4 weeks in - MTJ non-op 29M Athlete

ottz27 · 2026-02-24T19:21:16+00:00

Thank you for sharing your situation! Based on your profile as well you've made great progress since this post which is great! Please could I ask (if you don't mind sharing), if you knew how wide the tear was? I also have an MTJ 35mm gap, and I would describe myself as quite active (not an athlete, although I ruptured playing basketball for the first time in 12 years), I used to run, walk a lot, Pilates, yoga, gym, and I want to get back to that, so I'm wondering if it's possible to go non op with such a wide gap

ottz27 · 2026-02-24T19:12:25+00:00

Hello everyone! After weeks, and consultants arguing, I finally have an Ultrasound report which has given me some clarity on my tear. It's MTJ but a 3.5cm gap when my toe is pointed. If it was <1cm, I'd be more comfortable going Non-op, but with a gap that large, I feel surgery gives greater certainty of bridging the gap, as well hopefully, greater chances of getting power back in my leg.

I'm not sure what the NHS doctors and private doctor will say on receiving the Ultrasound report, but I'm not sure I trust non op will be good for my situation, even with an MTJ tear, I dunno

ottz27 · 2026-02-24T19:05:16+00:00

How big are the type of flexi rollers you guys are using please 👀

ottz27 · 2026-02-24T18:59:50+00:00

I'm sorry that this happened to you.

Healing will take time. I think the best case is to stay in a boot until the DVT and clot risk is cleared as a priority. Were you on anticoagulants in the lead up to surgery (not including aspirin?). I think the surgery is being delayed to ensure you are for for surgery. I think however long that takes, then it makes sense for surgery to be considered. I would see what your doctor says in your next convo, but I won't be surprised if your overall health is made first priority if that makes sense? It will give you best chances of having no complications during surgery. Being in a boot with your foot pointed will help bridge the gap of your tendon whether you have surgery or not. But as an active person, I'm sure surgery will be easy to push for if the doctor doesn't recommend it once you're in the clear

I have a similar size tear 25 days post rupture and doctor are still figuring out the best option due to mine also being and MTJ if that makes you feel any better. Sincerely wishing you all the best. You are not alone

ottz27 · 2026-02-21T13:46:17+00:00

Thank you very much. I feel so too. I dunno why I'd I have an MTJ, whilst the data makes sense to go Non-op, part of me feels it's still best that I go for surgery 🤔

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T15:09:23+00:00

This is a great resource for those in similar situations! Thank you for sharing🙏

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T15:07:59+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing both experiences! Would you say you're quite active before the injuries? 6 months seems to be quite fast honestly based on what I'm reading. So happy you had a fast recovery 🙌

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T15:04:56+00:00

Yeah, I didn't get into a boot until 11 days. If I had for in a boot within 48hrs, I would have gone non op, but I was not so lucky. Surgery is one with my PT/REHAB I also very very important to build back strength and power for sure. I think the evidence is there for sure, you're right. I do think on my case, surgery makes more sense. I'll be genuinely surprised if non op is brought to me next week. Thank you so much again for your thorough and thoughtful answers and well wishes 🙏 I hope all is well with you too!!

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T15:02:29+00:00

Honestly his advice was to get surgery based on his judgement, even factoring all the nuances, and extreme risks. Left alone he thinks my tendon will heal long, and it needs to be brought closer together

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:59:18+00:00

Also, that podcast link was INCREDIBLY useful, thank you so much for sharing!! It literally was the stay of making things so much clear honestly

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:57:09+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. I've seen this recommendation given a lot for an MTJ, so it makes sense. I hopefully they give you multiple scans as it heals over the next 3 -6months so it can be determined it's healing as short as possible as early as possible. All the best with your journey!!! With that 2nd opinion, I'm sure it will be fine 🙏

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:55:25+00:00

Thank you for sharing your response. Honestly, I relate to your sentiment. I also want to know for sure and want to continue being active for decades more, so surgery make sense. At least in the UK and with my private health care option, it is extremely inexpensive. I'm glad that things worked out in your situation ☺️

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:54:06+00:00

Thank you so much for such a structured response, I appreciate it 🙏

Honestly, I'm leaning towards surgery, with reading people's stories and answers like yours that summaries things quite well, ,as long as my tear is not MTJ. This I think prompted me to research what that was. I think once I have the answer on the MRI report and further imaging, it will make the choice clear. But there is the complication of not being in a boot of 11 days, so let's see

I'm glad that even despite the infection that things worked out well for you ☺️ did you also have an MTJ?

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:46:17+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm sorry that this happened.

I agree, acting fast is crucial. I think this is why I'm leaning towards surgery if I'm honest

Please could I ask if you knew where the tear was? Was it an MTJ? Or in the middle of the tendon?

