Treatment
Percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening may be done alone or with other procedures in order to improve the overall position of your foot. It is typically an outpatient procedure, and general or regional anesthesia is typically used.
It only takes a few minutes for your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon to perform this procedure. Your surgeon makes three small incisions at the back of the ankle along the Achilles tendon. They cut the tendon approximately 50% 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.
Recovery
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.
Risks and Complications
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. It also is possible for the Achilles tendon to rupture (tear) during surgery or recovery.