Tendon Growth & Repair Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the structure of a tendon
A
Longitudinal tenocytes & Type 1 collagen fibres
- Collagen bundle covered by endotendon
- Fascicle covered by paratendon
- Tendon covered by epitendon
2
Q
Which layer of a tendon are blood vessels found in ?
A
Paratendon wrapped around the fascicles
3
Q
What’s found in a tendon sheath?
A
Vincula which connect to the tendon
Synovial lining & fluid for lubrication/nutrition
4
Q
What happens to tendons if you’re immobile?>
A
Lose water content and glycosaminoglycan conc –> strength loss
5
Q
What are some major types of tendon injury and an example
A
- Degeneration e.g. Intrasubstance mucoid degeneration of Achilles
- Inflammation e.g. De Quervains Stenosing Tenovaginitis in thumb
- Enthesiopathy e.g. Tennis elbow
- Avulsion
- Traction Apophysitis e.g. Osgood Schlatter’s
- Rupture e.g. common in achilles
- Laceration e.g. finger flexors
6
Q
How could you treat an avulsion?
A
Conservative
Mostly operative:
- Reattach tendon
- Fixation of bone fragment
7
Q
How do you confirm a ruptured achilles?
A
+ve Simmond’s Squeeze test
Palpable tender gap
8
Q
How can you treat a ruptured tendon conservatively
A
If the ends can be opposed:
- Mobilize (partial)
- Splint/cast (full)
9
Q
When would you treat a ruptured tendon surgically?
A
- Ends can’t be opposed
- High risk of rerupture
- High activity (e.g. sportsmen)
