Muscle and tendon surgery
Muscle and tendon surgery is a procedure commonly performed by orthopedic and trauma surgery specialists to treat injuries and medical conditions affecting these tissues of the locomotor system. Both muscles and tendons are important for movement and support of the body, and when damaged or weakened, they can cause pain and limited mobility.
Advances in this field have been significant in recent decades thanks to the incorporation of new biomaterials, the evolution of arthroscopic techniques and the rise of ecointerventionism in the field of orthopedic surgery and traumatology. For example, new algorithms have been developed for the treatment of what is known as "tennis elbow". In addition, the development of biological techniques has made it possible to treat injuries that were previously considered irreparable in an effective and less invasive manner.
One of the most difficult pathologies to treat are Achilles tendon problems. These can affect a wide range of patients, from high-performance athletes to sedentary workers. Diagnostic errors and delays in proper treatment can lead to chronicity or even rupture of the tendon. A major advance in the treatment of this type of pathology has been the discovery that some tendon pain problems are not necessarily located within the tendon, but rather in its periphery.
Surgical treatment of muscle or tendon may be necessary for various reasons, such as sports injuries, joint degeneration, tendonitis and muscle or tendon ruptures. Depending on the type and location of the injury or its degree, different surgical techniques may be used, such as tendon or ligament reconstruction, release, lengthening, transposition, etc.
Tendon or ligament reconstruction is a procedure performed to repair or replace a damaged or weakened tendon. This can be done by using synthetic materials or the patient's own tissues or by using a tissue bank.
Depending on the type of tendon or ligament and the degree of injury and anatomical area, surgery can be performed in a traditional open fashion, minimally invasive (reduction of the surgical approach), by percutaneous echo-assisted technique or by arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed using an instrument called an arthroscope, a small camera that allows the surgeon to see inside the joint through an external monitor. This makes it possible to perform muscle and tendon repair through incisions of a size that was previously inconceivable.
In conclusion, muscle and tendon surgery is used to treat various pathologies in this type of soft tissue. This exciting therapeutic field is in continuous expansion thanks to the technological and biological advances in medicine, which allows the development of new minimally invasive techniques to improve the quality of life of patients.