Achilles tendonitis surgery repairs a damaged or diseased Achilles tendon.
What is it?
Achilles tendonitis surgery restores the Achilles tendon, a strand of fibrous connective tissue that connects the muscle and bone of the heel. Achilles tendon injuries are more likely to occur in active people such as runners and joggers, who rely on stressful, repetitive motions. If a patient has recurring Achilles injuries or experiences trauma, this surgery would be greatly beneficial.
What should I do to prepare?
Before receiving surgery, the patient should consult with a physician or surgeon to determine if this surgery is the proper course of action. X-rays and other diagnostic imaging techniques are used to develop a treatment plan. Medication plans and fasting routines may be necessary depending on the surgeon’s guidelines. Achilles tendonitis surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, but the patient should be prepared to remain at the hospital for post-surgical evaluation. Additionally, the patient should arrange travel accommodations in advance.
What happens during the process?
General or local anesthesia is used to prepare the ankle region for operation. When the anesthetic effects are felt, the surgeon makes a precise incision over the Achilles tendon. The tendon is sutured together to expedite recovery. If the damage is extensive, a graft may be required. Another method used to alleviate stress on the Achilles tendon is a lengthening of the gastrocnemius, also known as the calf muscle.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Risks for Achilles tendonitis surgery include but are not limited to improper anesthesia, infections, nerve damage, excessive bleeding, an inability of the wound to heal, and bone fractures. Undergoing this surgery does not guarantee a full recovery and it is possible that the patient will experience stiffness of this tendon or some degree of pain in the future.
Disclaimer:
All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are only for education purposes. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.
If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.
Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Achilles_tendon#/media/File:Achilles_Tendon_Tear.png