Tendon surgery

Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When calf muscle contracts, the tendon pulls the foot down allowing tiptoes standing and pushing off motion while walking, running, and jumping. The tendon is strong but it is vulnerable to injury, due to its limited blood supply and the high stress placed on it. Ruptured achilles tendon can be treated non-surgically by immobilization with cast. This treatment has a higher re-rupture rate than surgical repair. Nevertheless, it is a reasonable option for those who are in higher operative risk because of age or comorbidity, and who are physically inactive. Achilles tendon repair can be performed in either an open method or a minimally invasive method. If the tendon is ruptured, the tendon will be stitched back together. If the tendon is degenerated, the damaged part of the tendon may be removed and the rest of the tendon will be repaired with stitches. If there is severe damage to a length of the tendon, a graft tissue may be harvested from another part of your foot to replace the damaged part of the tendon.