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Achilles Tendon Rupture: Should I Have Surgery?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Achilles Tendon Rupture: Should I Have Surgery?
1Get the | 2Compare | 3Your | 4Your | 5Quiz | 6Your Summary |
Get the facts
Your options
- Have surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
- Treat the rupture with a cast or brace (immobilization).
Key points to remember
- You can treat an Achilles tendon rupture with surgery or by using a cast, splint, brace, walking boot, or other device that will keep your lower leg and ankle from moving (immobilization).
- Both surgery and immobilization are usually successful. Another rupture is less likely after surgery than after immobilization. But immobilization has fewer other risks.
- The success of your surgery depends on many things, including how badly your tendon is damaged, how soon after your rupture you have surgery, and how soon you start and how well you follow a rehabilitation program.
- If you are younger or are physically active in sports, at work, or at home, surgery is often advised. If you are older or are inactive, immobilization is often advised.
What is the Achilles tendon, and what is an Achilles tendon rupture?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is the biggest tendon in the human body, and it allows you to rise up on your toes while walking. It withstands a large amount of force with each foot movement.
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon is completely torn in two. When this happens, your leg may be weak, and walking may be difficult. You may not be able to rise up on your toes.
How well do treatments work?
Surgery is the most common treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. It reattaches the torn ends of the tendon. It can be done with one large incision (open surgery) or many smaller incisions (percutaneous surgery).
Nonsurgical treatment starts with immobilizing your leg. This prevents you from moving the lower leg and ankle so that the ends of the Achilles tendon can reattach and heal. A cast, splint, brace, walking boot, or other device may be used to do this.
Both immobilization and surgery are often successful. They both help the tendon to heal. Another rupture is less likely after surgery than after immobilization, but immobilization has fewer other risks.
The success of your surgery depends on:
- Your surgeon's experience.
- The type of surgery you have (percutaneous or open surgery).
- How badly your tendon is damaged.
- How soon after the rupture your surgery is done.
- How soon your rehabilitation (rehab) program starts after surgery.
- How well you follow your rehab program.
What are the risks of surgery?
The risks of surgery are similar, whether you have percutaneous surgery or open surgery. The biggest risk of either type of surgery is wound infection. It is more common with open surgery. Your risk can also change depending on whether you begin walking and using your foot sooner after surgery rather than later. This is called early mobilization.
The small risk of other complications was about the same with either open or percutaneous surgery, and most problems go away over time. These complications included pain, delayed wound healing, nerve damage, and problems with scarring.
What are the risks of immobilization?
With immobilization, the greatest risk is that the tendon will rupture again.
As with surgery, minor pain and temporary nerve damage are also risks when immobilization with a cast or brace is used. There is also a very slight risk of deep vein thrombosis or permanent nerve damage with nonsurgical treatment.
What do numbers tell us about treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon?
| Results of treatment | With surgery to repair | With immobilization (no surgery) |
|---|---|---|
| No problems with pain, shoes, or walking after 1 year | 73 out of 100 | 51 out of 100 |
| Return to sports at pre-injury level within 1 to 2 years | 69 out of 100 | 68 out of 100 |
| Re-rupture of tendon within 1 to 2 years | 5 out of 100 | 12 out of 100 |
| Deep wound infection | 2 to 3 out of 100 | 0 out of 100 |
*Based on the best available evidence (evidence quality: borderline to inconclusive)
Effects on pain and activity
When it comes to reducing problems with pain, wearing shoes, and walking, surgery may help more than treatment with a cast or brace. (The quality of the evidence about this is inconclusive.)
- Out of 100 people who have surgery, 73 of them will not have any problems 1 year later. This means that 27 out of 100 will still have problems.
- Out of 100 people who don't have surgery, 51 of them will not have any problems 1 year later. This means that 49 out of 100 will still have problems.
When it comes to helping people return to sports at the level they were before they got hurt, the results are about the same with or without surgery. (The quality of the evidence about this is borderline.)
- Out of 100 people who have surgery, 69 of them will be back at their regular level of sports activity within 1 to 2 years. This means that 31 out of 100 will not.
- Out of 100 people who don't have surgery, 68 of them will be back at their regular level of sports activity within 1 to 2 years. This means that 32 out of 100 will not.
Risk of tendon rupturing again
No matter what kind of treatment you have, there is a chance that your Achilles tendon will rupture again. Evidence suggests that this may be less likely with surgery. (The quality of the evidence about this is borderline.)
Take a group of 100 people who have a ruptured Achilles tendon.
