Achilles tendon repair

There are two main ways a surgeon can perform the operation to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. The type of surgery undertaken will depend on where your tear is.

• In open surgery, one incision is made to allow your surgeon a better view to repair the ends directly using stitches.
• In closed surgery, your surgeon will make a number of small skin incisions to reach your tendon and repair it indirectly using stitches passed through the skin.

In both instances, your surgeon will stitch your tendon together in to allow the body’s healing process to take over and allow the tendon to repair.

Your surgeon will usually use local anaesthetic to ensure you are not in pain after the surgery. You will require regular painkillers once the anaesthetic has worn off. You may return home on the same day or need to stay in hospital overnight.

You will need to wear a cast or an adjustable leg brace to help your Achilles tendon heal. This is usually for between four and ten weeks. During this time you may require blood thinning medication to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Physiotherapy will be needed starting after four to six weeks to strengthen your muscles, increase your range of motion, improve your walking, and reduce re-injury.