Chronic Achilles tendon tears are often the result of an acute Achilles tear that has been neglected or not treated. The problem develops due to the tendon ends spreading apart and a lack of strength with walking. The problem often requires surgery with possible Achilles repair with a usual need for a tendon transfer to augment the repair. This is commonly a very difficult surgery and requires very specialized surgeons who have experience in tendon transfer for proper care.

Chronic Achilles tear with loose and non functional achilles tendon.	Flexor tendon harvest for tendon transfer to reconstruct the achilles tendon tear.
Drill hole in the heel bone prior to tendon transfer for achilles reconstruction.	Reconstructed achilles tendon with proper alignment and tension of the tendon.

University Foot and Ankle Institute has extensive knowledge and expertise in chronic Achilles tears and their treatment. Through the use of special tendon transfer screws and advances in graft material, there has been dramatic advances in the reconstruction of chronic achilles tears.