Achilles tendon repair is a surgery to repair an Achilles tendon that has been torn (ruptured). This tendon is a rope-like cord of tissue that connects the lower leg muscles to the heel. During the surgery, the torn ends of the Achilles tendon are reconnected.

This procedure is typically done in an outpatient surgery center. The surgery is usually successful, but the recovery period can be long.

Tell a health care provider about:

Any allergies you have.
All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
Any blood disorders you have.
Any surgeries you have had.
Any medical conditions you have, including any skin conditions or infections you develop before surgery.
Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

Infection.
Bleeding.
Allergic reaction to medicines.
Blood clots.
Delayed healing.
Scarring.
Damage to nearby structures or organs, including damage to a nerve, causing numbness.
Re-tear of the tendon. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

Medicines

Ask your health care provider about:

Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

Tests

Your health care provider will examine the area from your lower leg to your heel.
Your health care provider may order tests such as ultrasound or an MRI, and may perform exams to check if:
- You can point your toes up and down.
- Your foot is in proper alignment.
- You have a deformity on the back side of your ankle (posterior ankle) caused by a tendon tear.

General instructions

Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Shower or bathe either the night before or the morning of the surgery. You may be asked to wash with germ-killing soap.
Ask your health care provider:
- How your surgery site will be marked.
- What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include:
  - Removing hair at the surgery site.
  - Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
  - Taking antibiotic medicine.
Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
You will be given one or more of the following:
- A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
- A medicine that is injected into an area of your body to numb everything below the injection site (regional anesthetic).
- A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
The surgeon will make an incision on the back side of your lower leg.
The torn ends of your tendon will be stitched back together.
The incision will be closed with stitches (sutures) or staples.
A bandage (dressing) will be applied over the incision.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
You will feel some pain when the numbing medicine wears off. Your health care provider will prescribe pain medicine for you to take at home.
Your leg may be put in a splint, boot, or cast.
You will be given instructions to keep your leg above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and pain.
You will not be allowed to put weight on your leg. You will need to use crutches or another type of walking aid to keep weight off your leg.
You may continue to receive antibiotic medicine.

Summary

Achilles tendon repair is a surgery to repair an Achilles tendon that has been torn. This tendon is a rope-like cord of tissue that connects the lower leg muscles to the heel.
Follow instructions from your health care provider before the procedure, including instructions on what to eat and drink and whether to stop taking your regular medicines.
After your procedure, you will need to use crutches or another type of walking aid to keep weight off your leg.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Medical knowledge, Patient Education

Achilles Tendon Tear Repair

Tell a health care provider about:

What are the risks?