Understanding the Journey: What to Expect from Your Achilles Tendon Repair

Facing an Achilles tendon repair might feel overwhelming, but having a clear picture of what lies ahead can help ease your concerns and empower you throughout the process. This article will guide you through each stage of the typical operating room experience—from the initial preparations to the moments just after surgery. By breaking down each step, we hope to provide reassurance and help you understand the path towards a successful recovery.

Preparing for Surgery: What Happens Before You Enter the Operating Theatre

Before heading into the theatre, there are a few important steps designed to keep you safe and comfortable. You’ll meet with your surgical team for a thorough health check and to talk over any questions you might have. One key topic will be anaesthesia—the methods used to keep you pain-free during surgery. You might be offered general anaesthesia, where you’re completely asleep, or spinal anaesthesia, which numbs the lower half of your body while you stay awake. The team, led by Professor Paul Lee at MSK Doctors, will carefully select the best option for you, ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Understanding Surgical Techniques: Open vs Minimally Invasive Achilles Repair

When it comes to repairing the Achilles tendon, surgeons typically choose between two approaches: open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Open surgery involves making a larger cut to fully expose the injured tendon, allowing for direct repair. Minimally invasive surgery, by contrast, uses a few small incisions to reduce tissue trauma and often helps speed up recovery. Which method suits you best depends on the nature and location of your tendon injury.

It’s worth noting that minimising complications is a priority. Research highlights that minimally invasive surgery can lower the risk of wound infections and tissue damage, but carries a small chance of nerve injury. Thanks to advances such as ultrasound guidance, surgeons can now "provide real-time visualisation of the sural nerve and Achilles tendon," which improves safety during the procedure. Your surgeon will carefully explain the pros and cons of each option, so you can feel confident in the choice that’s right for you.

What Happens During Achilles Tendon Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’re settled on the operating table and the anaesthesia has taken effect, the surgical area will be thoroughly cleaned and draped to keep everything sterile. Depending on the technique, specialised tools like a surgical scope or ultrasound may be used to give the surgeon a closer look at the tendon and nearby structures.

The main task is to repair the torn tendon by stitching it back together. In some cases, a tendon graft—a piece of donor tissue—or supportive scaffolds may be used to reinforce the repair. These scaffolds, made from either natural or synthetic materials, act like a framework to encourage healing. Studies show that "synthetic scaffolds demonstrated a significant increase in clinical and functional scores, along with reduced pain and lower re-tear rates compared to conventional surgery." Throughout the surgery, Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team combine extensive experience with a caring approach to deliver precise, effective treatment.

Immediate Postoperative Care: The Moments After Surgery

Once the repair is complete, the surgeon will carefully close the incision with stitches or staples and cover it with a sterile dressing. You’ll be moved to a recovery area, where the medical team will monitor your vital signs closely as you wake up from anaesthesia. Nurses will be on hand to offer comfort and answer any questions you have during these first few hours. Thanks to the attentive and compassionate care at MSK Doctors, you’ll be well supported as you take your first steps on the road to recovery.

The Surgical Team’s Role and Next Steps Toward Recovery

Achilles tendon repair is a team effort, led by Professor Paul Lee and supported by surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists at MSK Doctors. After your initial recovery in the theatre, you’ll be transferred to a recovery suite or ward. Here, the team will provide guidance on how to care for your wound, manage any discomfort, and begin gentle exercises to help restore strength and movement. Clear information and ongoing support are key to helping you progress safely and confidently through your rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Empowering Patients Through Understanding and Communication

Knowing what happens at each stage of Achilles tendon repair can make the experience less intimidating and help you feel more in control. We encourage you to share any questions or concerns with your healthcare team—open communication is essential to getting the best care. Remember, this article offers general information, so it’s always best to seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional. With the expert guidance of Professor Paul Lee and the dedicated team at MSK Doctors, you can trust that you’re in capable hands as you work towards healing and regaining your mobility.

References

Veronesi, F., Borsari, V., Contartese, D., Xian, J., Baldini, N., & Fini, M. (2019). The clinical strategies for tendon repair with biomaterials: A review on rotator cuff and Achilles tendons. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 108(5), 1826–1843. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.34525
Sasaki, T., Minamino, K., Nakagawa, Y., & Yamada, H. (2025). Ultrasound-guided percutaneous Achilles tendon repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture: Modified percutaneous Achilles repair system procedure for Achilles tendon repair without a jig. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.77730