1. Community
  2. Injury and accidents
  3. Tendon Problems

Achilles full rupture 2 weeks in and only just had ultrasound and confirmed 3 cm gap between tendon

Posted , 5 users are following.

robhut
robhut

Hi,

Last night I finally got and ultrasound for my Achilles rupture 15 days after the injury occuring. During the ultrasound it was confirmed that I have a full rupture with a 3 cm gap between the tendons so the boot I have been given is doing nothing to help repair. I have an appointment today after chasing the hospital to be seen but does anyone know what options I may have? Is surgery going to be required? Or can I still opt for non surgery given the gap between the tendon?

Thanks,

Rob

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Cheema
    Cheema robhut

    Posted

    Surgery is your only option. Boot is there so the gap won’t get any bigger. 

    They might have to do tendon lengthening to close that gap. 

    This had happened to me back in April and I’m still going through. Find yourself good doctor. Don’t rush after the surgery, give yourself some time. Good luck. 

    • robhut
      robhut Cheema

      Posted

      Hi,

      Thanks for sharing your experience. I am on my way to the hospital now to see what options I have. Assuming surgery will be the only one. My concern is the amount of time since injury to now being 2 weeks. From readings I have done, seems surgery is most successful if performed with 2-5 days of injury. Also, unfortunately, I am self employed so the option to not rush back is not an option for me. sad

    • Cheema
      Cheema robhut

      Posted

      My first surgery was done 3 weeks after the injury. I say get it done ASAP. 
    • robhut
      robhut Cheema

      Posted

      So, saw the specialist today and he is confident that surgery is not required at this moment. He wants me to stick with the boot for 4 weeks. From my scan there is a clear clot between the tendon and this will aid the healing process. So, I am just going to have to see this out for another 4 weeks and hope healing occurs naturally.
  • Kls0420
    Kls0420 robhut

    Posted

    Hi Rob! I ruptured both of my Achilles tendons. I've had surgery on each one 5 weeks apart. I was told u have to have surgery to repair a total rupture. I don't regret having the surgeries. But the healing process is very long! I was walking flat footed and my calves were very week. I also had to have a tendon transplant. So hopefully you're doctor will get it figured out before you have to much scar build up.

    • robhut
      robhut Kls0420

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. Hoping for a positive outcome from Doctor today but feeling anxious about surgery but if this is the only option then so be it. Wondering on success rates given 2 weeks since injury occurred..
  • Mand43pink
    Mand43pink robhut

    Posted

    Omg that's awful you must have been in terrible pain my rupture was identified immediately the day I did it I was told that it needed surgery within 7 days to repair it. I still can't believe it wasn't discovered. It maybe too late for surgery however I have read some where that artificial tendons have been used before. Hope you get sorted out real soon x

  • Tecka
    Tecka robhut

    Posted

    Hi Rob,

    i totally snapped my Achillies 5 days ago and am in the “discovery phase”. Unlike in America, it is standard procedure here in New Xealand to put you straight into a cast with no surgery, irrespective of the gap in the tendon. They don’t even bother taking an ultrasound. It has now been established that the end result is the same this way, but the possible complications of surgery are sidestepped. 

    I would tend to to trust your specialist on this, and do not panic. I am 71 years old and obviously atrophy to my tendon has occurred. It is likely to take me longer to recover than you younger people, but that is the way the cookie crumbles. 

    I am sure that the tendon will join up eventually. Sure, it is possible that it may then be a little longer than original, but I suspect that it would then shrink with lack of extension.

    Settle in for the long ride and relax.

    Cheers

    Bruce.

     

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.