Achilles Tendon Repair

Before reading this page, please see Achilles Tendon Rupture under the ACHILLES & HEEL menu for more information. 

Not all Achilles tendon ruptures need surgery.

Achilles Tendon Repair

This surgical procedure involves bringing the ends of the tendon together with sutures. It is easiest to do in the first 2 weeks after injury. 

Dr Beamond uses a modification of the Arthrex Achilles midsubstance SpeedBridge ("knotless PARS") technique is most cases (see image). This is a minimally invasive procedure. 

When the rupture is more than 4 weeks old, open repair is required. If the rupture is more than 8 weeks old, more complex reconstructive surgery is required.

Achilles Tendon Repair Recovery

Surgery:
  • Day Surgery or one night stay in hospital
  • requires a general anaesthetic in most people
  • takes 30 to 45 minutes.
First 2 weeks:
  • bandage
  • "moon-boot" and 2 heel wedges
  • crutches or frame
  • rest, elevation and ice (RICE)
  • ankle and foot movements
  • post-operative appointment.
Next 4 weeks:
  • "moon-boot" +/- crutches or frame
  • heel wedge removal
  • physiotherapy-guided strengthening program
  • RICE as needed.
Next 2 weeks:
  • "moon-boot" to stand and walk only
  • exercise bike and pool exercises.
Next 6 months:
  • return to sports specific training then sport.
Benefits and risks:
  • 95% of people are helped by this surgery
  • <1% of people are made worse by surgery.
Consequences and complications:
  • no driving (4 to 8 weeks)
  • re-rupture occurs in 2% of people
  • heel ache can take 3 months to settle
  • calf strength improves over 6 months
  • see General Information about Surgery.

IMPORTANT

If you have any questions about your planned procedure, contact Dr Beamond before the day of surgery.

The information on this page is of a general nature and does not replace the informed consent process. Other consequences and risks specific (material) to the individual must be discussed prior to surgery.
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