Can I Get Calf Implants If I Have Had A Prior Achilles Rupture?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am seeking a consultation regarding calf implants. My legs were always thin but following an Achilles rupture my left ower leg is significantly disproportionate and I cannot seem to rebuild the muscle despite years of training. My left is roughly 12.5” and my right is roughly 13.5”.Thanks!

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. Despite the asymmetry you have very thin lower legs and they are so thin that I initially thought you might have had congenital clubfoot. The first key question is whether the goal is to have the smaller calf match the larger calf or to enlarge both calfs.  For now I will assume it is the latter. Your calfs are so small that I don’t think you can successfully have implants placed under the muscle fascia in the traditional location. Your calf muscles are very small and tight and not much of an implant could be placed under them. You would have to have subcutaneous implants which need to be different sizes due to your asymmetry. These needs require custom calf implant designs.

Dr. Barry Eppley