Home Sports MedicineAchilles Tendon Repair in India

Achilles Tendon Repair in India

Surgical repair of ruptured or severely damaged Achilles tendon to restore ankle function and strength.

Overview

Achilles tendon repair is a surgical procedure performed to repair a complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon, the strongest and largest tendon in the body connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This injury commonly occurs during sudden forceful activities or in athletes, though it can also affect sedentary individuals with degenerative tendon changes. At Arthroscenter, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar specializes in both open and minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair techniques, having successfully treated over 150 cases with excellent functional outcomes. Our approach focuses on anatomical repair, early rehabilitation protocols, and preventing re-rupture while ensuring optimal strength recovery. The procedure typically involves surgically reattaching the torn tendon ends using strong sutures, sometimes augmented with tendon tissue or biological materials. Early surgical intervention (within 1-2 weeks of injury) generally provides better outcomes than delayed treatment. Most patients can return to normal activities within 4-6 months, with athletes typically resuming sports by 6-9 months post-surgery.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Sudden sharp pain in the back of ankle or calf, often described as being kicked

Audible "pop" or "snap" sound at the time of injury

Significant swelling and bruising around the heel and ankle

Inability to stand on tiptoes or push off while walking

Visible gap or depression in the tendon (felt about 2 inches above heel)

Weakness in the affected leg, especially during walking or climbing stairs

Difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot

Limited ankle range of motion, particularly plantar flexion

Persistent pain that worsens with activity

Previous history of Achilles tendon problems or tendinitis

Procedure Details

Duration

1-2 hours

Anesthesia

Regional or General Anesthesia

Preparation for Surgery

Before surgery, patients undergo thorough physical examination, MRI imaging to assess the extent of tear, and blood work. Patients are advised to stop smoking, discontinue blood-thinning medications, and arrange for assistance during recovery. Pre-operative counseling includes discussion of surgical technique, expected outcomes, and rehabilitation protocol.

Surgical Steps

Regional anesthesia (spinal/epidural) or general anesthesia is administered

Patient positioned prone (face down) or on side with ankle accessible

Surgical incision made along the medial (inner) side of the Achilles tendon

Torn tendon ends are identified, cleaned of scar tissue, and refreshed

Strong non-absorbable sutures passed through both tendon ends using specialized techniques (Krackow or Bunnell stitch)

Tendon ends brought together and secured with tight suturing to restore normal length and tension

In chronic cases, tendon graft or augmentation may be performed using adjacent tendons

Wound closed in layers, sterile dressing applied, and ankle immobilized in equinus position (toes pointed)

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Week 0-2

Immediate Post-operative

Ankle immobilized in cast/boot with toes pointed. Non-weight bearing with crutches. Pain management and elevation to reduce swelling.

Week 2-6

Early Protection Phase

Transition to walking boot with gradual ankle positioning toward neutral. Partial weight bearing begins around week 4. Gentle range of motion exercises started.

Week 6-12

Progressive Weight Bearing

Full weight bearing achieved. Boot weaned off by week 8-10. Progressive strengthening exercises and proprioception training. Return to normal walking.

Week 12-16

Functional Recovery

Advanced strengthening program including heel raises and resistance exercises. Swimming and cycling permitted. Light jogging may begin.

Month 4-6

Return to Activity

Progressive return to sports-specific training. Running, jumping, and cutting activities gradually reintroduced under supervision.

Month 6-9

Full Activity

Return to unrestricted sports and activities. Continued strengthening and flexibility maintenance exercises.

Month 9-12

Long-term Recovery

Complete healing achieved. Ongoing maintenance program to prevent re-injury. Full strength and function restored.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Strictly adhere to weight-bearing restrictions to prevent re-rupture

Keep leg elevated above heart level to minimize swelling

Wear compression stockings to prevent blood clots

Complete all prescribed physical therapy exercises diligently

Gradually transition from boot to regular shoes as directed

Avoid sudden movements, jumping, or running until cleared

Report any increased pain, swelling, or wound drainage immediately

Maintain calf flexibility and strength through regular exercises

Use heel lifts temporarily when transitioning to regular shoes

Be patient - full recovery takes 9-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.What causes Achilles tendon rupture?

