Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery: Procedure & Recovery in Seattle, WA

by Dr. Hoy

In some cases, surgery is needed to repair a rupture in the Achilles tendon and any related soft-tissue injuries that may have also occurred. The goal of surgery is to help restore length and function of the Achilles tendon.

Quick Answer

Surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture is performed to repair the torn tendon and restore its length and function, particularly when conservative treatments are insufficient. Seattle Foot and Ankle Center utilizes various surgical techniques, generally categorized as open (one long incision) or percutaneous (multiple smaller incisions), with the choice tailored to the injury's extent, patient age, and activity level. Recovery from this procedure typically spans 6 to 12 weeks, during which the foot and ankle are immobilized. The main goal is to help restore the length and function of the Achilles tendon.

A variety of surgical techniques are available to repair the rupture. In selecting the procedure, Dr. Hoy has taken into consideration the extent of your injury, your age, your activity level, and other factors. Techniques for repairing an Achilles tendon rupture fall into two general categories—open (involving one long incision) and percutaneous (involving multiple smaller incisions). The open procedure, which may be modified somewhat by your surgeon to address your needs, is described here:

Achilles Tendon Repair

After making an incision on the back of the heel to gain access to the Achilles tendon, Dr. Hoy:

• Identifies the rupture

• Cleans out the damaged tissue and residual debris that was caused by the tear

• Stitches together the healthy portions of the tendon, resulting in a restored Achilles tendon

• In some cases, additional surgical procedures may be needed such as transfer of another healthy tendon or lengthening of the Achilles

• Closes the incision with stitches and applies a sterile bandage

• Immobilizes the foot and ankle with a cast, splint or boot

Recovery

Recovery from this procedure generally takes 6-12 weeks. During a portion of this period, weight bearing on the operative foot may not be permitted.

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What other foot and ankle conditions does Seattle Foot and Ankle Center treat?

    Seattle Foot and Ankle Center treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including Accessory Navicular Syndrome, and offers comprehensive podiatric medicine and surgery for long-term care. We also provide specialized care for conditions like Foot Actinic Keratoses and Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette) in the Seattle area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Why is surgery needed for an Achilles tendon rupture?

Surgery is sometimes required to repair a rupture in the Achilles tendon and any related soft-tissue injuries. The main goal of the procedure is to help restore the length and function of the Achilles tendon.

2 What are the different surgical techniques for Achilles tendon repair?

Surgical techniques for repairing an Achilles tendon rupture generally fall into two categories: open, which involves one long incision, and percutaneous, which uses multiple smaller incisions. The choice of procedure considers the extent of injury, age, and activity level.

3 What is the typical recovery time after Achilles tendon rupture surgery?

Recovery from this procedure generally takes 6 to 12 weeks. During a portion of this period, weight bearing on the operative foot may not be permitted, and the foot and ankle will be immobilized with a cast, splint, or boot.

4 What does an open Achilles tendon repair procedure involve?

During an open repair, an incision is made on the back of the heel to access the tendon. The surgeon identifies the rupture, cleans damaged tissue, stitches together healthy portions of the tendon, and then closes the incision. Additional procedures like tendon transfer or lengthening may also be performed.