Tendon Repair Surgery & Tendon Reconstruction
Tendon repair surgery in Thane stitches a torn tendon back together, or rebuilds it with a graft, so the muscle can move the joint again.
At a Glance
Pending Medical Review
- Who It's For
- Complete tendon tears, such as the Achilles, or partial tears that do not heal with rest
- Anaesthesia
- A nerve block, spinal or general anaesthesia, depending on the tendon
- Hospital Stay
- Often a day case, or 1 to 2 nights
- Walking Again
- After an Achilles repair, walking in a protective boot within about 2 weeks
- Full Recovery
- 3 to 6 months for daily life; 6 to 12 months for running and sport
Typical figures. Your own plan depends on your health, age and the joint involved.
What Is Tendon Repair Surgery?
Tendon repair surgery treats a torn or otherwise damaged tendon. Tendons are the strong, band-like tissues that connect muscles to bone. When a muscle contracts, its tendon pulls on the bone and moves the joint.
When a tendon is damaged, movement can be seriously limited. The area may feel weak or painful, and some movements become impossible. Tendon repair surgery can help people whose tendon injury is making it hard to move a joint, or is very painful.
Dr. Gadkari trained in foot and ankle surgery through a fellowship at Orthopedic Associates of Michigan in the United States, which is especially relevant for Achilles tendon injuries at the heel.
Tendons That Commonly Tear
- The Achilles tendon, at the back of the heel, often during sport such as cricket, badminton or football.
- The quadriceps and patellar tendons, above and below the kneecap.
- The rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder.
- The biceps tendon at the elbow.
- The tendons of the hand and fingers, often after a cut.
Signs of a Torn Tendon
A tendon tear often happens suddenly. You may notice:
- A snap or pop at the moment of injury, sometimes like being kicked from behind
- Sudden pain, swelling and bruising
- A gap or dent that you can feel where the tendon should be
- Weakness, such as being unable to stand on tiptoe after an Achilles tear
- Being unable to straighten or bend a finger, knee or elbow
Not sure? Book a consultation to have it checked.
Surgery or a Boot?
Not every torn tendon needs an operation. Some Achilles tears, for example, heal well in a special boot with a carefully staged rehab programme. Surgery may be better for active people, for tears that are found late, or where the torn ends are far apart. Many hand and knee tendon tears do need repair to work again.
Dr. Gadkari examines the tendon, often with an ultrasound or MRI scan, and explains the choices that suit your injury, your work and your activities. Timing matters: many tendon tears are easiest to repair within the first few days to weeks.
Understand Your Diagnosis
He goes through your X-rays and scans with you, so you know exactly what is wrong and why.
Try Non-Surgical Care
Medicines, physiotherapy, weight and activity changes come first, for as long as they help.
Operate When It Helps
Surgery is advised only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
How Is Tendon Repair Done?
Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia stops you from feeling pain during surgery. Depending on the tendon, this may be a nerve block, a spinal or a general anaesthetic.
Reaching the Tendon
The surgeon makes one or more small cuts in the skin over the damaged tendon.
Repairing the Tear
The torn ends of the tendon are sewn back together with strong stitches.
Checking Nearby Tissue
The surgeon checks the surrounding tissue to make sure there are no other injuries, such as damage to blood vessels or nerves.
Closing and Dressing
The cut is closed and covered with sterile dressings.
Protecting the Repair
The joint is placed in a splint, cast or boot so the tendon can heal.
When the Tendon Cannot Be Joined Directly
If there is not enough healthy tendon to reconnect, the surgeon may use a tendon graft, a piece of tendon taken from another part of the body, such as the foot or toe. Occasionally, a tendon transfer, which moves a nearby tendon to take over the job of the damaged one, is used to restore function. These reconstructions are more common for tears that are found late.
Your Recovery Timeline
This example is for an Achilles tendon repair. Other tendons follow a similar pattern with different timings.
Weeks 0 to 2
Foot rested in a cast or boot, raised as much as possible to control swelling.
Weeks 2 to 6
Walking in a boot with heel wedges, gradually taking more weight.
Weeks 6 to 12
Out of the boot. Physiotherapy builds strength and balance.
3 to 6 Months
Normal daily activities and gentle jogging for many people.
6 to 12 Months
Return to running and sport once strength tests are passed.
Typical milestones. Everyone heals at a different pace, and your physiotherapist will adjust the plan to you.
Common Worries, Answered
Can the tendon tear again?
It can, especially if it is loaded too early. Following the rehab plan step by step, and not skipping stages, is the best protection.
I tore it weeks ago. Is it too late?
No. Older tears can still be treated, although they may need a reconstruction with a graft rather than a direct repair.
Risks Explained Plainly
The main risks of tendon repair are:
- Wound problems or infection, especially around the Achilles where the skin is thin.
- Re-rupture of the tendon, often linked to loading it too early.
- Stiffness or adhesions, which physiotherapy helps prevent.
- Nerve irritation near the scar, causing numbness.
Dr. Gadkari will explain how these apply to your injury before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every torn Achilles tendon need surgery?
Not always. Some Achilles tears heal well in a special boot with a carefully staged rehab plan. Surgery may be better for active people, late presentations or tears with a large gap. Dr. Gadkari will explain the options and help you choose.
How soon should a torn tendon be repaired?
Sooner is better. Many tendon tears are easiest to repair within the first few days to weeks, before the tendon ends pull back and scar. Older tears can still be treated, but they may need a reconstruction with a tendon graft.
When can I return to sport after tendon repair?
It depends on the tendon. After an Achilles repair, most people return to running and sport between 6 and 12 months, once strength and balance are back. Your physiotherapist will test you before you return.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about tendon repair. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
Pending Medical Review: Dr. Gadkari has not yet approved this page.