Achilles tendon ruptures typically occur due to sudden forceful plantar flexion (pushing off), often during sports like basketball, tennis, or badminton. Risk factors include previous tendinitis, steroid injections, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, sudden increase in activity level, and age 30-50 years. Weekend warriors who are inactive during the week but engage in intense weekend sports are particularly susceptible.

Q2.Can Achilles tendon rupture heal without surgery?

While non-surgical treatment with immobilization is possible, surgical repair is generally recommended for active individuals and complete ruptures. Surgery significantly reduces re-rupture rates (3-5% vs 10-15% with conservative treatment), provides better strength recovery, and allows earlier return to activities. However, non-surgical treatment may be considered for elderly, sedentary patients with medical contraindications to surgery.

Q3.What is the risk of re-rupture after surgery?

With modern surgical techniques and proper rehabilitation, re-rupture rates are low (3-5%). Risk factors for re-rupture include premature return to activities, inadequate rehabilitation, poor surgical technique, smoking, and chronic tendon degeneration. Following post-operative protocols strictly and completing full rehabilitation significantly minimizes this risk.

Q4.When can I drive after Achilles tendon repair?

For left leg surgery with automatic transmission, driving may resume after 2-4 weeks when pain-free. For right leg surgery or manual transmission, wait until out of boot and able to perform emergency braking (typically 8-10 weeks). Always consult your surgeon before resuming driving.

Q5.Will I regain full strength in my calf?

Most patients regain 85-95% of their pre-injury strength with dedicated rehabilitation. Complete symmetry between legs may not always be achieved, but functional outcomes are excellent. Continued strengthening exercises for 12-18 months optimize recovery. Elite athletes may require longer rehabilitation periods.

Q6.What is the difference between open and minimally invasive repair?

Open repair uses a larger incision providing direct visualization of the tendon, allowing anatomical repair and assessment of tissue quality. Minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions with percutaneous suturing, resulting in less scarring and potentially faster healing, but with slightly higher risk of nerve injury. Dr. Kumar selects the appropriate technique based on individual patient factors and rupture characteristics.

Q7.Can I play sports after Achilles tendon repair?

Yes, most patients return to sports within 6-9 months post-surgery, with some taking up to 12 months for complete confidence. Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling can begin at 3-4 months. High-impact sports requiring jumping and cutting movements should wait until strength is at least 90% of the uninjured leg and clearance is given by your surgeon and physical therapist.

Q8.What are the potential complications?

Potential complications include re-rupture (3-5%), infection (1-2%), nerve injury causing numbness along outer foot (5-10%), wound healing problems, deep vein thrombosis, scar adhesion, calf weakness, and ankle stiffness. At Arthroscenter, our complication rates are among the lowest due to meticulous surgical technique and comprehensive post-operative care. Most complications can be prevented or effectively managed with early detection.

Q9.How much does Achilles tendon repair cost in Bihar?

At Arthroscenter Patna, Achilles tendon repair costs range from ₹60,000-₹1,20,000 depending on technique (open vs minimally invasive), hospital stay duration, and whether augmentation is needed. This includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital charges, implants/sutures, and immediate post-operative care. Insurance coverage is available for most policies. We provide transparent pricing and flexible payment options.

Q10.What should I expect during the first week after surgery?

The first week involves significant pain and swelling, managed with medications. Your leg will be in a cast or boot with toes pointed downward, and you must use crutches without putting any weight on the operated leg. Keeping the leg elevated above heart level as much as possible is crucial. You will have a follow-up appointment within 10-14 days for wound check and suture removal. Most patients report the first week as the most challenging but pain improves significantly after that.

Considering This Surgery?

Book an online video consultation with Dr. Gurudeo Kumar for just ₹999 and get all your questions answered

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