Percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening in a procedure used to stretch a tight Achilles tendon and increase motion at the ankle joint.
People with a tight Achilles tendon tend to walk on their toes. The tight tendon prevents the foot from sitting flat on the floor, and ankle motion can be limited. When this tightness cannot be treated with non-surgical stretching or physical therapy, surgery is needed.
This procedure may be only one part of a surgery to help correct the position of the foot. Patients that develop ulcers in the front part of the foot may require an Achilles lengthening to decrease pressure on the front part of the foot and allow the ulcers to heal.
This procedure is not recommended when there is active infection or redness around the Achilles tendon. A very tight tendon may require a more complex lengthening surgery.
The procedure is minimally invasive. It may be done alone or with other procedures in order to improve the overall position of the foot. It is typically an outpatient procedure, and general or regional anesthesia is typically used. It only takes a few minutes to perform this procedure.
The foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon makes three small incisions at the back of the ankle along the Achilles tendon. The tendon is cut approximately 50 percent at each of these three sites in an alternating pattern. The surgeon does this while an assistant
is holding the ankle and stretching the tendon. The tendon stretches as the fibers are cut.
Healing time for tendons is approximately 6-8 weeks. You may be in a protective cast, splint, or walking boot initially while the tendon heals. Physical therapy and rehabilitation often are needed after the initial healing period to help with strength and range of motion.
All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots.
With a percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening, specific complications are rare. Wound problems such as nonhealing incisions or infection can occur. The Achilles tendon can remain tight after surgery. The Achilles tendon also can completely rupture during surgery or recovery.
When will I be able to walk again after this procedure?
Generally, the Achilles tendon will take about 6-8 weeks to heal, so weight bearing and therapy will begin at that point. It may take several months to be able to walk normally.
The routine post-operative course may be altered if other procedures are performed.
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatments. If you need medical advice, use the "Find a Surgeon" search to locate a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.
