function, and a gap may be felt in the tendon.

Partial Rupture is also accompanied by pain, but there is no breach of continuity or complete loss of function. Treatment of a complete rupture usually means surgical repair followed by immobilisation of the tendon in plaster of Paris for six weeks. Partial rupture usually responds to physiotherapy and immobilisation, but healing is slow.... tendon

Reconstructive surgery in which the TENDON from an unimportant muscle is removed and used to repair or replace a damaged tendon of a major muscle.... tendon transfer

A thick tendon that joins the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus) and pulls up that bone. The tendon is prone to rupture in middle-aged people playing vigorous sports such as squash or tennis. Named after the classical Greek hero Achilles, who was reputedly vulnerable to his enemies only in his heel.... achilles tendon

Restriction of ankle movements due to shortening of Achilles tendon, with calf pain.

Treatment: Hot foot baths: Chamomile flowers. Paint with Liquid extract or tincture Lobelia. Gradual stretching by manipulation. Massage with Neat’s foot oil. ... achilles tendon contracture

Surgical correction of a hernia.

Surgery is usually performed to treat a hernia of the abdominal wall that is painful or cannot be pushed back into place.

A strangulated hernia requires an emergency operation.

During surgery, the protruding intestine is pushed back into the abdomen and the weakened muscle wall is strengthened.

Either open or minimally invasive surgery may be used.... hernia repair

See tendolysis.... tendon release

A complete tear in a tendon.

A tendon may rupture when the muscle to which it is attached contracts suddenly and powerfully, such as during vigorous exercise.

Rupture may also be due to an injury or joint disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms include a snapping sensation, impaired movement, pain, and swelling.

Diagnosis is usually obvious from the symptoms.

Surgery to repair the tendon may be needed.

In some cases, the tendon may heal if immobilized in a plaster cast.... tendon rupture

An operation to correct prolapse of the vaginal wall. This may be accompanied by a vaginal hysterectomy if the uterus is also prolapsed (see uterus, prolapse of).... vaginal repair

a variety of mechanisms that help to ensure that the genetic sequence, as expressed in the DNA, is maintained and that errors that occur during DNA replication, by mutation, are not allowed to accumulate. An error in the genetic sequence could cause cell death by interfering with the replication process. DNA repair involves the action of enzymes, which detect damage to DNA and effect the repair. Some genetic diseases, including *ataxia telangiectasia and *xeroderma pigmentosum, are due to deficiencies in these enzymes.... dna repair

(EVAR) a recently developed technique that involves the insertion of a covered metal *stent into an *aneurysm. The stent lines the aneurysm and thereby excludes it from the circulation, preventing further expansion and rupture. The delivery system containing the stents is introduced through the common femoral artery. *Fluoroscopy provides real-time imaging to guide placement of the stents and ensure they are in the correct anatomical position.... endovascular aneurysm repair

see tendon organ.... golgi tendon organ

see perineorrhaphy.... perineal repair

(Golgi tendon organ) a sensory *receptor found within a tendon that responds to the tension or stretching of the tendon and relays impulses to the central nervous system. Like stretch receptors in muscle, tendon organs are part of the *proprioceptor system.... tendon organ