Tendon rupture Health Dictionary

Tendon Rupture: From 1 Different Sources


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.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Rupture

A popular name for HERNIA.... rupture

Tendon

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

Tendon Transfer

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

Achilles Tendon

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

Achilles Tendon Contracture

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

Artificial Rupture Of Membrane

See amniotomy.... artificial rupture of membrane

Tendon Release

See tendolysis.... tendon release

Tendon Repair

Surgery to join the cut or torn ends of, or to replace, a tendon.... tendon repair

Artificial Rupture Of Membranes

(ARM) see amniotomy.... artificial rupture of membranes

Golgi Tendon Organ

see tendon organ.... golgi tendon organ

Premature Rupture Of Membranes

see PROM; PPROM; labour.... premature rupture of membranes

Tendon Organ

(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



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