Master’s Surgical Technique

Achilles Lengthening
Sean A. Tabaie, MD1 and Anthony J. Videckis, BS2

Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC; 2Georgetown
1

University School of Medicine, Washington, DC

Abstract:
An equinus or plantarflexed positioning of the calcaneus relative to the tibia often results in shortening of the Achilles
tendon, gastrocsoleus complex, or both. This may result in a number of patient symptoms including abnormal gait,
pain with weight-bearing, toe walking, plantar forefoot callosities, and inability to properly fit into orthoses. When
properly indicated, operative Achilles lengthening corrects fixed ankle equinus that exists with the knee flexed as well
as extended. The ultimate goal is to improve ankle dorsiflexion, ideally to 10 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion past neutral
with the knee flexed and 5 degrees with the knee fully extended. In this article, we discuss the clinical decision-mak-
ing, various surgical techniques, and postoperative protocol of Achilles lengthening.

Key Concepts:
• Before proceeding with an Achilles lengthening, determine whether fixed ankle equinus exists with both the knee
flexed as well as extended (negative Silfverskiold test).
• All associated joint contractures should be addressed in conjunction with an Achilles lengthening to achieve opti-
mal results.
• It is important to prevent overlengthening of the Achilles tendon by repairing the tendon in adequate tension or
with the ankle in neutral dorsiflexion.
• To prevent wound healing complications, the paratenon should not be dissected free from the overlying subcuta-
neous tissues posteriorly.

Introduction
An equinus deformity can be either congenital or ac- Operative Achilles lengthening is to address fixed ankle
quired and can be dynamic or fixed. Unlike a dynamic equinus that exists with the knee flexed as well as ex-
deformity, a fixed deformity does not correct with pas- tended which also interferes with normal gait. It is im-
sive manipulation.1 The shortening of the Achilles ten- portant to understand that surgical management of fixed
don and/or gastrocsoleus complex arises from an equi- ankle equinus in only knee extension that resolves with
nus or plantarflexed positioning of the calcaneus relative knee flexion (positive Silfverskiold test) should consist
to the tibia.2 Clinical conditions that often necessitate the of surgery to the gastrocnemius fascia alone.3 The ulti-
need for Achilles lengthening include pain with weight- mate goal is to improve ankle dorsiflexion, ideally to 10
bearing, toe walking, plantar forefoot callosities, inabil- degrees of ankle dorsiflexion past neutral with the knee
ity to properly fit into orthoses, and/or midfoot pain. flexed and 5 degrees with the knee fully extended.4

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Description of the Method Preoperative Preparation

