Achilles Tendon Repair

ANIMATED VIDEO: Dr. Desai uses the Arthrex Midsubstance Speedbridge for his Achilles tendon repairs.

Post Operative Instructions

Boot/Cast:

If you get the VacoCast Pro Achilles Boot, bring this to hospital as this will be put on immediately after surgery.
If you do not get the VacoCast Pro Achilles Boot, a cast will be placed. You will be transitioned to a boot after two weeks.
At 6 weeks, you will wean off the boot and begin walking in a regular shoe

Wound:

The surgical incision has been closed with sutures
Do not get the cast or wound wet for the first two weeks. When showering place a bag over the cast and secure with tape to your leg to avoid the cast and wound getting wet
Stitches will be removed at your 2 week appointment
After the stitches are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days
Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 4 weeks
Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks

Weight Bearing:

If you get the VacoCast Pro Achilles Boot, you will be allowed to immediately weight bear after surgery
If you do not get the VacoCast Pro Achilles Boot, a cast will be placed and you will be non-weight bearing for the first two weeks. You will be transitioned to a boot after two weeks and being weight bearing at this time.

Medications:

You will be given a prescription for pain medication and Aspirin (blood thinner)
Pain medication should be used regularly for the first 24-48 hours, when required for the first 1 to 2 weeks, followed by Regular Tylenol
Aspirin should be taken for 14 days (unless you have an allergy to aspirin)

Driving:

For right foot surgery you are not permitted to drive until you have completely weaned off the boot
For left foot surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive
Driving is not permitted while on narcotics

Work:

Two weeks off work is recommended for initial recovery
If you are able to get to work safely, and will be seated for the majority of the day, you may return to work a couple days after surgery. This is assuming you are not taking narcotic pain mediation.
From 2-12 weeks sedentary duties is recommended
By 12 weeks you can gradually return to full duties
If your job is physically demanding, return to full duties is usually possible around 6 months post operatively
To fully return to sports will take 9-12 months

Follow Up:

You will have your first appointment 2 weeks after surgery in the Fracture Clinic
Your next appointments will be at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, then 12 months post operatively

Recovery:

It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness, or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery
Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain
You will get back to most of your daily activities by 9 months
Swelling often remains for 6-12 months
You are expected to experience a FULL recovery (no pain, no swelling, ability to walk, etc.) in 12 months

Physiotherapy:

Two weeks after surgery you will be referred for physiotherapy. Dr. Desai will provide you with his custom made protocol at the time of surgery. Here is a sample protocol. This may not be exactly the same as your protocol.

Do not eat anything the day of surgery
Take a shower the morning of surgery and wash your leg thoroughly with soap below the knee
Further information on your surgical day is found here: Day of Surgery