Tendons are the body’s connective cords, and just like high-tension cables, they link muscles and bones, enabling movement. Although tough and fibrous, these flexible bands can tear under sudden or prolonged repetitive stress – and they often do. In the US, reports estimate more than 32 million cases of tendon injuries per year, with around 1.4 million leading to surgery because the pain and mobility issues are so severe. In this article, we discuss tendon injuries and explore the latest options for tendon repairs in the US.
Understanding Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries often result from overuse or sudden strain. Activities like weightlifting, running, playing pickleball, and even typing involve repetitive motions which stress tendons. Over time, they cause micro-tears, i.e., minor tears that can grow into a more severe tear or injury. Accidents or sudden movements, like slipping, sliding, and falling, put rapid, immense pressure on your tendons. This unexpected stress can be debilitating.
Treatments for such injuries typically depend on the severity of the tear, micro, partial tear, or full tear. Minor micro-tears usually respond well to at-home care (rest, ice, and compression). However, there’s no guarantee they will heal 100%. Tears might linger, leading to persistent pain and weakness. For more severe cases, surgery is often the best route. It’s direct and gets you back to normal activities faster.
Leading Causes of Tendon Injuries
While there are several ways people can injure their tendons, certain activities and conditions have been shown to increase the risk, including:
- Deep Cuts that Sever a Tendon: Known as tendon laceration, these injuries are most commonly seen in the hands and feet. They require immediate surgical attention to prevent permanent damage.
- Injury from Sports: These can affect many tendons in the knees, ankles, and shoulders. Research shows that sports are a primary contributor, with contact sports responsible for nearly 50% of tendon injuries, particularly:
- Tear in the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinosis)
- Damage to the shoulder tendons (rotator cuff injuries)
- Injury to the tendons in the forearm (tennis elbow)
- Tears in the bicep tendon (bicep tendinitis)
- Prolonged Repetitive Motion: Activities that require repetitive movements cause wear and tear over time. Without adequate rest, tendons are prone to inflammation and injury.
- Improper Technique or Poor Posture: Using incorrect form during physical activity or chronic poor posture, such as slouching, places extra stress on both tendons and muscles. This can lead to injury over time.
- Age-Related Degeneration: As people age, the blood supply to the tendons gradually decreases, thus making them more susceptible to degeneration and tears. Hence, tendon injuries are more common in individuals over 40.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This condition can lead to tears in the tendons of the hands, wrists, and feet. Clinically referred to as rheumatoid tendonitis, it is believed to affect over 1.3 million Americans.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals have weaker tendons due to a genetic predisposition. This makes them more susceptible to tendon injuries even when engaging in normal levels of activity.
Tendon Repair Surgery in the US
Tendon repair surgery is often straightforward. It involves suturing the torn ends of the tendon and anchoring them back to the bone they tore from, much like mending and securing broken cables. While this may sound complex, newer surgical techniques have made the procedure much less invasive.
Orthopedic surgeons now make small incisions and use precise instruments to perform the repair. Not only does this approach reduce postoperative pain and aid in recovery, but it also results in less tissue damage.
Tendon Implants and Biologic Solutions
Biologic innovation is transforming tendon repair. Among these advancements is the Integrity Implant, designed with Hyaff®, a solid esterified form of hyaluronic acid (HA). Because HA is naturally found in the body and plays an important role in tissue health, implants built on this foundation bring a biologic approach to supporting tendon healing.
Rather than relying only on mechanical repair, HA-based technology helps create an environment that encourages the body’s own regenerative processes. This represents an important step forward in how surgeons approach tendon repair.
Tendon Repair: Your Path to Recovery
Recovery from tendon repair surgery still follows a careful balance of rest and progressive physical therapy, but biologic solutions are changing the long-term outlook. By combining modern surgical techniques with HA-based scaffolds, surgeons can focus on both repairing the tendon and supporting its natural healing response.
The result is a growing shift in tendon care, from simply fixing an injury to actively supporting strong, healthy tendons over time. Patients considering tendon repair can now discuss with their surgeon not only the surgical procedure itself, but also the biologic options that may enhance recovery.
If you have a rotator cuff tear or other tendon tear and think you may need tendon repair surgery and would like to find a surgeon who uses Integrity, use our find a doctor locator tool.
