Treating Your Achilles Tendon Tear Part II: Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair

Unfortunately, your weekend sports event didn’t go well and you felt a ‘pop’ in the back of your heel. Your orthopedic surgeon confirms that you tore your Achilles. Now what?

Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend one of the following treatments to heal your Achilles tendon:

• Non-operative
• Minimally invasive surgery, discussed below
• Standard repair
• Possible tendon transfer or supplemental procedures

See our previous post about the basics of the Achilles tendon.

What should I know about minimally invasive Achilles tendon surgery?

When you tear your Achilles tendon, the edges look like a wet mop, with many small strands that are frayed. The objective of any Achilles treatment is to put those edges close together so they can heal.

At Southwest Orthopedic Group, we individualize Achilles tendon treatment.

Operative treatment involves sewing the ends of the tendon back together with strong sutures. This will help recreate the tension and strength. There are risks of surgery, but we work diligently to minimize those risks. Discuss your specific risks with your orthopedic surgeon.

Young, active individuals typically consider surgery to maximize the strength in their Achilles tendon. Typically, this population is more active and has fewer pre-existing medical conditions. Older, more sedentary patients consider non-operative treatment to minimize risks.

What is minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair?

Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair involves a 3-4 cm incision and uses a device to capture and sew the Achilles tendon. This method further reduces the risk of wound complications and has been shown to provide a strong repair. Ask your orthopedic surgeon if you are a candidate for a minimally invasive repair.

How long will it take me to recover from an Achilles tendon repair?

Patients are typically in a non-weightbearing treatment, such as crutches or a walker, for 2-4 weeks after a repair. Then, patients can bear weight in a walking boot with heel wedges. Early motion has been shown to improve outcomes. As a result, physical therapy is initiated at 2-4 weeks post-operative.

Recovery is unique for each patient, but some patients can begin light exercise at 3-6 months with return to sport at 6-9 months. Patients see improvement up to 12 months from surgery.

Can I tear my other Achilles tendon?

It’s possible, but it’s not likely. Your risk is slightly higher than someone who has never torn their Achilles tendon. Approximately 6% of patients who tear their Achilles tendon will tear the other side.

I have a chronic Achilles tendon tear. What do I do?

Other surgical methods are recommended for chronic tears. We will cover these in detail in this post.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has more information about Achilles tendon tears at FootCareMD.

For more questions or to set up an evaluation, contact Dr. Stautberg’s office at 281-977-4870.

Author

Eugene Stautberg, MD