An Achilles rupture is when the strongest tendon in the body snaps — usually during a sudden push-off in sport. The tendon ends pull apart and stop talking to each other. Surgery brings them back together so they can heal in continuity at the right length and tension. The two main approaches are open repair (one larger incision, secure fixation of the tendon ends with strong sutures) and percutaneous or minimally invasive repair (a series of small cuts, dedicated jigs to pass sutures across the rupture, no full wound to heal). Both work for most patients. The decision rests on the location and pattern of the tear, the quality of the tendon ends, your skin condition, and what you need the tendon to do afterwards. Conservative care in a functional bracing protocol remains a perfectly valid choice for the right patient — Professor Heidari talks both options through honestly before either is committed to. Whichever route is chosen, the aim is to restore the tendon to its natural length and tension: repaired a little too long it stays weak and the calf never regains full power, while repaired too tight it is stiff and uncomfortable. Modern fixation and early functional rehabilitation have transformed recovery — most patients move from plaster into a walking boot within days and build load gradually over the months that follow. The great majority return to their previous activities, sport included, though the timeline is measured in months and depends on the demands you place on the tendon.