Surgery or non-operative care?
For an acute rupture, both surgical and non-operative treatment can be appropriate. The choice considers age, activity level, rupture configuration, treatment delay and individual risks.
← All treatments
Rupture • tendinopathy • reconstruction
Achilles tendon surgery
Achilles ruptures and tendinopathy are not all treated in the same way. Strategy depends on the type and age of the lesion, tendon quality and functional goals.
Key point
The choice of procedure depends on the diagnosis, alignment, tissue quality, activity level and the patient’s goals. Recovery protocols are individualised.
Illustrative diagram – Achilles tendon surgery
Illustration
Visualising the procedure
This illustration helps patients visualise Achilles tendon repair or reconstruction depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Rupture
Tendinopathy
When does surgery become an option?
In tendinopathy, prolonged non-operative treatment is usually preferred. Surgery can be discussed when pain and limitation persist despite appropriate treatment.
Technique
A technique tailored to the lesion
An acute rupture may be repaired through an open or minimally invasive approach depending on the case. Chronic ruptures may require more complex reconstruction. For tendinopathy, surgery can include tendon debridement, reattachment to the heel bone, treatment of bony prominence or tendon transfer when the Achilles is severely damaged.
Recovery
The tendon needs time
Recovery takes several months. Initial protection is followed by gradual weight-bearing, motion and strengthening. Return to running and sports involving jumping or cutting is later and individualised.
Risks & limitations
A region where healing matters
Possible complications include wound-healing problems, infection, nerve injury, rerupture or residual weakness. Smoking, vascular disease and some medical conditions increase the risk of wound problems.
Source patient : AOFAS / FootCareMD — tendinopathie · rupture. General information, to be adapted to each clinical situation.
Helping you move forward, step by step.
A consultation is an opportunity to discuss your situation, goals and the different treatment options.