
SERVICES
Orthopaedic trauma
Tendon and Nerve Injuries
OVERVIEW
Tendons and nerves play crucial roles in the function of the musculoskeletal system. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, facilitating movement, while nerves transmit signals between the brain and muscles, enabling coordinated actions. Injuries to these structures can result from trauma, overuse, or degenerative processes, affecting mobility and causing pain.
Types of tendon and nerve injuries:
Tendon injuries encompass a spectrum ranging from strains and partial tears to complete ruptures. Common examples include Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, and tennis elbow. Nerve injuries, on the other hand, can manifest as compression syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), traumatic injuries, or conditions like sciatica.
Causes:
Tendon injuries often stem from overexertion, repetitive motion, sudden trauma, or degenerative changes associated with ageing. Nerve injuries may result from direct trauma, compression, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. Dr du Plessis employs his extensive knowledge to discern the root cause of each patient's injury, ensuring a targeted and effective treatment plan.
Dr du Plessis emphasizes a personalized and conservative approach whenever feasible. Non-surgical interventions may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and lifestyle modifications. Through tailored rehabilitation plans, patients often experience significant relief and functional improvement.
FAQ
PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of the Reliability and Reproducibility of the Langenskiöld
Classification in Blount’s Disease
DU PLESSIS J, Firth GB, Robertson A. Assessment of the reliability and reproducibility of the Langenskiöld classification in Blount's disease. Journal of Pediatric orthopedics. Part B. 2019 Nov 12.
The Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg
Foster M, Du Plessis J, Jansen van Vuuren M, Jingo M, Pietrzak JR. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg. SA Orthopaedic Journal. 2022;21(2):70-5.
Short term results following two stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection
DU PLESSIS, J et al. Short-term results following two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. South African Orthopaedic Journal, [S.l.], v. 19, n. 2, p. 64-69, may 2020
Comparison of visual estimations of distal radius fracture radiographic parameters between different levels of orthopaedic doctors.
Naidoo V, Milner B, du Plessis J. SA Orthop J. 2025;24(1):26-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309/2025/v24n1a4
