What does tenorraphy describe?

Tenorrhaphy refers specifically to the surgical procedure involving the suturing of a tendon. Tendons are the fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, and when they are torn or severed due to injury, surgical intervention like tenorrhaphy may be necessary to restore function. The goal of the procedure is to bring the two ends of the tendon back together in order to allow for proper healing and functionality. This precise action is crucial in rehabilitation, as the successful repair of a tendon can significantly affect mobility and strength in the affected joint or limb.

The other options describe different procedures: the repair of ligaments would be referred to as ligamentoplasty or similar terms; the removal of a tumor would be known as a resection or excision; and joint replacement involves the substitution of a damaged joint with an artificial one, known as arthroplasty. Thus, tenorrhaphy is distinct and specifically relates to tendon suturing.