Should I have surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture?

Commonly people who have an Achilles tendon rupture will be referred for surgery to repair their ruptured tendon. However research is beginning to show that this may not be the best decision. In many cases a conservative approach, opting for rehabilitation instead of surgery can give a similar or sometimes better result.

In the study attached both groups of patients had the same rating of disability after 9 months.

This means not only did the non-operative group avoid surgical complications such as

• infection
• complications from anaesthesia
• nerve damage
• reduced range of movement

Following the same amount of time they had the same level of function as the operative group. The key to this finding, is that rehabilitation remains a vital aspect of recovery, in achilles tendon rupture. Good rehabilitation will ensure a return to function and without some of the risks associated with surgery.

JANUARY 9, 2015

Reference: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2288/11/39