Tendon Repair Surgery
The tendon repair surgery is a surgery used to fix a damaged tendon. This surgery is often used to repair the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon, a strong fibrous cord in the lower leg that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel, is the largest tendon in the body, allowing individuals to walk, run, and jump.
Conditions
In some cases, a tendon can tear or rupture. This is usually due to a sudden, strong force exerted on the muscles or body. This is common during tough physical activities. It can also happen from moving too fast or pivoting on a foot. Having a foot that turns outward too much can increase the risk of a torn tendon. A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause pain and swelling near the heel. The foot may be unable to bend downwards.
Tendons can also degenerate. This is known as tendinosis or tendinopathy and is often followed by inflammation known as tendonitis. Symptoms such as pain or stiffness may be experienced along the tendon. This is most often due to overuse and repetitive stress to the tendon. Having short calf muscles can increase the risk of tendinopathy.
Depending on the problem, surgery might be the best solution.
Equinus Contracture
Equinus contracture is a condition in which the upward bending motion of the ankle joint is limited, lacking the flexibility to lift the top of the foot.
Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that, when it rubs against shoes, may irritate the soft tissues near the Achilles tendon.
Injuries to the Achilles Tendon
An overly stressed Achilles tendon can be subject to mild or serious injuries. If the injury is mild or moderate, it may be limited to burning or stiffness.
Peroneal Tendon Injury
A peroneal tendon injury most commonly occurs in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion.
Tendinopathy and Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the resulting inflammation from tendinopathy (or tendinosis), a common overuse injury caused by frequent and long-term excessive compression.
Surgery
In some cases, the tendon repair surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure. This is done with several small incisions instead of one large one. Your doctor may use a special scope with a tiny camera and a light to help do the repair.
Depending on your condition, the procedure may differ:
- During the surgery, your will make an incision in the back of the calf.
- If the tendon is ruptured, your doctor will stitch the tendon back together.
- If the tendon degenerates, your doctor may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest of the tendon with stitches.
- If there is severe damage to most of the tendon, your doctor might replace part or all of your tendon. This is done with a tendon taken from another area of your foot.
- Your doctor may also give you spinal anesthesia. This is so you won’t feel anything from your waist down. Sedation is also an option to help you sleep through the surgery.
