Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?
Achilles tendon repair surgery involves stitching the torn ends of the tendon back together to restore its function. This procedure is typically recommended for complete tendon ruptures that cannot heal naturally.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the procedure may be performed using:
- Open Surgery: A traditional approach where a larger incision is made to access the tendon.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: A less invasive technique involving smaller incisions to reduce recovery time and scarring.
Located in St John’s Wood (NW8), our hospital provides modern facilities and compassionate care for patients undergoing Achilles tendon repair.
Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we are dedicated to delivering effective treatment for Achilles tendon injuries. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeons tailor the treatment plan to your needs, ensuring a smooth recovery.
Why choose us for Achilles tendon repair surgery?
- Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons: Our consultants are experts in treating tendon injuries with advanced surgical techniques.
- Minimally Invasive Options: When appropriate, we use techniques designed to reduce recovery time and minimise post-surgical discomfort.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Support: We provide a tailored recovery programme to help you regain strength and mobility.
- Convenient Location: Based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you return to your normal activities with confidence and improved mobility.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation to discuss your goals and determine your suitability for primary repair of the Achilles tendon.
Personalised Treatment Plan
A tailored treatment plan will be developed based on your consultation, outlining the specifics of your procedure and recovery plan.
Pre-Procedure Assessment
A thorough pre-procedure assessment ensures you are fit for surgery, involving necessary tests to uphold the highest standards of care and safety.
The Procedure
Performed by our skilled medical team, the surgery will focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for your Achilles tendon rupture. The procedure may involve the use of the flexor hallucis longus in surgical treatment for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. The procedure is designed to be safe and effective, providing long-term relief from pain and discomfort.
Aftercare and Recovery
Post-procedure, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions and have follow-up appointments to support your recovery and ensure the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
Achilles tendon repair surgery typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the injury and the surgical technique used.
Recovery involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual weight-bearing. Most patients can resume light activities within 6 to 12 weeks, with full recovery often taking 6 to 12 months.
Achilles tendon repair surgery is carried out under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the operation. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling and soreness, which can be alleviated with prescribed medication and proper rest.
Options include general anaesthesia (where you are asleep) or regional anaesthesia (which numbs the lower leg while you stay awake). Your surgical team will discuss the best option for your specific case.
Recovery involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual weight-bearing. Most patients can resume light activities within 6 to 12 weeks, with full recovery often taking 6 to 12 months.
Recovery involves regular follow-up visits to assess progress, particularly with ankle plantar flexion, to ensure proper healing. Physical therapy will help rebuild strength, flexibility, and range of motion over several weeks, supporting your full recovery and return to normal activities.
Surgery is typically recommended for complete Achilles tendon ruptures or severe tears that cannot heal properly with non-surgical methods such as bracing or physiotherapy.
Before your surgery, you’ll have a consultation with one of our expert orthopaedic surgeons to review your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments. A comprehensive health assessment, including blood tests, imaging (like ultrasound or MRI scans), and a review of medications, will help ensure you’re fit for surgery. Pre-procedure instructions will include advice on medication adjustments, fasting, and lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking.
Achilles tendon repair surgery typically involves making an incision at the back of your ankle. Minimally invasive techniques may be used for quicker recovery and a lower risk of re-rupture. The surgeon will stitch the tendon back together, and in some cases, a graft may be used. For more extensive damage, tendon transfer may be recommended to reinforce the repair.
Post-surgery, you’ll be closely monitored in a recovery area. Our team will manage your pain and monitor your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, and pain management will be provided. You’ll need to follow strict care instructions to prevent infection and complications like deep vein thrombosis. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing, and physical therapy will play an essential role in your rehabilitation.