Achilles Tendon Repair

Achilles Tendon Repair Treatment Abroad

Overview

The Achilles tendon attaches the bottom of the calf muscle to the base of the heel, an area  commonly injured in sports such as jogging, tennis, or activities that require fast changes of direction, such as soccer and football. An Achilles tendon repair is usually performed when the Achilles tendon is ruptured, torn or otherwise injured. In the event that nonsurgical treatment such as a cast or walking boot fails to reattach or heal the tendon, surgery is often performed.

Who Benefits from Achilles Tendon Repair?

Anyone who has experienced a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon may benefit from reattachment or repair surgical procedures. A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon makes it extremely difficult to walk, place weight on the injured limb, or perform daily living activities. Faster recovery time, reduced pain  and increased mobility are enhanced through Achilles tendon repair techniques.

Achilles Tendon Repair Procedure

In most cases, individuals suffering an Achilles tendon injury will undergo one of two types of surgery:

• Percutaneous surgery - the surgeon makes several small incisions through which laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical tools are inserted, offering a less invasive surgical approach.
• Open surgery - a large incision is made along the back of the calf muscle to access the injured area of the Achilles tendon.
• In either type of Achilles tendon repair procedure, the surgeon will access the torn or ruptured area of the Achilles tendon and then sew the edges of the torn or ruptured tendon back together.  In some cases, surgery may have to wait several days to a week in order for swelling around the injured area to subside.

Achilles tendon repair may be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesiology, depending on the patient, the severity of the injury, and the decision of the surgeon. The skin over the calf muscle is sterilized, after which the surgeon makes the incision to reach the injured tendon.  In some cases, a tendon graft may be necessary, with a piece of tendon taken from another part of the foot or body to repair the torn Achilles tendon.

Individuals may need to wear a cast or some sort of walking boot for up to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the tear. In the beginning of the recovery period, the person's foot will be positioned downward, gradually adjusting the foot to a neutral position as the tendon heals.

How Much Does Achilles Tendon Repair Cost?

The cost of Achilles tendon repair will be determined by the severity of the tear, rupture, or injury, the type of surgical approach used, and which type of anesthetic is used by the patient; local, regional, or general anesthetic. In the United States, individuals without health insurance coverage may pay an average of  $10,000 to $20,000 for the procedure, again depending on circumstances and severity of the injury. These fees generally include surgeon's fees, surgical assistants, anesthesiologists, and the facility where the surgery is performed. Travelers to locations such as India, Croatia, Turkey or South America may save between 35 and 70% on such costs.

Who Performs Achilles' Tendon Repair Procedures?

Achilles tendon repair procedures will be performed by an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeries have developed a multitude of various sub-surgeries and sub-specialties, including hand, foot and back surgeries. Careful research and knowledge will help patients to understand the process they are going through, as well as to provide in-depth knowledge of surgical and healing processes. Orthopedic surgeons perform all types of orthopedic surgical procedures including Achilles tendon repair. Potential patients should check to make sure their physician is certified with State, Provincial, or National Board of Orthopedic surgeon organizations or associations in their country of origin.

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