Ripped Achilles tendon: Surgery or leg cast?

November 24, 2008 | 09:26 pm By: EDGAR MICHAEL TIU EUFEMIO, M.D.
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Dear Doc, my boss ripped his Achilles Tendon while we were playing badminton. His Ortho recommended surgery. Still, another advised a leg cast. What should he do?
Lawrence De Leon, Marketing Officer, 24 yrs old

Both of them are right; long-term results for both methods are good.  The choice of what to do is one made by both the doctor and patient together.  Surgery will result in a more perfect re-attachment, less scar formation within the tendon and, oftentimes, a quicker return to sports.  You’ll probably end up with a stronger and more flexible tendon, too.  The differences are small … but are they small enough for you?  You do subject yourself to the risks associated with surgery (problems with anesthesia, infection, etc.).  The risks are small… but are they small enough for you?  In general, I recommend surgery for the competitive athlete and casting for everyone else.  I figure your boss is a competitive non-athlete.  And I bet you gave him the drop shot.
 

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