Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery : Procedure & Recovery

Overview

Achilles tendon repair surgery is performed to repair a damaged tendon that connects your calf muscles to the heel. The Achilles tendon, present in the leg, is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body and is responsible for running, walking, standing, and rotating your ankle. The Achilles tendon gets torn or ruptured due to a strong, sudden force, especially when you suddenly move fast, do strenuous exercises of the legs, if you pivot on your leg forcefully, or when there is degeneration of the tendon due to repeated stress. 

What Is An Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?

The Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is responsible for standing, running, jumping, and moving the ankle. When the Achilles tendon is damaged due to a rupture or degeneration, it leads to painful symptoms like-

• Painful swelling at the ankle.
• Inability to push the foot downwards,
• Inability to stand on the toes,
• Extreme pain when trying to curl your toes.
• Severe pain in the calf region and extreme sensitivity to touch.

Achilles tendon repair surgery is performed to repair a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon. This surgery is done under spinal anesthesia. It is performed as a daycare procedure, which means you can go home the same day as long as there are no complications. The surgeon makes an incision in the calf and stitches the ends of the torn tendon together. If the damage is too much or the tendon shows signs of degeneration, the damaged part is removed. It is replaced with a tendon taken from another part of your foot.

In some cases, Achilles tendon repair surgery may also be a minimally invasive procedure. There are several small incisions made instead of a single large one. A small scope equipped with lights and a camera is inserted through the opening, and the images captured are seen on a large screen. With the help of these images, the surgeon completes the surgery. The recovery time for this type of surgery remains the same, though the pain and discomfort post the procedure are significantly less.

When Is It Recommended?

Achilles tendon repair surgery is recommended when the Achilles tendon is damaged. This may happen due to several reasons that include-

• Heavy exercise that puts undue pressure on the tendon
• Sudden force on the leg
• Sudden pivoting on the leg
• Accidents and trauma
• Birth deformities of the leg
• Short calf muscles
• Degeneration of the tendon due to repeated stress

An Achilles tendon surgery is also indicated when you see the following symptoms-

• Inability to stand on the toes
• Pain while bending the food downwards
• Pain and loss of balance while walking
• Pain while trying to curl your toes
• Pain and swelling in the calf and ankle region

How To Prepare For An Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?

Achilles tendon repair is performed by an orthopedic surgeon as an outpatient procedure. Here is how you can prepare for the surgery-
 

Before the surgery:

• Discuss your medical history with your surgeon and inform him about:-
  • All the medications that you are currently taking for your health conditions
  • Any dietary supplements and herbs that you are taking
  • Allergies towards medicines.
• You can ask your surgeon to explain the details of the procedure along with the outcome and prognosis. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form agreeing to proceed with the surgery.
• You will be asked to stop medications like blood thinners (to prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery) a week before surgery.
• You will be advised to take certain tests. These include-
  -Routine blood and urine tests
  -An X-ray 
  -Imaging Tests like CT Scans and MRIs that give high-resolution images of the joint and tendon
• You will be asked to not eat or drink anything from 6 hours before the surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery. Also, take time off from work for a minimum of 2 weeks.

What Happens During an Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?

Here's what you can expect during the procedure:

• An intravenous (IV) line will be set up for administering fluids and antibiotics.
• The surgical area is cleaned and disinfected. The site of the incisions is marked.
• The surgeon uses a scalpel to make an incision on the area marked. 
• The tendon is exposed, and the surgeon will either stitch the two ends of the torn tendons together or replace the damaged portion with a tendon from another part of your leg.
• The damaged and degenerate parts of the tendon are removed.
• In the case of a minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions through which the scope (a tiny device fitted with a camera and light) is inserted. This scope allows the surgeon to visualize the tendon on a big screen. The surgery is completed by viewing the images on the screen.
• The incisions are closed, and a soft dressing is applied to protect the joint. 
• The joint is put in a splint to restrict movement, prevent injury, and facilitate quick recovery.

What To Expect After An Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?

Once the procedure is completed, you will be shifted to a recovery room where your vital parameters, i.e., your temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, are monitored. You can go home once they are normal and the effects of anesthesia have worn off. 
During discharge, you will be explained in detail about caring for the operated joint at home. A physiotherapist will also meet you and guide you on the exercises to restore motion and strength in the operated joint and muscles.

Here is what you can do at home to heal better-

• You will have pain for several weeks after the surgery. Remember to take the prescribed medications on time.
• Keep your leg elevated at all times.
• You can walk around on crutches. Remember to avoid putting any weight on the operated ankle.
• The stitches will be removed about ten days after surgery. You need to keep the wound area clean and dry at all times till then.
•  The surgeon will remove the splint and may put your leg in a cast around this time. 
• You will be advised how much weight can be put on the operated foot. Ensure that you follow this properly and do not put extra pressure on the ankle. It is critical to avoid putting strain on the surgically repaired tendon. Crutches can be used to help you walk around till you heal completely.
• Follow-up visits at the physiotherapist’s office are very important. The exercises suggested playing a crucial process in regaining ankle motion. They also improve the strength of the tendon and the muscles that weaken after the surgery.
• If you have a desk job, you can return to work in 1 to 2 weeks. Complete recovery takes 3 to 6 months.

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of The Procedure?

Achilles tendon repair surgery is done to relieve the symptoms caused by damage to the Achilles tendon. The surgery comes with certain risks that you should be aware of.

Benefits of Achilles tendon repair surgery:

• The tendon repairs improve the quality of life by enabling the person to walk normally, jump and run.
• The minimally invasive procedure has a low risk of complications and infections.
• There is less scarring and complications related to scar tissue formation.
• The post-operative functional outcomes are improved significantly.

Risks of Achilles tendon repair surgery:

• Nerve injury- The nerves in the region may get damaged during the procedure leading to temporary numbness
• Pain- There may be pain present for several weeks after the procedure. You must take the pain medications regularly.
• Stiffness- The joint and muscles may become stiff, and you may lose the motion and mobility of the joint considerably. This can be prevented by following the physiotherapist’s instructions diligently.
• Blood clots- There is a risk of developing blood clots post-surgery. These can be dangerous if they travel and get lodged in the heart or lungs.
• Weakness of the calves- The calf muscles may weaken and start atrophying. 

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!