A one-of-a-kind procedure to treat Achilles tendinitis restored this patient’s active lifestyle and mental health lifeline.
For Michael Peralta, basketball has always been more than just a sport; it’s been his passion, a way to stay active, and an essential part of his life. Born and raised in Miami, he moved to Los Angeles during the pandemic, when a musculoskeletal setback threatened to keep him off the court. Michael’s journey took an unexpected turn as he began to feel discomfort in his calf while honing his basketball skills with dribbles and jump shops during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. The discomfort escalated to the extent of hindering his ability to walk properly. After seeking medical advice in California, X-rays revealed a bone spur in his heel, leading to surgery and treatment for his condition.
Nine months later, Michael returned to Miami, eager to get back on the basketball court. However, he soon realized that he was still limited in his mobility.
“The original surgery treated the problem but may have not been the solution I needed,” he says. “I started physical therapy to strengthen my Achilles and my calf, and when I started playing basketball again, the pain came back, and I could barely walk.”
While looking for a solution, Michael’s physical therapist recommended Dr. Ettore Vulcano, the Chief of The Columbia University Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center. During his visit, Michael underwent X-ray and MRI scans, which revealed that he was suffering from Achilles tendinitis. Thankfully, Dr. Vulcano had the solution.
Since 2017, Dr. Vulcano has been exclusively performing Zadek osteotomies—revolutionary minimally invasive procedures that treats patients with Achilles tendinitis. He became the first surgeon in the country to perform this procedure through a keyhole incision, with the highest volume of cases and publications on the technique.
“A traditional treatment requires a 10 to 20 cm incision, about one month off your feet, and up to one year for recovery,” Dr. Vulcano says. “The modern minimally invasive procedure, however, allows patients to walk immediately after surgery and return to exercise or sports within six weeks. Overall, the recuperation time is reduced to approximately four months, making it an ideal procedure for athletes and others who must be on their feet professionally.”
After Michael was diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis, Dr. Vulcano drew up a treatment plan to help Peralta get back on his feet and on the court. Michael underwent the Zadek osteotomy in December of last year and says that he is much better now than he was before the surgery. He was even able to do exercises such a single-leg hops with a 20-pound vest and lift weights the very next day. Remarkably, he made his comeback to sports just six months after the surgery. He emphasized that while the recovery process was easy, he firmly believes that the more you push yourself, the quicker your recovery. Michael’s dedication to a sporty lifestyle is a crucial part of his life, as he recognizes its profound impact on his mental health.
“I work from home, and if I can’t be active I feel like a prisoner and I have no outlet,” he adds. “My outlet has always been a sport.”
Today, Michael is able to run and play basketball again with his friends and is hoping to rejoin a recreational league again in the future. He is also planning to compete in the 25-obstacle contest, Savage Race, this month. In other words, Michael says that this procedure has given him his freedom back. He currently works as an account executive in Edgewater and spends time with his kids and girlfriend.
“If you’re an active person and you are dealing with this [Achilles tendinitis], it’s worth it to do this surgery,” Michael says. “Dr. Vulcano has performed this surgery on Olympic-level athletes, and while I am not an Olympian, I am active, and it is a huge part of my life. This was 100% worth it.”