Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping

What Are Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping?

Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping are procedures in which the Achilles tendon is stripped and plantaris tendon is divided. This procedure is also known as Brisement. 

The main aim of these procedures is to reduce inflammation and pain of an inflamed Achilles tendon and thus improve the function of the foot. 

The procedures can be done together or individually, depending upon the severity of pain and inflammation on a case by case basis.

What Conditions Does Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping Help?

Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping helps in cases of chronic Achilles Tendinopathy.

Why Are Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping Required?

These procedures are required when the inflammation and pain caused by the chronic Achilles Tendinopathy are unresponsive to conservative treatment options, thus requiring surgical intervention to provide relief to the patient.

Who Is Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping Suitable for?

Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping surgery are suitable for nearly all individuals. 

However, people who are suffering from a lung or a heart condition or chronic disease such as diabetes are evaluated on a case by case basis before being 
considered eligible for this procedure.

Treatment Process

Preparation for Surgery

  • Requires preoperative medical evaluation consisting of a complete patient history and physical examination to determine suitability for the procedure, which may also include lab tests and X-Ray imaging. 
  • Adequate counsel is needed to ensure that the informed consent obtained is fully understood.
  • Provide a complete list of your medications so you can be advises which to stopped prior to surgery,
  • Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
  • Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) at least seven days before the procedure.
  • Stop or cut down smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery
  • Consider losing weight (if overweight) before surgery

Day of Surgery

  • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
  • Do not consume alcohol - 24 hours prior to treatment,
  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery,

During Surgery

  • For Paratenon Stripping:
    • The patient is asked to lie on their belly,
    • A needle is inserted in the space between the tendon and its sheath,
    • A small amount of fluid is injected to breakup any inflammation, and
    • An adhesive bandage completes the procedure.
  • For Plantaris Stripping:
    • The patient is made comfortable,
    • A 4.5 cm is incision is made along the plantaris tendon, 
    • The tendon is resected and stripped, and
    • Followed by suturing and appropriate dressing of the wound.

After Surgery

  • Do not consume large amounts of alcohol after surgery,
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise until advised,
  • Follow the Post Surgery Treatment Plan proscribed by the surgeon and post op care specialists.
  • Any questions or complications should be communicated directly to the surgeon

Common Questions

If you have a specific question about your treatment, we recommend contacting the practice.
  • Hospital Discharge?

    The patient is then discharged from the hospital in a day or two after the procedure. 


    Patients are advised on the steps to keep the wound dry and clean and on scar management.


    The patient is advised to maintain a strict elevation of the joint for ten days. 

    • arrange help to assist with chores, and
    • avoid putting any weight on the joint, with the help of crutches and walkers. 
  • Recovery After Paratenon and Plantaris Stripping?

    Even minor injuries can have a prolonged recovery period. 


    Patients are normally immobilised in a below-knee cast or boot for 6 weeks.


    Other conditions include:

    • no weight-bearing during this time, and 
    • often a further 4-6 weeks in a boot is required once walking is started. 

    Return to maximum function often takes up to one year after the injury.

  • Wound Management?

    At the time of discharge patients are advised on:

    • The necessary steps to keep the wound dry,
    • Wound care and Cleaning, and 
    • On scar management. precautions.
  • What if I Am Pregnant?

    It is not recommend surgery while pregnant, as the risks are uncertain due to the lack of information available about the effect on the fetus. 


    For more information please call us on and request to speak with one of our medically-trained registered doctor or nurse.

  • Post Surgery Treatment Program

    The patient is able to walk immediately after the surgery with minimal pain. 


    The doctor may prescribe pain medications if the pain persists longer than usual.

  • Possible Risks or Side Effects?

    The procedure carries all the risks associated with surgery, such as 

    • infection, 
    • bleeding and 
    • a severe allergic reaction to anesthesia. 

    Redness and bruising at the site of injection may be seen which should resolve over time. 


    There is also a risk of nerve injury or chronic pain due to nerve entrapment and delayed healing of the wound.

  • Possible Complications of Surgery?

    If this condition or injury is missed or untreated can result in the collapse of the arch of the midfoot with significant pain, and the development of arthritis. 


    When surgery is performed, risks include damage to the structures around the top of the foot (nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles), as well as a risk of wound infection or breakdown.


    It is common to sustain cartilage damage at the joint surfaces during the initial injury, and some people develop midfoot arthritis and ongoing pain down the track. 


    Some patients require further surgery to fuse the midfoot joints to relieve arthritis pain.

  • Do You Offer Discounts?

    Due to strict regulations set by the Australian Medical Board it is against the law to offer surgical inducements. 


    Discounted treatments should raise alarm bells when you are choosing which specialist to trust your treatment to. 


    The surgeon's skill is more important than price. Effective surgery will maximise your health outcome.