Achillies tendon aug 2017

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Podiatric Surgery

Achilles Tendon Surgery Introduction

This leaflet will explain what will happen when you come to the hospital for Achilles tendon surgery. Why do I need this surgery? Surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon is normally recommended where the calf muscles have become too tight, putting too much tension on the foot. This is usually part of surgery to correct a flat foot deformity. Surgery is also recommended when you have damaged the tendon, either by tearing or because the tendon itself has become scarred by chronic irritation. The individual circumstances will have been discussed with you prior to surgery.

What does surgery involve? On the day of surgery you will be admitted to the ward and one of the nursing staff will check you in, take your blood pressure and perform any other tests that may be required. Your surgeon will remind you of the surgical process and possible complications and will ask you to sign a consent form. At some point during the morning/afternoon you will be escorted to theatre. The operation will be performed under local anaesthetic: you will be awake but the foot will be numbed via a series of injections either around the ankle or an injection in the back of your knee, which most patients find comfortable. You can therefore have a light snack before the procedure. This type of anaesthetic can take 24-36 hours to wear off, during which time you will also lose the ability to move your leg voluntarily. This provides a considerable advantage in that you need far fewer painkillers. Once your anaesthetic has been achieved, you will still be able to go to the bathroom but you must ask the nursing staff for assistance. The effects of the anaesthetic can come on surprisingly quickly and you could easily fall over.

Day vice

The operation takes about 60 minutes, after which you will be placed into a leg cast: initially plaster of Paris, and a few weeks later into an acrylic cast. This will allow the tendon to heal. After the operation you will be taken back to the ward and given a drink and something to eat. You will be advised on pain killers and once ready, you will be discharged from the day surgery unit. You will be given a post-operative boot. You must be driven home and have a carer for 48 hours. You will be advised of your follow-up appointment date, either on the day or by letter in the post.

How will I feel afterwards? Although long-acting local anaesthetic administered during the procedure should control most of the pain for about eight to 10 hours, you can expect some pain or discomfort after the operation. Painkillers will be discussed with you prior to your operation and you should bring these with you on the day of surgery.

1 PFS-2390-1730-01


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