In preparation to performing an Achilles lengthening for
Indications
an equinus deformity, a thorough history and physical
Achilles lengthening is indicated in children with an an- examination is very important. On a patient history, it is
kle equinus deformity that is present on physical exami- important to inquire about birth history to look for fac-
nation both statically and dynamically. The contracture tors that could have contributed to a brain injury leading
should be recalcitrant to nonoperative management such to cerebral palsy. Family history should also be consid-
as night splints, physical therapy, chemodenervation in ered to reveal any correlation of the equinus deformity
certain neuromuscular populations, and serial stretch with a heritable neuromuscular disease or idiopathic toe
casting.5 In most younger children with equinus posi- walking. Additionally, inquiries should be made about
tioning during gait, an Achilles lengthening is often not post-traumatic development of the equinus deformity
needed as the soleus is not contracted and surgical inter- following injury.
vention with a gastrocnemius recession is more appro-
priate. The Silfverskiold test is used to adequately assess The physical examination should include a complete in-
whether the ankle contracture is the result of a tight spection of the entire lower extremities to assess for as-
Achilles tendon (negative test) or gastrocnemius tight- sociated deformities of the hip, knee, and foot. It is rec-
ness (positive test). The test is performed with the pa- ommended to perform the examination both supine and
tient supine and by dorsiflexing the foot in a manner that prone on a firm surface in order to obtain an accurate
prevents midfoot breech which can minimize the degree measurement of the ankle range of motion. Testing the
of triceps surae contracture. The physician can either su- alignment and passive range of motion of the proximal
pinate the forefoot or use one hand to stabilize the talo- joints should be performed as equinus may be a func-
navicular joint and forefoot while the other hand neutral- tional compensation for coexistent contractures. As men-
izes the subtalar joint (thus minimizing forefoot break). tioned earlier, the Silfverskiold test is the key diagnostic
With the subtalar joint in neutral and the knee fully ex- test to determine if the ankle contracture is due to a fixed
tended, the foot is dorsiflexed and forefoot is supinated. Achilles versus gastrocnemius contracture.6 This test
The dorsiflexion is recorded, and the test is repeated should be performed during the initial physical examina-
with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. A negative Silfver- tion and preoperatively. A neurologic exam is also nec-
skiold test occurs when the ankle cannot be dorsiflexed essary to evaluate for spasticity and tone leading to con-
to neutral with the knee flexed and the hindfoot in- tracture. If not properly addressed, these factors would
verted.6 This indicates an Achilles tendon contracture ra- ultimately affect the long-term surgical outcomes. In am-
ther than gastrocnemius tightness. bulatory patients, the final component of the physical
exam should be an observational gait analysis. It is im-
Contraindications portant to evaluate for sagittal plane abnormalities such
as crouched gait or a stiff knee gait.
A true surgical contraindication to performing an Achil-
les lengthening is in the presence of a Silfverskiold test Prior to performing an Achilles lengthening, radio-
demonstrating the ability to dorsiflex the ankle past neu- graphic images can be useful for patients who have a
tral with the knee flexed.6 In that setting an Achilles history of skeletal dysplasia, prior trauma, unknown syn-
lengthening will result is overlengthening of the tendon drome, prior clubfoot surgery, or could have bony causes
and can be detrimental to the patient’s gait and function to restrict ankle dorsiflexion. An achilles lengthening
as a result of poor power in toe off and risk of crouching will be ineffective in improving dorsiflexion if the talus
in midstance. cannot rotate in the mortice as a result of being flat or

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with talar neck impingement. Anteroposterior (AP) and

lateral weight-bearing radiographs can be obtained and
analyzed. An ankle with an equinus deformity will have
a decreased lateral tibiocalcanel angle; a normal value
can range from 25–60 degrees. Radiographs can also Figure 1. Talar sphericity patterns: (A) normal, enabling good
show other abnormal osseous characteristics such as a mobility of the joint, (B) slightly flattened, (C) greatly altered
or flat.7
flattened talar dome, anterior talar neck, and anterior dis-
tal tibia osteophytes (Figures 1, 2).

Once surgical intervention is decided, it is imperative to

evaluate the integrity of the overlying skin to prevent the
development of soft tissue complications. If one antici-
pates soft tissue issues, then staged surgery or staged
casting in the postoperative period should be initiated.

Positioning
The patient can be positioned with a non-sterile thigh
tourniquet either supine or prone, and this should be
based primarily on the surgeon’s preference. The supine
positioning is ideal if an isolated Achilles lengthening or
gastrocnemius recession is performed. The prone posi-
tion does offer better direct exposure to the Achilles ten-
don and adjacent capsular structures; however, careful
padding of the bony prominences is required.

