Tendon Repair — Achilles Tendon Repair

University Orthopedics (Brown University) · University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division

Weight-Bearing

NWB in splint x 10 days; cam walker with heel lift then gradual WB progression; FWB when gait WNL (~Phase IV, 4-6 wks)

Key Restrictions

NWB x 10 days; no active PF until Phase V (6-8 wks); heel lift weaned: ½ inch → ¼ inch → none; no contact sports until 6 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (1-10 days): NWB, splint; Phase II (10-21 days): cam walker ½ inch heel lift, no PF; Phase III (3-4 wks): cam walker ¼ inch heel lift, WBAT; Phase IV (4-6 wks): cam walker no lift, FWB; Phase V (6-8 wks): taper cam walker, add PF; Phase VI (8-12 wks): ankle brace, walk 2 miles; Phase VII (3-4 months): D/C brace, run 2 miles; Phase VIII (4-6 months): return to all activities

Notes

No contact sports until 6 months; heel lift progressively weaned over first 6 weeks; PF exercises not initiated until 6 weeks post-op

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division