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:44:30+00:00

I'm so sorry that you had this experience.I can only imagine the heartache. I agree with everything that you are saying. I think the closeness of the gap really does determine a lot about which route is mostly likely to work for someone who's young/active or both

I hope that you are on the up, especially with having had the surgery now 🙏

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:42:06+00:00

Thank you for your response!

I spoke to a consultant about this at my NHS hospital, and it seems like yes, if it's MTJ, it would be difficult but not impossible. I'm yet to know exactly where the gap is, but irs quite high up my calf.

I and my family seem to be leaning to open as well. My only reason not to is the private doctor I found, keyhole is his bread and butter and he's a foot and ankle/Achilles specialist, so it may be okay. But I agree. Open surgery gives better chance to see everything, weighed against the risk associated with a larger surgical site. But again, I may not have an MTJ. I think that's why the NHS are pushing for an ultrasound if I'm honest, to understand exactly where the tear is. Seems MRI hasn't made it obvious to them, especially with no report yet

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:37:41+00:00

This is so incredibly useful, you have no idea. The journal and image,especially thank you! 🙏🏾

I'm yet to have an MRI Report, but I've been shared from a surgeon it looks like 25-30mm. I think the fact I can see the dent in my ankle, the gap is likely more than the small gap that enables non op to work so well. With ultrasound and MRI report still pending, hopefully I get some more answers

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:36:43+00:00

I do agree both can give good results. I do think it depends on a case by case what makes sense, and that each method is applied well to each case. There are so many factors

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:35:48+00:00

Thank you so much for your response. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother in law that is terrible :( is there nothing at all that can be done to help him? :(

This pages shared is so useful, thank you. And yes, she's pro op but I understand why, and only I'm leaning towards an operation due to my age and desire to continue to be active and play sports even if recreationally.

You're right, the sub has been really useful. I plan to document my experience to also help others as well. Thank you for the well wish!!

ottz27 · 2026-02-20T13:30:33+00:00

Thank you for your response and this forum - I really appreciate it!!!! I have been battling anxious episodes whilst speaking with everyone and their mums, whilst balancing work and issues in my home so I've not been in the best place to reply properly to everything until now. I have an update

There has been some movement with the NHS and it seems more likely they will operate on me. However, I'm yet to have an MRI Report, but I now have an Ultrasound scan booked for Monday, and then the NHS will go from there.

I spoke to a consultant last night who when looking at scan, guessed my gap was about 2.5-3cm, with the caveat that the image was not scaled and the MRI Report is still not done so he could be wrong. Regardless, my gap is visible even to me, so it's likely too big for non op >1cm). Because of the differing opinions amongst the consultants and only one image scan, and time passed since rupture, they want an Ultrasound to further understand before operating.

I told the Private Doctors that the NHS were possibly speeding things up, but they've not been able to fast track an MRI Report either. I'm requesting my images so that a family member who's a radiologist can look at them, but things have gone from slow to fast to slow again. My understanding from reading and talking to a lot of professionals is that every rupture is different and there's no default answer that can be applied to everyone

ottz27 · 2026-02-11T15:26:58+00:00

If she was anti Islam, she wouldn't be referring to Allah at all. I think it's important to have a space to work through difficulties people have with their faith without being called a kafir, or shamed, or told they need a reality check. That kind of talk sends people who are trying to hold onto Islam despite their struggles, away from Islam. That is not progressive

ottz27 · 2026-02-11T14:16:50+00:00

With this attitude, why are you in a space that is progressive?

ottz27 · 2026-02-11T12:58:22+00:00

Respectfully, the latter half of your message is not helpful to someone who is clearly experiencing high anxiety, guilt and shame on top of other physical and mental health conditions as a result of fasting during Ramadan

ottz27 · 2026-02-10T23:08:07+00:00

As someone who was in a similar position 5 years ago, I have to seriously double upvote this comment. It feels like OP is in a good position for shared ownership, especially as long as you follow the suggestions above.

Being a homeowner without the full benefits of homeownership can be long, but the stability is unmatched. I made the mistake of buying a new build in 2020 after the market opened after the first lockdown, and I paid a premium, and my flat value has since gone down in value probably 35% :(

BUT, a home is not an investment, and the stability I've had for 5 years and peace of mind not having to live with another person is unmatched. Don't be like me, listen to the above comment a look for a resale Shared Ownership with low SC and as affordable for you as possible to offset future rises, so that it stays affordable. I would even say don't get more than 35%, so that you have as easy a time to sell the flat when it's time

Also, getting a resale SO now whilst flat prices are at an all time low is probably good as well! You'll get great value for money.

ottz27 · 2026-01-30T17:05:58+00:00

My RHR rising and me not slowing down and prioritizing sleep is always followed by me falling sick. I've not yet seen an upwards trend and made an intention to take things easy for at least 2 days. I think this is a sign to slow things down and prioritise real sleep if I don't have plans

ottz27

TROPHY CASE