ruptured my AT on the 22/12/09 opted not to have surgery and spent 3 weeks in half cast in equine postion,i returned to have my cast changed and foot re-postioned and my tendon snapped again!!. so had to have an operation,and was in a full leg cast for 2 weeks. when i returned to get my stiches out they have now put me in a half cast which is removable, so i can flex and extend my ankle with only the front half of the cast held on with velcro straps to stop me over flexing(this is the only time i take it off), this is due to be changed on 12/02/10 and my ankle repositioned with more flex capability. i was going to recomend people to have surgery if available first but having read most of the posts on here i dont know, i do know i wish id went for that option first as i have now been like this for approx 6 weeeks and the prospect of a futher 8 is doing my head in!!..good luck what ever way you go.