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Tendon Graft: A Complete Guide | Best Physiotherapy Care at Physio360 Chennai.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

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INTRODUCTION;

Tendon injuries are common among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even individuals with repetitive strain at work. When a tendon is severely damaged and cannot heal on its own, surgeons may recommend a tendon graft—a procedure where a healthy tendon is used to repair or replace the damaged one. At Physio360 Chennai, we provide structured rehabilitation for faster healing, better mobility, and long-term recovery following tendon graft surgery.


What Is a Tendon Graft?

A tendon graft is a surgical procedure in which a healthy tendon—either from the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft)—is used to reconstruct a torn or non-functional tendon.

It is commonly performed for:

  • ACL or PCL knee ligament reconstruction

  • Achilles tendon ruptures

  • Hand tendon injuries

  • Chronic tendinopathies, where the tendon is severely degenerated

  • Complex trauma cases


Types of Tendon Grafts.


1. Autograft (Your own tendon)

Most commonly taken from:

  • Hamstring tendons (Semitendinosus, Gracilis)

  • Patellar tendon

  • Peroneus longus tendon

  • Palmaris longus tendon (hand surgeries)

Advantages:

✔ Faster healing

✔ Lower rejection risk

✔ Better tissue integration


2. Allograft (Donor tendon)

Used when:

  • Multiple tendons are damaged

  • Previous surgeries failed

  • Patient prefers less surgical trauma

Advantages:

✔ Shorter surgery time

✔ No need to harvest the patient’s tendon


Why Is a Tendon Graft Needed?

A tendon graft becomes necessary when the original tendon is:

  • Completely ruptured

  • Scarred beyond repair

  • Stretched and nonfunctional

  • Weak due to long-standing injury or degeneration

Common conditions requiring grafting:

  • Sports injuries

  • Road traffic accidents

  • Neglected tendon tears

  • Tendon loss due to infection


The Tendon Graft Surgery – How It Works

Although the technique varies based on the tendon, the general steps include:

  1. Evaluation & Imaging – MRI or ultrasound to assess tendon damage

  2. Choosing the graft – hamstring, peroneus, or donor graft

  3. Preparing the graft – shaping and sterilising

  4. Fixing the graft – sutures, screws, or anchors

  5. Reconstructing biomechanics – restoring the length-tension relationship

  6. Wound closure & immobilisation

Surgery is typically done under spinal or general anaesthesia.


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Recovery After Tendon Graft Surgery

Recovery depends on:

  • Location of graft

  • Type of injury

  • Physiotherapy adherence


General stages:

🔹 Phase 1: Protection & Healing (0–3 weeks)

  • Splint or brace

  • Pain and swelling control

  • Gentle mobility exercises


🔹 Phase 2: Controlled Mobility (3–6 weeks)

  • Gradual movement

  • Basic strengthening

  • Scar management


🔹 Phase 3: Strength & Balance (6–12 weeks)

  • Progressive loading

  • Tendon conditioning

  • Proprioception training


🔹 Phase 4: Return to Activity (3–6 months)

  • Sports-specific or job-specific rehab

  • Agility and power training

  • Functional retraining


Role of Physiotherapy in Tendon Graft Recovery — Physio360 Chennai

Rehabilitation is the MOST important part of tendon graft success. At Physio360, our expert physiotherapists ensure a scientific and structured recovery plan.


What We Do at Physio360:


✔ Pain & Swelling Reduction

  • Cryotherapy

  • Manual therapy

  • Lymphatic drainage techniques


✔ Mobility Restoration

  • Passive and active ROM exercises

  • Joint mobilization

  • Soft tissue release


✔ Strengthening Program

  • Isometric strengthening

  • Progressive tendon loading

  • Eccentric exercises

  • Closed-chain training


✔ Gait & Functional Training

  • Walking re-education

  • Balance and coordination drills

  • Return-to-sport protocols


✔ Prevention of Re-Injury

  • Biomechanical correction

  • Movement retraining

  • Postural and ergonomic advice


With our evidence-based physiotherapy protocols, patients experience:

  • Faster recovery

  • Reduced stiffness

  • Better tendon healing

  • Stronger return to activity


Why Choose Physio360 Chennai for Tendon Graft Rehabilitation?

Best Physiotherapy Clinic Near You

Experienced Physiotherapists in Chennai

Located conveniently for Gerugambakkam, Porur, Moulivakkam & nearby areas

Customised rehabilitation plans

Focused on long-term functional recovery

Our goal is to ensure you return to daily life, sports, and work with confidence and strength.


Need Post-Surgical Rehabilitation for Tendon Graft?

Visit Physio360 – The Best Physiotherapy Clinic Near You in Chennai for expert tendon recovery and personalised care.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE;

1.A Comprehensive Review of Graft Choices and Surgical Techniques in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Outcome Analysishttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11453038/.


 
 
 

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