- With surgery, 5 out of 100 will rupture the tendon again within 1 to 2 years. This means that 95 out of 100 will not.
- Without surgery, 12 out of 100 will rupture the tendon again with 1 to 2 years. This means that 88 out of 100 will not.
Infection after surgery
Achilles tendon surgery can sometimes cause a deep infection in the foot or leg. (The quality of the evidence about this risk is borderline.)
Out of 100 people who have the surgery, 2 to 3 of them will get a deep infection. This means that 97 to 98 will not.
Understanding the evidence
Some evidence is better than other evidence. Evidence comes from studies that look at how well treatments and tests work and how safe they are. For many reasons, some studies are more reliable than others. The better the evidence is-the higher its quality-the more we can trust it.
The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.footnote 1, footnote 2 The evidence is rated using four quality levels: high, moderate, borderline, and inconclusive.
Another thing to understand is that the evidence can't predict what's going to happen in your case. When evidence tells us that 2 out of 100 people who have a certain test or treatment may have a certain result and that 98 out of 100 may not, there's no way to know if you will be one of the 2 or one of the 98.
Why might your doctor recommend surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Your doctor may advise you to have surgery if:
- You are physically active in sports, at work, or at home.
- You have a job that requires leg strength.
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved? |
| |
|---|---|---|
What are the benefits? |
| |
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
- You will most likely go home the same day as surgery.
- You will spend 6 to 12 weeks after surgery wearing a walking cast or boot.
- If you sit at work, you can go back in 1 to 2 weeks. If you're on your feet at work, you may need 6 to 8 weeks before you can go back.
- Your total recovery time can be up to 6 months.
- Surgery repairs the tendon and makes another rupture less likely.
- You can go back to work and resume daily activities sooner than with immobilization.
- All surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection. Your age and your health can also increase your risk.
- You may have:
- Minor pain and temporary nerve damage.
- Slight risk of deep vein thrombosis or permanent nerve damage.
- A small risk of repeat tendon rupture.
- You'll wear a cast, splint, brace, walking boot, or other device for several months.
- Your total recovery time can be up to 6 months.
- Immobilization allows you to avoid surgery and the risk of wound infection.
- You may have:
- Repeat tendon rupture.
- Loss of strength in the leg.
- Minor pain and temporary nerve damage.
- A very slight risk of deep vein thrombosis or permanent nerve damage.
Personal stories about surgery for Achilles tendon rupture
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I blew out my Achilles playing basketball-and we still lost! I've talked to my doctor about this, and he recommends surgery, as I want to continue playing basketball and am active in a lot of other ways. I'm going with an open surgery, because that seems to be the best for not having another rupture. I realize there is more of a possibility for wound infection, but that's worth the risk-I don't want to pop my Achilles again, and, to tell the truth, I don't really worry about infections.
Carlo, age 34
I don't really know how I did it, but I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I guess sometimes a simple action can do it. I don't like the idea of surgery, so I'm going with a cast and a good rehab program. Although I like to go for walks, I'm not an athlete by any means, so my doctor says I probably shouldn't have to worry about doing it again.
Marian, age 55
And I thought my injury days were over! I gave up playing sports a while back, but I still referee young children's soccer games. At the last one I did, whack, there went my Achilles. Now I have to decide what to do. I'm not overly active, but I still like to get around. I'm also getting to the point where surgery and potential complications bother me, but on the other hand, I really don't want another rupture. My doctor told me he knows a surgeon who is very experienced in a type of surgery that does not make a big cut-I believe it's called percutaneous surgery. This surgery is supposed to solidly fix the tendon but have less risk of complications. This sounds good to me, especially because the surgeon is experienced.
Brandi, age 45
I started jogging again after quite a few years, and a week later, blam!-out goes my Achilles. Talk about bad luck! My doc says surgery would be no problem, as I'm a young guy in good health. But surgery just bugs me. I'd rather have a cast, even if my doc says an operation gives me less risk of doing it again. But I've learned my lesson. After the cast comes off, I'll pay more attention to warming up and starting slowly with new activities. I won't be one of those guys who reruptures after using a cast!
Fred, age 33
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to choose surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon
Reasons to choose a cast or brace (immobilization) to treat a ruptured Achilles tendon
I don't want to risk having another tendon rupture.
I'm willing to take the risk of having another tendon rupture if it means not having surgery.
My job requires that I have strong legs.
My job doesn't require that I have strong legs.
I'm not worried about the risks of surgery.
I'm worried about the risks of surgery.
I'm an active person, and I want to stay active.
