Achilles Tendon Repair

ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR

The goal of Achilles tendon rupture surgery is to reconnect the calf muscles with the heel bone to restore push-off strength. Regaining Achilles tendon function after an injury is critical for walking. 

Those best suited for surgical repair of an acute or chronic Achilles tendon rupture include healthy, active people who want to return to activities such as jogging, biking, or other sports. Even those who are less active may be candidates for surgical repair.

SURGERY
There are a variety of ways to repair an Achilles tendon rupture. The most common method is an open repair. This starts with your surgeon making an incision on the back of the lower leg starting just above the heel bone. After the surgeon finds the two ends of the ruptured tendon, they sew these ends together with sutures and close the incision.

In another repair method, your surgeon makes a small incision on the back of the lower leg at the site of the rupture. Your surgeon will pass a series of needles with sutures attached through the skin and Achilles tendon and then bring them out through the small incision. They will then tie the sutures together.

COMPLICATIONS
All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots.

Potential complications specific to Achilles tendon surgery include wound infection and delayed wound healing. Re-rupture can also occur. There may be scarring of the tendon or thickening of the surgical scar. A nerve that gives sensation to the outside part of the foot can be stretched or injured during surgery, which can result in numbness or burning.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • What is the likelihood of success with Achilles tendon rupture surgery?

    Surgical repair of an acute rupture usually does well. It is important to understand that even after a successful surgical repair the ultimate strength of the leg will likely be less than it was before the injury.

  • What is the risk of tendon re-rupture?

    The risk of re-rupture after surgical repair is less than 5%. If re-rupture occurs, the tendon can be repaired again either directly or with other techniques that utilize other tissues and materials to reinforce the repair. Revision surgery is always more complex than the original surgery.

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Information provided by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) via FootCareMD.com
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