New Achilles fix stronger, safer, faster recovery

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WPVI) -- A new surgical technique could change the way doctors deal with Achilles tendon tears.

In the past, a surgical repair took months to heal, and re-tears were common.

That's because sutures used to repair the tendon were knotted together at the tear site.

The new method, developed at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, strengthens the repair by moving the knots away from the injury site.

"Given how strong the repair is and the minimal risk of return, or minimal risk of re-tear, I think it will potentially become the gold standard for repair techniques," says Dr. Timothy Miller, who created the technique.

There's also less time in the O-R, so the cost is lower.

And instead of a 9-month recovery, with the new technique, it's 6 months.

More than 250-thousand Achilles tears happen each year, from elite athletes to weekend warriors.

"Achilles tendon injuries take place very commonly in basketball, particularly as an athlete goes from a running position into a jumping position," says Dr. Miller.

"I heard the pop and then, just, my foot didn't work," recalls extreme athlete Miguel Pineda of his injury.

Clinical trials of the new method are in the final stages.