Operative Technique
Figure 2. Ankle Joint–Lateral view: (A) grade 0 normal, (B)
Achilles lengthening can be performed using an open grade 1 anterior tibial osteophyte, (C) grade 3 anterior tibial
or percutaneous approach.9,10 When an Achilles length- osteophyte, (D) grade 3 anterior tibial osteophyte.8
ening is indicated for severe equinus, we recommend approximately 6 centimeters in length. Begin just proxi-
an open approach. In these cases, a percutaneous tech- mal to the calcaneal insertion and continue proximally to
nique often doesn’t result in adequate correction and the proximal extent of the tendon. Continue the dissection
can lead to scar formation making a subsequent proce- through the subcutaneous tissue in line with the incision
dure more challenging. After the tendon is exposed, ei- until the paratenon is identified. Incise the paratenon and
ther an open sliding lengthening or z-lengthening tech- expose the Achilles tendon. A longitudinal incision along
nique can be performed.9,10 For patients with mild to the anteromedial border of the Achilles tendon is recom-
moderate Achilles contractures, a sliding lengthening is mended to decrease postoperative complications.11,12
appropriate.9,10 In Achilles contractures with greater
than 20 degrees plantarflexion deformity, it is preferred With the tendon tensioned by passive dorsiflexion of the
to utilize a z-lengthening technique to adequately ad- ankle, complete two cuts exposing the distal, anterior
dress the deformity.11,12 two-thirds of the tendon fibers and preserving the poste-
rior third of the tendon fibers. This is performed by com-
The following steps are carried out for the open sliding pleting a 4- to 6-centimeter longitudinal cut proximally
technique. First, perform a posteromedial skin incision and then turning the scissors laterally and performing a
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lateral ½ cut of the tendon.6 At the proximal portion of Figure 4. Posterior view of the Achilles
the exposure, progressively divide the medial half of the tendon demonstrating the open z-lengthen-
ing. The medial half of the tendon fibers
tendon and maintain pressure until a definite yield point are released from the calcaneus and the
is reached. The medial fibers will slide laterally, and a free end is elevated. The lateral half of the
lengthening in continuity will be affected. There should tendon is divided approximately 5 to 6 cen-
timeters proximal to the distal cut.
be a thinned-out portion of the tendon distally and a Absorbable sutures are used for the repair.
square medial gap at the proximal extent of the tendon.
Dorsiflex the ankle to 5–10 degrees past neutral with the
knee extended/hindfoot inverted, and the tendon will
slide over one another yet remain intact (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Posterior view of the

Achilles tendon demonstrating the
sliding technique which can be
achieved via an open or percuta-
neous approach. The tendon
halves begin to slide past each
other as the ankle is dorsiflexed
(black arrows). Ten degrees of an-
kle dorsiflexion past neutral with
the knee flexed and 5 degrees with
the knee fully extended is the goal.
Reinforcing sutures can be used
but are not often necessary. This
image appears similarly to a two Figure 5. Modified Kessler for an end-to-end repair.
cut Hoke lengthening.
Tips and Pearls
The following steps are carried out for an Achilles z-
lengthening once the tendon has been exposed through Even with thorough preoperative planning, issues may arise
the posteromedial approach as described above. First, in the operating room. The following tips will help mini-
align a surgical blade longitudinally with the tendon fi- mize any additional difficulties that may be encountered.
bers in the mid-portion of the tendon and split the tendon
1) Verify the physical exam intraoperatively when the
in half. Carry this longitudinal split distally to the calca-
patient is asleep and relaxed. Repeat the Silfverskiold
neal insertion of the tendon. Rotate the blade medially
test. Patients with a positive Silfverskiold test in-
and then transversely transect the medial portion of the
traoperatively should not be treated with an Achilles
tendon. Return to the original starting midpoint and
lengthening.
carry this longitudinal split proximally until an adequate
portion of the tendon is involved. This allows for desired 2) Address all associated joint contractures in conjunc-
lengthening and tendon overlap. Direct the blade later- tion with an Achilles lengthening to achieve optimal
ally at the proximal extent, and the tendon is transected results. Severe ankle equinus deformities can require
transversely. The entire tendon is now divided in a z- release of the tibiotalar and subtalar joint capsules
fashion (Figure 4). and/or lengthening of the adjacent tendons.

Once the tendon has been divided, dorsiflex the ankle to 3) Ensure proper patient positioning prior to draping the
neutral with the knee extended. Under moderate tension, patient. In the supine position, a contralateral small
reapproximate the tendon with braided non-absorbable hip bump can improve exposure to the anteromedial
suture via a side-to-side or end-to-end repair (Figure 5). border of the Achilles tendon.

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4) Maintain the integrity of the paratenon to facilitate correction and can lead to scar formation making a sub-
repair. sequent procedure more challenging.

