Achilles Surgery: Tendon Repair & Tenotomy
To help you discuss Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery and Ankle Tenotomy as treatment options for your tendonitis or rupture with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of these procedures.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and is present behind the ankle, joining the calf muscles with the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is often injured during sports activities, resulting in an inflammatory condition called tendonitis. In some cases, severe injury results in a tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon, requiring immediate medical attention.
A patient with an Achilles tendon rupture is unable to rise up on their toes. They may often experience a “popping” or “snapping” sound with severe pain, swelling and stiffness in the ankle region, followed by bruising of the area. If the tendon is partially torn and not ruptured, pain and swelling may be mild.
What Are the Treatment Options for Treatment of Achilles Tendon Injury?
Immediately following a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon the patient should employ the R.I.C.E. method as follows:
- Rest the injured part
- Ice packs at the site of injury to prevent swelling
- Compress the injured area to prevent swelling
- Elevate the injured part to reduce swelling
Non-surgical methods for Achilles tendon injuries involve casting the injured area for six weeks, followed by physical therapy to prevent stiffness and restore lost muscle tone.
Achilles Tendon Surgery may be recommended for competitive athletes, patients who perform physical work, or when non-invasive procedures have not worked.
How Is an Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery Performed?
The orthopedic surgeon performs Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery according to the following procedure:
- The surgeon will stitch the torn tendon back together with strong sutures, and may reinforce the Achilles tendon with other tendons depending on the extent of the tear.
- If the tendon has pulled off the heel bone, the surgeon will reattach the tendon to the heel bone.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, the risks and complications of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery may include: infection, bleeding, nerve injury and blood clots.
What Is an Ankle Tenotomy Surgery?
Ankle Tenotomy is a surgical procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon for patients with an abnormally developed Achilles tendon or one that has become shortened and difficult to stretch. Ankle Tenotomy Surgery is done to restore the normal range of motion of the ankle and is commonly used to treat conditions such as Clubfoot and Contractures.
What Is the Procedure for Ankle Tenotomy Surgery?
The orthopedic surgeon performs Ankle Tenotomy Surgery according to the following procedure:
- The surgeon inserts a knife into the skin at the region of the tendon and makes cuts.
- As the cut edges draw apart, the tendon lengthens and heals in this position. For more severe cases, the surgeon may expose the tendon through an incision and cut the tendon, and form a lengthened tendon using sutures.
- The surgeon applies casts with the tendon in the correct anatomic (stretched) position.
- After two to three weeks, the surgeon will remove the cast and order physical therapy to improve ankle strength and keep the tendon stretched.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Ankle Tenotomy?
As with all surgical procedures, Ankle Tenotomy may be associated with certain complications such as nerve and blood vessel damage, infection, over-lengthening of the tendon or shortening of the tendon as your child grows which may require a second surgery.
Do you think you or your child might require Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery or Ankle Tenotomy? Turn to the experts at the Orthopedic Institute of North Texas.