Conditions of the Achilles Tendon

Pain with No Swelling / Tendonitis

Pain and Swelling / Tendinosis

Achilles Tendon Tear

Chronic Achilles Tendon Tear

Retrocalcaneal Exostosis

Chronic Achilles Tendon Tear | Flexor Hallucis Tendon Transfer | Delayed Achilles Tendon Repair

What is a Chronic Achilles Tendon Tear?

Chronic Achilles tendon tears are often the result of an acute Achilles tear that has been neglected or not treated. In some cases of Achilles tendon tear and Achilles tendon rupture, there is limited pain and a patient may continue to walk on the injured tendon for a long period of time prior to seeing the doctor. The Achilles is under tension in a normal setting and snaps when torn.

The problem develops due to the Achilles tendon ends spreading apart and a lack of strength with walking after an acute unjury. This results in a chronic tear and the ends of the tendon are usually not able to brought back together like in an acute unjury.

Surgical Options for Long Term and Chronic Achilles Tendon Tears:

Chronic Achilles tendon tears do not do well with conservative care as the tendon ends are fully torn and the Achilles does not function. Often an Achilles tendon tear requires surgery with possible Achilles repair and a potential 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.

During surgery, the torn ends of the Achilles tendon are attempted to be brought together. If the ends cannot be brought together, the flexor hallucis tendon is harvested which is next to the Achilles tendon and placed into the heel at the attachment point of the Achilles tendon to help with Achilles strength.

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.

Our Podiatrists and surgeons are the very best. Request an appointment with a doctor at our Los Angeles or other Southern California offices.