Achilles Tendon Repair
What Is An Achilles Tendon Repair?
- In open surgery, the surgeon makes a single large incision in the back of the leg.
- In percutaneous surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions rather than one large incision.
In both types of surgery, the surgeon sews the tendon back together through the incision(s). Surgery may be delayed for about a week after the rupture, to let the swelling go down.
Many techniques exist for this surgery, including transverse, medial and longitudinal incisions. The ankle is placed in neutral position and the severed ends of the tendon are sutured together. The surgeon will then take the ankle through complete range of motion to look at the integrity of the repair. A cast is often applied, with the surgical technique determining how long the cast stays on. Many surgeons are now focusing on early weight bearing and passive motion to improve tendon healing. A new minimally-invasive technique involves utilisation of the peroneus brevis via two para-midline incisions. The technique reportedly preserves skin integrity over the site most prone to breakdown in a vertical incision, open reconstruction.
Our team is here for you
We offer the best, least invasive and least aggressive options to relieve your pain and symptoms so you can get back to the life you love. Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists Foot & Ankle Care Center has convenient locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake.
