Tendon rupture refers to the tearing of the connective tissue that attaches a muscle to bone. This tissue is composed of dense collagen fibers and is responsible for transferring significant forces to facilitate movement of the attached bone by the muscle. When the forces exerted on the tendon are too great, especially when the muscle is stretched or elongated, it can result in partial tearing, complete rupture, or straining of the tendon. Tendons can also be damaged by repeated use, causing micro-tears, or by bony spurs rubbing against them. Commonly affected tendons include the biceps tendon at the elbow and the pectoralis major tendon at the shoulder.
Injuries resulting in dislocations are often seen in the shoulder and AC (acromioclavicular) joints, while high-energy impacts can cause dislocation of the elbow.
If the tendon has experienced only a strain or a partial tear, there are non-operative treatment options available. Rest and physiotherapy can be effective in such cases. A carefully designed rehabilitation program can help you regain strength and gradually resume your pre-injury activities.
In case of a complete tendon rupture, surgery may be recommended by your orthopaedic doctor. The type of surgery required will depend on the age of the tear. If the tear is recent, the procedure may involve repairing the tendon. However, if the tear is older, the tendon may need to be reconstructed and reattached to the bone using surgical anchors or buttons.
The diagnostic process for tendon rupture may include the following steps:
