Tendon Injury in Children

How is a tendon injury diagnosed?

A tendon injury is diagnosed by a physical examination. Your child's doctor might order X-rays to look at the bones, to see if a piece of bone has pulled away and to be sure the bone is in correct position.

How is a tendon injury treated?

• Treatment depends on the type of injury.
• Treatment may include splinting alone or splinting and surgery to repair the tendon.
• Your provider will decide if surgery is needed. Tendon repair surgery is done to bring back normal movement to a joint.
• A cut flexor tendon usually requires surgery.

What to expect from tendon injury surgery

• It is best to do surgery to repair a tendon injury as soon as possible (within 7-14 days after the injury).
• The surgery will be done in the operating room under general anesthesia (the child is put to sleep).
• Sometimes it is necessary to put the bone in the correct position. Small pins, wires or screws might be used to hold the bone straight while the tendon heals.
• Sometimes the tendon will need to be sewn together, connecting the ends that are torn apart.
• If there isn't enough healthy tendon to reconnect, a tendon graft might need to be done. This is when a piece of tendon from another part of the body is used.
• A tendon transfer (moving one tendon from one area to another) might be useful to bring back function to the area.
• If a cut in the skin is made during surgery, it is closed with stitches.
• If your child is sick any time during the week before surgery, it is important to call us to find out if the surgery should be rescheduled.