I am not very active in my daily life, and being active is not that important to me.
I want to return to my normal activity levels as soon as possible.
The long recovery time does not bother me.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Surgery
Immobilization (no surgery)
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Your Summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and References
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David Bardana, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine |
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2009). Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: Guideline and Evidence Report. Available online: http://www.aaos.org/research/guidelines/atrguideline.asp.
- Khan RJK, Smith RLC (2010). Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (9).
- Khan RJK, Smith RLC (2010). Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (9).
Achilles Tendon Rupture: Should I Have Surgery?
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Have surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
- Treat the rupture with a cast or brace (immobilization).
Key points to remember
- You can treat an Achilles tendon rupture with surgery or by using a cast, splint, brace, walking boot, or other device that will keep your lower leg and ankle from moving (immobilization).
- Both surgery and immobilization are usually successful. Another rupture is less likely after surgery than after immobilization. But immobilization has fewer other risks.
- The success of your surgery depends on many things, including how badly your tendon is damaged, how soon after your rupture you have surgery, and how soon you start and how well you follow a rehabilitation program.
- If you are younger or are physically active in sports, at work, or at home, surgery is often advised. If you are older or are inactive, immobilization is often advised.
What is the Achilles tendon, and what is an Achilles tendon rupture?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is the biggest tendon in the human body, and it allows you to rise up on your toes while walking. It withstands a large amount of force with each foot movement.
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon is completely torn in two. When this happens, your leg may be weak, and walking may be difficult. You may not be able to rise up on your toes.
How well do treatments work?
Surgery is the most common treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. It reattaches the torn ends of the tendon. It can be done with one large incision (open surgery) or many smaller incisions (percutaneous surgery).
Nonsurgical treatment starts with immobilizing your leg. This prevents you from moving the lower leg and ankle so that the ends of the Achilles tendon can reattach and heal. A cast, splint, brace, walking boot, or other device may be used to do this.
Both immobilization and surgery are often successful. They both help the tendon to heal. Another rupture is less likely after surgery than after immobilization, but immobilization has fewer other risks.
The success of your surgery depends on:
- Your surgeon's experience.
- The type of surgery you have (percutaneous or open surgery).
- How badly your tendon is damaged.
- How soon after the rupture your surgery is done.
- How soon your rehabilitation (rehab) program starts after surgery.
- How well you follow your rehab program.
What are the risks of surgery?
The risks of surgery are similar, whether you have percutaneous surgery or open surgery. The biggest risk of either type of surgery is wound infection. It is more common with open surgery. Your risk can also change depending on whether you begin walking and using your foot sooner after surgery rather than later. This is called early mobilization.
The small risk of other complications was about the same with either open or percutaneous surgery, and most problems go away over time. These complications included pain, delayed wound healing, nerve damage, and problems with scarring.
What are the risks of immobilization?
With immobilization, the greatest risk is that the tendon will rupture again.
As with surgery, minor pain and temporary nerve damage are also risks when immobilization with a cast or brace is used. There is also a very slight risk of deep vein thrombosis or permanent nerve damage with nonsurgical treatment.
What do numbers tell us about treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon?
| Results of treatment | With surgery to repair | With immobilization (no surgery) |
|---|---|---|
| No problems with pain, shoes, or walking after 1 year | 73 out of 100 | 51 out of 100 |
| Return to sports at pre-injury level within 1 to 2 years | 69 out of 100 | 68 out of 100 |
| Re-rupture of tendon within 1 to 2 years | 5 out of 100 | 12 out of 100 |
| Deep wound infection | 2 to 3 out of 100 | 0 out of 100 |
*Based on the best available evidence (evidence quality: borderline to inconclusive)
Effects on pain and activity
When it comes to reducing problems with pain, wearing shoes, and walking, surgery may help more than treatment with a cast or brace. (The quality of the evidence about this is inconclusive.)
- Out of 100 people who have surgery, 73 of them will not have any problems 1 year later. This means that 27 out of 100 will still have problems.
- Out of 100 people who don't have surgery, 51 of them will not have any problems 1 year later. This means that 49 out of 100 will still have problems.
When it comes to helping people return to sports at the level they were before they got hurt, the results are about the same with or without surgery. (The quality of the evidence about this is borderline.)
- Out of 100 people who have surgery, 69 of them will be back at their regular level of sports activity within 1 to 2 years. This means that 31 out of 100 will not.
- Out of 100 people who don't have surgery, 68 of them will be back at their regular level of sports activity within 1 to 2 years. This means that 32 out of 100 will not.
