Fig. 119
Fig. 120
Fig. 121
Illustrating various methods of dealing with tendons in tendoplasty. (After Vulpius.)
Tendon suture is practised as an emergency measure when one or more tendons has been accidentally divided, this being considered now as much a part of the surgeon’s duty as to close any other part of the wound. No additional resource or expedient is needed, it being necessary only to observe the principles of asepsis, which should be maintained in every case. A tendon raggedly divided should be cleanly cut and its edges brought together with formalin-gut or freshly boiled silk. A series of divided tendons should be treated after the same fashion, matching the ends as closely and completely as possible. After uniting the tendon ends, if the case be clean, the tendon sheath should be closed and the parts put at rest, in such a position that no tension is made upon the injured sinew until it is seen to have united.
Fig. 122