The Mercy method: 8 weeks to full recovery?
I found this information on the website for The Institute for Foot & Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy.
What I found most interesting was their contempt for the 8 inch scar method of surgery most of us have had, and their accelerated recovery regimen. What do you think - is this the future of achilles repair?
Here is an excerpt:
“Fortunately, now there is a new, unique method available for operating on and repairing the tendon. This new method requires only a tiny incision of one to two centimeters in length. This is far more accurate surgery. Recovery after this procedure is easier and the surgical complication rate is extremely low.
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Note the absence of scars in this patient. The stitches were inserted through tiny punctures in the skin, The patient is standing on tip toes three months following her surgery, and has begun a training program to resume ball sports |
Rehabilitation after Achilles tendon surgery
Following the tendon repair no walking on the foot is permitted for ten days. Then walking is begun in a removable boot. There were some treatments used many years ago that relied upon a leg cast. This led to tremendous weakness and atrophy of muscle that was often permanent. Approximately fifteen years ago, with a treatment pioneered by Dr. Myerson, the recovery after surgery for repairing the Achilles tendon changed dramatically, leading to maximum restoration of tendon healing and rapid return of strength. Instead of a cast, a removable boot is worn and instead of using crutches, walking is commenced very rapidly after surgery.
Therapy and exercises are begun soon after surgery. This therapy process is critical in the recovery after tendon rupture, and without a carefully monitored program, full recovery is never possible. This treatment has made a huge difference in the recovery process for both recreational and professional athletes.
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The rupture of the Achilles tendon here was treated with a short incision and this patient is able to stand on tip toes at 8 weeks after surgery. Rehabilitation with exercise is very important early on after surgery to maximize strength. |
Full link: http://www.mdmercy.com/footandankle/conditions/achilles_tendon_probs/acute_achl_tendonrupture.html#pagetop
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This is a tricky one? Do not think I would be happy with the Mercy method, would always be unsure how well the repair was done. and….. at least if you have a lovely scar you will get a little sympathy from people.
God forbid it ever happens again to me I would go down the same route.
Annie
Withnail,
Yeah, I read this site before I found this blog. And it’s not as totally out-there as it might sound. They don’t actually say that you’ll be cured at 8 weeks… and actually, using both legs, I’m sure some of the people on the blog with standard surgery were able to do a two legged standing calf raise by 8 weeks. I think some over-eager English major got carried away with the superlatives when they wrote on “The Mercy Method.” I’m unconvinced. You snap the strongest tendon in your body, you take a long time to recover. Period.
I would like to know what professionl athletes have had this procedure done?
This is the procedure I had here in Zurich, Switzerland. It was actually developed in Lausanne, Switzerland and (from what I know) Mercy Hospital has taken a lead in the approach on the East Coast of the United States.
It is the surgery that a lot of professional athletes have and the infection / re-repture rate is statistically much lower. Here is more about it:
http://www.tellusortopedia.com.br/newdeal/n2.pdf
So far I am happy with the procedure but I do not have anything to compare it to!
Thank goodness.
I should also say…I will still be in PT and with the boot at 8 weeks….so this is not a magical approach….just a different approach…
I am just over 9 weeks out and I didnt have this surgery, but I was put in boot right away. I was doing calf raises and could stand on tip toes at about 8 weeks. I think the big deal is not having the cast. I was put in boot right away, which allowed me to take it off and go to therapy within 3 weeks of surgery.
Looks interesting. I hope they continue to try and find ways to make the surgery more effective.
Dr. Theodore teaches the usual method at Harvard Med. He cuts you open, peals back the skin and reconnects every ruptured strand, one by one. His protocol is rather conservative and he told me not one of his patients have suffered a re-rupture. He is the Foot/Ankle doc for the Patriots and Red Sox. He told me that the fastest a major league baseball player has returned to the field was 8 months, and that was renown fitness freak Gabe Kapler. 8 months! What a long road we have!
My doc also does the long cut and when I asked about it he said he feels it allows a better repair. I still have my doubts about being stuck in the cast as long as it sounds like I will be, so I hope to learn more in the next few weeks to be better informed in this process. Thanks for posting this.
Hey there! A friend of mine had this surgery. I was all for the littlel scar, but when I asked my ortho, he said that it’s better…more of a guarantee of fixing it with the long ass scar. Funny because when I went in, I was like ordering at a restaurant, “I’ll have the 2 inch scar please.” Well, nope…got the big scar instead.