Risk of tendon rupturing again
No matter what kind of treatment you have, there is a chance that your Achilles tendon will rupture again. Evidence suggests that this may be less likely with surgery. (The quality of the evidence about this is borderline.)
Take a group of 100 people who have a ruptured Achilles tendon .
- With surgery, 5 out of 100 will rupture the tendon again within 1 to 2 years. This means that 95 out of 100 will not.
- Without surgery, 12 out of 100 will rupture the tendon again with 1 to 2 years. This means that 88 out of 100 will not.
Infection after surgery
Achilles tendon surgery can sometimes cause a deep infection in the foot or leg. (The quality of the evidence about this risk is borderline.)
Out of 100 people who have the surgery, 2 to 3 of them will get a deep infection . This means that 97 to 98 will not.
Understanding the evidence
Some evidence is better than other evidence. Evidence comes from studies that look at how well treatments and tests work and how safe they are. For many reasons, some studies are more reliable than others. The better the evidence is-the higher its quality-the more we can trust it.
The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.1, 2 The evidence is rated using four quality levels: high, moderate, borderline, and inconclusive.
Another thing to understand is that the evidence can't predict what's going to happen in your case. When evidence tells us that 2 out of 100 people who have a certain test or treatment may have a certain result and that 98 out of 100 may not, there's no way to know if you will be one of the 2 or one of the 98.
Why might your doctor recommend surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Your doctor may advise you to have surgery if:
- You are physically active in sports, at work, or at home.
- You have a job that requires leg strength.
2. Compare your options
| Have surgery for Achilles tendon rupture | Treat the rupture with a cast or brace (immobilization) | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Personal stories about surgery for Achilles tendon rupture
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I blew out my Achilles playing basketball-and we still lost! I've talked to my doctor about this, and he recommends surgery, as I want to continue playing basketball and am active in a lot of other ways. I'm going with an open surgery, because that seems to be the best for not having another rupture. I realize there is more of a possibility for wound infection, but that's worth the risk-I don't want to pop my Achilles again, and, to tell the truth, I don't really worry about infections."
— Carlo, age 34
"I don't really know how I did it, but I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I guess sometimes a simple action can do it. I don't like the idea of surgery, so I'm going with a cast and a good rehab program. Although I like to go for walks, I'm not an athlete by any means, so my doctor says I probably shouldn't have to worry about doing it again."
— Marian, age 55
"And I thought my injury days were over! I gave up playing sports a while back, but I still referee young children's soccer games. At the last one I did, whack, there went my Achilles. Now I have to decide what to do. I'm not overly active, but I still like to get around. I'm also getting to the point where surgery and potential complications bother me, but on the other hand, I really don't want another rupture. My doctor told me he knows a surgeon who is very experienced in a type of surgery that does not make a big cut-I believe it's called percutaneous surgery. This surgery is supposed to solidly fix the tendon but have less risk of complications. This sounds good to me, especially because the surgeon is experienced."
— Brandi, age 45
"I started jogging again after quite a few years, and a week later, blam!-out goes my Achilles. Talk about bad luck! My doc says surgery would be no problem, as I'm a young guy in good health. But surgery just bugs me. I'd rather have a cast, even if my doc says an operation gives me less risk of doing it again. But I've learned my lesson. After the cast comes off, I'll pay more attention to warming up and starting slowly with new activities. I won't be one of those guys who reruptures after using a cast!"
— Fred, age 33
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to choose surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon
Reasons to choose a cast or brace (immobilization) to treat a ruptured Achilles tendon
I don't want to risk having another tendon rupture.
I'm willing to take the risk of having another tendon rupture if it means not having surgery.
My job requires that I have strong legs.
My job doesn't require that I have strong legs.
I'm not worried about the risks of surgery.
I'm worried about the risks of surgery.
I'm an active person, and I want to stay active.
I am not very active in my daily life, and being active is not that important to me.
I want to return to my normal activity levels as soon as possible.
The long recovery time does not bother me.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Surgery
Immobilization (no surgery)
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. I am less likely to rupture the tendon again if I have surgery than if I use a cast or brace.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
2. Surgery has some risks that immobilization does not.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
3. My job requires a lot of walking. Immobilization gives me the best chance of getting back to that without problems.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David Bardana, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine |
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2009). Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: Guideline and Evidence Report. Available online: http://www.aaos.org/research/guidelines/atrguideline.asp.
- Khan RJK, Smith RLC (2010). Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (9).
- Khan RJK, Smith RLC (2010). Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (9).
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Current as of: March 21, 2017
