Achilles Tendon Repair

WHAT IS IT

• The achilles tendon can tear during sports, running, or jumping
• The patient typically feels a pop in the back of the leg and thinks they have been kicked
• In non-athletes the achilles tear can be treated without surgery.
• In athletes the tear is repaired to restore proper tension to the achilles and improve the function of the leg.

PROCEDURE

• The achilles is repaired through a small incision on the back of the ankles
• Heavy suture is used to repair the ends of the tendon together

DAY OF SURGERY

• Sedation and nerve block anesthesia
• 1 hour surgery
• Outpatient

RECOVERY

• Plaster splint 10 days to let the wound heal
• 2-6 weeks in boot with crutches
• PT starts week 2 and strengthening starts week 8
• Jogging at 4 months
• Full recovery 6 months

RISKS (rare)

• Nerve injury
• Asymmetry of achilles
• Re-tear
• Weakness can persist for 1 year