Posted on 08/12/2020

Soft tissue injuries are a very common occurrence and a key cause of visits to emergency rooms across the country. Soft tissue is responsible for surrounding, supporting, and connecting organs with other parts of the body. There are many different types of soft tissue, including fat, muscle, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves. However, just like any other area of our body, the soft tissues can become damaged – something which can cause pain and a range of other unpleasant symptoms that can compromise the patient’s quality of life. While many soft tissue injuries will heal on their own, the most severe varieties, such as those that involve tears, will typically require surgery.
 

Symptoms of soft tissue damage

Some of the most common symptoms of soft tissue damage include:

• A lump or knot at the site of the injury

• Inability to bear the weight

• Joint instability

• Limited range of motion

• Muscle weakness

• Muscle cramping/spasms

• Pain, swelling and visible bruising

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you could have a soft tissue injury.
 

Common soft tissue injuries

Some of the most common tissue injuries include the following:
 

Bursitis: inflammation of a bursa (sacs that surround joints) due to overuse or repeated stress.

Contusion: a muscle bruise that results from a direct blow.

Muscle sprains: an injury to a ligament or joint capsule from overstretching.

Muscle strains: traumatic stretching or tear to a muscle, tendon or a connected group of muscles and tendons.

Tendinitis: inflammation or irritation of a tendon (or the sheath covering it) from overuse or repeated stress.
 

What is soft tissue surgery?

Soft tissue surgery is described as surgery that is carried out on the skin, muscle, or other soft tissues inside the body with the aim of repairing the damage that isn’t healing by itself.
 

The most common soft tissue injuries are those which affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The vast majority of soft tissue injuries occur as a result of sports and another exercise, making them extremely common amongst amateur and professional athletes. However, sometimes even simple, everyday activities can cause injuries – such as slipping down a step or putting out your hands to stop you during a fall.

Am I a good candidate for soft tissue surgery?

Before you can be approved as a candidate for peripheral nerve surgery, you’ll first need to attend a consultation with your surgeon who will assess your suitability for the treatment. Your medical team will first assess your condition and determine whether it is something that may heal on its own, or whether the professional intervention will be necessary. Non-surgical treatments may be recommended first, but if these don’t provide adequate relief, surgery may be the most effective option.

Patients who are good candidates for soft tissue surgery typically:

• Are suffering from a significant tear to the soft tissue.

• Haven’t seen enough improvement in their condition using non-surgical techniques.

• Have their quality of life impaired by their injury

• Are in generally good health and are considered to be low risk for the procedure.
   

If you would like to find out more about soft tissue injuries or what is involved in surgery to repair them, please don’t hesitate to speak to our knowledgeable team.