Two Types Of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery: Which one will be Right For You?

The Achilles tendon is the tough, fibrous tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. It allows you to raise your toes and push off when you walk or run.

However, the Achilles tendon can be vulnerable to injury, particularly in people who play sports or do other activities that can cause stress to the tendon. Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that requires prompt treatment.

The most common treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture is surgery. However, different types of surgery can be used to repair the tendon. The type of surgery right for you will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injury, age, and activity level.

This post will discuss the different types of Achilles tendon repair surgery and what you can expect from each.

Types of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

There are two main types of Achilles tendon repair in Houston : open surgery and percutaneous surgery. Let’s take a closer look at each type:

1. Open Surgery: Open surgery is the traditional, more invasive approach to repairing an Achilles tendon rupture. It involves making a large incision in the back of the ankle to give the surgeon access to the tendon. This type of surgery is typically used when extensive damage to the tendon or when other tissues, such as bones or muscles, need to be repaired.
2. Percutaneous Surgery: Percutaneous surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is a newer, less invasive approach to repairing an Achilles tendon rupture. It involves making small holes in the skin around the ankle and using special instruments to repair the tendon. This surgery tends to have fewer complications and faster recovery than open surgery.

When do you need Achilles tendon surgery? If you have an Achilles rupture – a complete or partial tear of the tendon – you will need surgery to repair it. Other indications for surgery include: tears smaller than 3 cm, chronic tears (tears that have been present for more than six weeks), insertional tendinitis (inflammation at the site where the tendon inserts into bone), and degenerative changes in the tendon.

Which Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery is Right for You?

The type of surgery you need depends on the severity of your Achilles tendon injury.

If you have a partial Achilles tendon tear, your doctor may recommend open surgery. This surgery is more invasive and requires a longer recovery than percutaneous surgery.

Percutaneous surgery is less invasive and has a shorter recovery than open surgery. It is typically recommended for people with a complete Achilles tendon tear.

Both types of Achilles repair surgery are effective in treating Achilles tendon injuries. The type of surgery you need may depend on other factors, such as age and recovery time. Talk to your doctor to determine which surgery is right for you.

In conclusion, the type of Achilles repair surgery that is right for you depends on your variable individual circumstances, such as the severity of the injury, recovery time, and age. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.