Tendon Repair Tendons are white fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. They enable the muscles to contract and the joints to move. Tendon injuries are very common and are often the result of accidents involving sharp objects such as glass and knives (open injury). These injuries can damage one or more tendons as well as adjacent nerves, blood vessels and bone. Tendons can also tear or snap from being overstressed during sports related activities (closed injury). When a tendon is completely detached, there is immediate and permanent loss of its function unless it is repaired. Tendon repair consists of surgically repairing damaged or torn tendons by an orthopedic surgeon in an outpatient surgery center. Most tendon repairs are successful, allowing full joint function to be restored. The procedure may be done under local or regional anesthesia with or without IV sedation, or general anesthesia with the patient deep asleep. An incision is made over the injured tendon. The damaged or torn ends of the tendon are sutured together. If the tendon injury is severe, it may require a tendon graft from another part of the body (a piece of tendon from the foot or toe or other body part may be used). Tendons may be reattached to the surrounding connective tissue when necessary. The surgeon will also repair injured nerves and blood vessels before closing the incision. Healing can take as long as 6 weeks and the injured part may need to be immobilized in a splint or a cast during this time. Physical therapy is frequently needed to minimize scar tissue and maximize function after repair. Patients should consult their surgeon for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.