Information: Surgical Protocol (Achilles Tendon Repair & Rehabilitation)

Achilles Tendon Repair & Rehabilitation

Phase 1 (surgery to 2 weeks after):

Splint/Boot: Locked 20-30 degree plantarflexion for two weeks

Weight-bearing: Touchdown weight-bearing (TDWB) with crutches

Cardiovascular: Upper body circuit training

Patient Precautions:

• Keep elevated
• Keep incision / splint clean and dry.
• DO NOT push through the pain

Progression Criteria:

• Two weeks post-op.
• No wound complications.

Phase II (2-6 weeks after surgery):

Physical therapy appointments begin one to two visits per week.

Goals: Protection of repair and achieve active dorsiflexion (DF) to neutral

Patient Precautions:

• Post-op weeks 2-3: boot at 20 degrees, sleep in boot, TTWB with crutches, no active DF.
  
• Post-op weeks 3-4: boot at 10 degrees, sleep in boot, TTWB with crutches
• Post-op weeks 4-6: if the PT can reach neutral PF/DF comfortably, then neutral boot with small heel lifts, sleep in boot, WBAT (based in pain, swelling and wound) with crutches and boot, active DF to neutral.

Therapeutic Exercises:

• Ankle range of motion (ROM) respecting precautions.
  
• Pain-free isometric ankle inversion, eversion, DF and submaximal PF.
• Open chain hip and core strengthening.
• Cardiovascular upper extremity circuit training.

Progression Criteria:

• Six weeks post-op.
  
• Pain-free active DF to 0 degrees.
• No wound complications. If you have a concern, please consult with Dr. Roe.

Read More: 

Stony Brook Medicine

Read Other Source:

Mass General Brigham

IMPORTANT: Orthopedic Surgeon / Doctor may have a different surgical protocol. The default patient protocol is to follow what doctors recommend as they know all the information of the patient.