The Arthrex SpeedBridge method for repairing Achilles tendon ruptures has garnered significant attention lately. Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon during the first game of the season and has already impressed the media by lightly standing and throwing a ball during warm-ups after undergoing the procedure. Recently, Kirk Cousins also underwent a procedure to address his torn Achilles, which we assume was the Arthrex SpeedBridge technique. So, why is this technique becoming the primary choice for Achilles tendon repairs in athletes? Dr. Silverman sheds light on the benefits of minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair in today’s blog.
How Arthrex SpeedBridge Achilles Repair Is Performed
Arthrex SpeedBridge Achilles tendon repair involves the hardware used during the operation. Dr. Silverman has performed Achilles tendon repairs using both Arthrex SpeedBridge and Stryker products, achieving great results with both. Let’s take a closer look at a video explaining how the Arthrex SpeedBridge Achilles tendon repair procedure is performed.
Why Athletes Choose Arthrex SpeedBridge
So, why has the SpeedBridge technique become so popular among athletes in recent years? To start, it helps many athletes reduce their recovery time by weeks and even months. While we don’t expect to see Aaron Rodgers back with the Jets this season, we do anticipate both Rodgers and Cousins being available for most of the offseason. They should certainly be able to perform at a high level during organized team activities and training camp if they wish.
But why does the SpeedBridge technique get athletes back on the field faster than traditional Achilles tendon repair? Dr. Silverman has outlined a few reasons why minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair using Arthrex or Stryker hardware expedites athletes’ return to the field:
Small Incision: The incision site is small, meaning less time is required for healing and closure.
Less Blood Supply Disruption: Minimally invasive techniques result in less disruption to the blood supply to the tendon, ensuring the area has access to healthy blood to aid in the recovery and repair process.
Tendon Anchoring: With the SpeedBridge technique, the Achilles tendon is anchored directly to the heel bone without overloading it, ensuring that tension is in the sutures that go to the heel, rather than in the tendon itself.
Less Calf Muscle Atrophy: For all the reasons mentioned above, patients have more use of their lower leg during the early stages of recovery. Earlier weight bearing prevents muscle atrophy in the calf, which could otherwise prolong recovery.