Achilles Tendon Repair — PARS Achilles Tendon Repair (Percutaneous)

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & UW Health Sports Medicine Group

Weight-Bearing

NWB x 4 wks; PWB progressing to FWB by wk 6; boot until 9-10 wks (per MD clearance); heel lifts weaned 1 layer/week

Key Restrictions

Boot: 20° PF at wk 2, 10° PF at wk 3, neutral at wk 4 with 2 heel lifts; no ankle DF past neutral until min. 3 months post-op; no running/jumping until Phase V; monitor resting equinus prone to prevent tendon healing "long"

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-6 wks: NWB, boot) -> Phase II (6-12 wks: boot, AAROM to neutral DF, transition out of boot at wks 9-10) -> Phase III (12-18 wks: wean boot, normalize gait, SLS 10 sec) -> Phase IV (18+ wks: all-surface gait, functional movements; MD at 24-28 wks) -> Phase V (after Phase IV: impact + RTS)

Notes

PARS = Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (Arthrex); minimally invasive technique reduces wound-healing complications vs. open repair; monitor resting equinus prone to prevent tendon healing long; RTS: <15% deficit on Biodex, force plate jump, and hop tests; UW Health Sports Medicine, Madison WI

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & UW Health Sports Medicine Group