Minimally Invasive Achilles Rupture Repair in Arlington, VA

A season-ending injury for an athlete of any level, an Achilles tendon rupture is a complete tear in the strong, fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This type of injury, which mainly occurs during sports, usually results from a sudden increase in stress on the Achilles tendon. When the tendon ruptures, a popping sound may be heard, followed by the development of sharp pain and swelling at the back of the ankle. The pain can make it difficult to bend the foot downward or “push off” when walking.

In some cases, an Achilles tendon rupture can be effectively addressed with conservative treatment, such as a combination of rest, ice applications and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For the first few weeks, it can be helpful to wear a walking boot with heel wedges to limit ankle movement and hold the foot in a flexed-down position. However, it is important to begin weight bearing as soon as possible.

Surgical Treatment for an Achilles Rupture

While nonsurgical treatment can be effective for some patients, the recovery process is gradual and there is a risk of re-rupture. For an athlete who wants to return to high-impact sports, minimally invasive Achilles rupture repair surgery may be a better option. When performing this procedure, a surgeon repairs the tendon through a tiny incision (the green line in the image represents this incision).

As compared to traditional open surgery, which involves a long incision, minimally invasive Achilles rupture repair surgery generally results in a quicker recovery, a lower risk of complications and greater patient satisfaction. Once the incision has healed, the patient can begin an accelerated rehabilitation program that incorporates full weight bearing in a walking boot and immediate physical therapy. No cast is needed with this method.

Dr. Matthew Buchanan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia. For more than 15 years, he has been performing Achilles tendon rupture repair surgery, and he is skilled and experienced in utilizing the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques. If you have a ruptured Achilles tendon, he can help you return to your pre-injury activity level as quickly as possible.

To schedule a visit with Dr. Buchanan in Arlington, VA, call Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at 703-525-2200 today. After evaluating your injury and confirming your diagnosis, he can help you determine if you are a good candidate for minimally invasive Achilles rupture repair surgery.