Surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon – tendon reconstruction
Definition, indications, and eligibility for Achilles tendon surgery
Achilles tendon surgery is a surgical procedure to repair a ruptured or severely damaged tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone – crucial for walking, running and jumping. If completely damaged, suturing of the Achilles tendon is often necessary.
Typical symptoms of a tendon rupture include: pain, a popping sound and swelling.
In order to qualify a patient for surgery, a detailed clinical diagnosis is carried out in which the doctors perform:
Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a medical history, conservative treatment and a consultation with an anaesthetist to exclude contraindications to the procedure, such as chronic illnesses affecting wound healing or tissue blood supply, ensuring a safer and more effective treatment.
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Surgical techniques and treatment of a ruptured Achilles tendon
The surgical treatment of the Achilles tendon proceeds according to the type and extent of the damage, and the choice of surgical method determines the possibility of precise suturing of the Achilles tendon and restoration of its function. In the case of a sudden injury, the patient often describes a characteristic snap in the heel area and sudden pain in the calf and lower leg, indicating a complete rupture of the tendon. The orthopaedist, after confirming the diagnosis, decides whether to operate or use conservative treatment. Less invasive surgical techniques, based on small skin incisions and suturing of the tendon with percutaneous sutures, offer a number of benefits, including reduced healing time, less risk of swelling and infection and a better cosmetic result. In patients with chronic Achilles tendon damage, reconstruction using a graft taken from a muscle or ligament tendon is sometimes necessary to restore normal ankle joint function and avoid contractures.
Regardless of the surgical treatment method used, it is crucial to immobilise the limb in a plaster cast or a special orthosis that positions the foot in slight sole flexion. This allows for proper healing and fusion of the calf muscle tendon with the heel. This process must be closely linked to appropriate rehabilitation aimed at a gradual return to physical activity and full fitness. When performed correctly, suturing or reconstruction, combined with post-operative treatment and rehabilitation, gives the patient a real chance of regaining function and free movement.
Complications, risks and rehabilitation after Achilles tendon reconstruction
After Achilles tendon surgery, it is extremely important to carefully monitor the patient for potential complications such as:
Painkillers and immobilisation methods such as plaster or orthoses are used to prevent such problems. It is also extremely important to implement appropriate rehabilitation .
Rehabilitation begins with a stage where the leg is partially immobilised and rested, allowing the tissues to recover quietly. A few days after surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon implements gentle movement exercises, which are key to maintaining muscle and joint flexibility.
As the weeks go by, the therapist systematically increases the mobility of the ankle joint, focusing on exercises to strengthen the strength of the tendon and calf muscles, which is crucial in the treatment process as it eliminates the possibility of overloading the limb.
Physiotherapy plays the most significant role in restoring full function of the limb. The entire rehabilitation process usually takes several months to six months, depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s individual predisposition. Regular visits to a physiotherapist support the recovery of muscle function and strength, while reducing the risk of recurrence of problems, and speeding up the return to physical activity and sport.
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