Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles tendon rupture can be a devastating injury to suffer. Thankfully we can help!
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It allows you to push off when walking, climb stairs, run and jump. The tendon could be partially or completely torn. This usually happens suddenly and violently.
Most patients report feeling like they have been kicked or hit behind the leg. When they look back there is no one there! Patients will feel a sudden pop or snapping sensation with sharp pain followed by inability to walk.
Athletes in particular are at higher risk of rupture if they participate in a sport that tends to have explosive movements. These are sports that tend to include running, jumping, and sudden change of direction such as in football, basketball, soccer, or track & field.
Your surgeon will examine your lower extremity for common findings seen in these injuries. There is typically a gap in the tendon that can be appreciated when palpated. There will also be loss of strength during plantarflexion. Your surgeon may obtain an Ultrasound or MRI if needed.
For active patients or athletes surgical repair of the ruptured tendon is often recommended.
New techniques include a Minimally Invasive approach where the tendon is repaired through a small incision and anchored into the heel bone for a faster recovery and faster Return to Play. You may have seen high profile athletes in the news who have suffered this injury and get their Achilles tendon repaired in such a way that they are able to have a speedy recovery and return to sports much faster. This procedure is called an Achilles repair using the Speedbridge technique. SpeedBridge is a strong, anchor-based way to reattach the Achilles tendon to the heel bone designed to improve healing time and durability.