In open surgery, the surgeon makes a single large incision in the back of the leg.
In percutaneous surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions rather than one large one.
In both types of surgery, the surgeon sews the tendon back together through the incision(s). Surgery may be delayed for about a week after the rupture. This delay lets the swelling go down.
After either open or percutaneous surgery, you will likely wear a cast, walking boot, or similar device for 6 to 12 weeks. At first, the cast or boot is positioned to keep the foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. The cast or boot is then adjusted gradually to put the foot in a neutral position (not pointing up or down). Many health professionals recommend starting movement and weight-bearing exercises early, before the cast or boot comes off. Your total recovery time will probably be as long as 6 months.
This surgery is done to repair an Achilles tendon that has been torn into two pieces.
Information about Surgery for an Achilles Tendon Rupture
Both open and percutaneous surgeries are successful. More than 80 out of 100 people who have surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture are able to return to all the activities they did before the injury, including returning to sports.footnote 1
It's sometimes hard to know how surgeries compare. That's because the ages and activities of people having the surgeries differ. The success of your surgery can depend on:
Your surgeon's experience.
The type of surgery you have.
How bad the tendon damage is.
How soon after rupture the surgery is done.
How soon your rehabilitation program starts after surgery.
How well you follow your rehab program.
Talk to your surgeon about their surgical experience and success rate with the technique that would best treat your condition.
The risks of Achilles tendon surgery include:
Skin infection at the incision site.
Normal complications of surgery or anesthesia, Opens dialog, such as bleeding and side effects from medicines.
Nerve damage.
Risk of repeat Achilles rupture. This risk, though, is typically less than the risk after nonsurgical treatment.
The possibility that the healed tendon will not be as strong as before the injury.
Decreased range of motion.
Infection is possible with any surgery, but it may be more common with open surgery than with percutaneous surgery. The small risk of other complications is about the same with either open or percutaneous surgery. And most problems go away over time. These complications include pain, delayed wound healing, nerve damage, and problems with scarring.
Citations
Khan RJK, Smith RLC (2010). Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (9).
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Khan RJK, Smith RLC (2010). Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (9).
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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