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What is Achilles tendon repair?


Most Achilles tendon injuries happen during recreational activities that require sudden bursts of muscle power in the legs. Often, a torn Achilles tendon can be diagnosed with a physical examination. If swelling is present, the orthopedist may delay the surgery until it subsides.

Types of Achilles tendon repair

There are two types of surgery for repairing a ruptured Achilles tendon:

  • Open surgery—The orthopedic surgeon makes a single large incision on the back of your leg and sews the two parts of the Achilles tendon back together.
  • Percutaneous surgery—During this minimally invasive procedure, the orthopedic surgeon makes several small incisions (instead of a single large incision) and sews the two parts of the Achilles tendon back together.

There are two types of Achilles repair surgery for tendinitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon), which can be used if nonsurgical treatments aren't effective:

  • Gastrocnemius recession—The orthopedic surgeon lengthens the calf muscles to reduce stress on the tendon.
  • Debridement and repair—During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the Achilles tendon and repairs the remaining tendon with sutures or stitches. Debridement is done when the tendon has less than 50 percent damage.




Success rates are high for both types of surgery. Research shows that more than 80 percent of people who have the surgery return to their normal lives and resume all the activities they previously enjoyed, including sports. An average of five out of 100 people will experience a re-rupture of their Achilles tendon, whether they had open surgery or percutaneous surgery. 

Foot and ankle pain can occur at any age. Our specialists treat a range of conditions, including arthritis, fractures and diabetes-related issues.

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