5) Maintain attachments of the paratenon to the subcuta- Postoperatively, reoccurrence of the contracture is com-
neous fat to preserve blood supply of the surrounding mon. Multiple randomized controlled trials show Achil-
tissues. les tendon contracture reoccurrence ranging between
9.1% and 21.2% in spastic hemiplegic and diplegic chil-
6) Use a new surgical blade when starting the cuts
dren with cerebral palsy.13,14,15 In order to reduce risk of
within the tendon. A dull blade can make things diffi-
recurrence, one should consider nonoperative methods of
cult.
treatment (PT, serial casting, ankle-foot orthotic (AFO)
7) In the sliding technique, slowly dorsiflex the ankle to use, and occasional botulinum toxin injection) for
the desired correction and maintain that position younger children (less than 7–8 years of age). After sur-
while closing the wound to allow for even distribu- gery, recurrence can be minimized by casting for the ini-
tion of the tension to the surrounding soft tissues. tial postoperative period then transitioning to an AFO for
at least a year and often until a child is done growing and
8) In the z-lengthening technique, repair the tendon with
dependent on etiology.
the ankle in neutral dorsiflexion and under moderate
tension to avoid overlengthening. Postoperative Care
9) Apply a short leg cast with the ankle in neutral dorsi- Prior to reversal of anesthesia, apply a short leg cast in-
flexion. This can be made easier by flexing the knee traoperatively by placing the ankle in neutral dorsiflex-
and having an assistant hold the ankle and subtalar ion with the foot plantigrade. If a large equinus deform-
joints in neutral. ity is corrected and the skin blanches, then the initial cast
should place the ankle in slight plantarflexion to mini-
What to Avoid
mize wound healing issues.
In a patient with the appropriate indications, an Achilles
lengthening can greatly improve gait and overall func- Six weeks of casting postoperatively is recommended
tion; however, if incorrectly utilized, it can lead to a cal- with a cast change completed between 10 to 14 days for
caneal gait pattern and subsequent development of those legs casted short of full dorsiflexion. If residual con-
crouched gait. It is important to understand the underly- tracture remains, then weekly cast changes may be per-
ing etiology of the Achilles contracture. Treatment can formed. The patient may weight bear as tolerated, and the
vastly differ in an idiopathic toe walker versus a patient cast can be reinforced, or a cast shoe may be provided.
with cerebral palsy who may have tight hamstrings that During the cast process, the patient should be molded for
if not also treated can lead to iatrogenic couch gait. an AFO. A transition to the AFO should be completed at
Before operating, identify all other proximal and distal the end of the 6 weeks. Additionally, the patient should
soft tissue contractures or skeletal malalignments and be start a course of physical therapy to assist with strength-
able to distinguish between true equinus versus apparent ening and gait training.
equinus. Properly perform the Silfverskiold test both
preoperatively and intraoperatively when the patient is Complications
asleep to ensure an Achilles lengthening is needed so Overlengthening of the tendon is the most common com-
overlengthening of the tendon is prevented. When an plication. This is often due to inappropriately performing
Achilles lengthening is needed, use an open approach as an Achilles lengthening before exhausting nonoperative
percutaneous techniques often don’t give enough modalities and not choosing a less aggressive method of

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Volume 3, Number 3, August 2021

addressing the contracture, such as with a gastrocnemius References

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Additional Links WJ, Park MS. Recurrence of equinus foot deformity after tendo-
• AAOS Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair: achilles lengthening in patients with cerebral palsy. J Pediatr Orthop
https://www.aaos.org/videos/video-detail- 2015;35(4):419-25.
page/20275__Videos 14. Ahmed G, Muhammad A, Syed, Tago, Imtiaz. Outcome of Z-
Plasty Lengthening of Achilles Tendon for Correction of Equinus
• AAOS Minimally-Invasive Surgical Repair for Deformity of Foot in Children with Cerebral Palsy. (2013).
Achilles Tendon Rupture: 15. Khatri, K., Akhund, M., Shah, N., Jhatiyal, R., Jokhio, M., &
https://www.aaos.org/videos/video-detail- Tunio, Z. (2020). Results of Achilles Tendon Lengthening Using Z-
page/18309__Videos Plasty in Equinus Feet. PJMHS,14(3):1463–1464.

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