Achilles Tendon Surgery Procedures for Houston, TX Patients

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The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous structure that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle, enabling humans to walk, run, and jump. Achilles tendon ruptures may occur for a number of reasons, including overuse, sudden activity after remaining sedentary, and taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics, especially in children. The rupture may present itself as a partial or complete tear, which causes sharp, intense pain in the heel and calf. Surgery and rehabilitation are almost always required for a full recovery. K. Mathew Warnock, MD is a multilingual, board-certified orthopedic surgeon offering Achilles tendon surgery to patients in the Houston, TX area.

Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair

Repair of the Achilles tendon requires the tightening and re-alignment of the tendon through the use of methodical suturing. The goal is to securely close the tear and allow the body time to heal properly. Depending upon which technique is chosen, surgery will require one to three incisions to allow access to the damaged tissues. Dr. Warnock has extensive experience using the following Achilles tendon repair procedures:

Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair With Arthrex® PARS System

Dr. Warnock begins this procedure with a surgical incision in the back of the lower leg near the tear. He will grasp the top part of the Achilles tendon with a hemostat and insert multiple sutures in a specific pattern with the help of a jig (surgical device). He’ll then remove the jig before organizing and stitching the sutures in a particular pattern. Dr. Warnock will repeat these steps on the bottom part of the Achilles tendon in the same suture pattern. Finally, he will securely tie together both sets of sutures in a particular pattern to ensure that the tear is closed before suturing the original incision.

Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge™ Repair

This type of Achilles tendon repair begins similarly to the Arthrex® PARS System, with Dr. Warnock inserting sutures in the upper part of the Achilles tendon via an incision in the back of the lower leg. He will make two small incisions at the base of the tendon where it meets the heel bone. Next, he will drill and tap the incisions to prepare for the swivel lock. Dr. Warnock will pass the sutures through the lower part of the tendon using a lasso and then position the foot to approximate the ends of the tendon. Finally, Dr. Warnock will anchor the sutures into the prepared holes, resulting in a secure, knotless repair.

Surgery Recovery

Achilles surgery recovery will require the patient to wear a cast or a walking boot for about six weeks. Once the cast or boot is removed, the patient may begin gradually rehabilitating the tendon by performing passive exercises. Several weeks later, more difficult exercises may be incorporated, followed by gait training exercises. The patient will likely be able to resume normal activities within four to six months. Dr. Warnock is a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine specialist and will monitor your progress through each step of recovery.

Contact Dr. Warnock Today

Achilles tendon repair via surgery is recommended because the risk of re-rupture is 0-5%. If you suspect you’ve torn your Achilles tendon or would like a second opinion after a diagnosis, K. Mathew Warnock, MD can help you get back on your feet. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Warnock, call us today at (281) 807-4380 or fill out our form at the bottom of the page.