Surgical Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture by Minimal Incision Technique

Jung, Hong Geun; Paik, Ho Dong

Abstract

PROPOSE: There have been many debates about the ideal surgical technique for acute Achilles tendon rupture. The purpose of this study is to review and analyze the clinical outcome of the acute Achilles tendon ruptures that had been repaired by indirect suture technique with minimal incision that utilized an instrument called Achillon (Newdeal, France).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study is based on the 14 cases (14 patients) of acute Achilles tendon total ruptures that have been repaired by minimal incision technique utilizing Achillon instrument from June 2003 to December 2004. Two cases were reruptured before 8 weeks and repaired again using Krackow suture which left 12 feet for postoperative functional evaluation with at least 6 months of follow-up. Ten cases were men and average age at time of injury was 34.4 (26-49) years. The time from injury to surgery was an average of 4.5 (1-9) days and the postoperative evaluations were done by an Arner-Lindholm scale and AOFAS score. The ability to return to original work and sports activities as well as patient satisfaction were also evaluated.
RESULTS
The follow-up period was averaged for 13.2 (6-24) months. Seventy-one percent of cases were ruptured during sports activities. The ruptured level was the average of 5.1 cm (3.2-8 cm) above calcaneal attachment and the skin incision was averaged for 2.7 cm (2.5-3.0 cm) long. At final follow-up, standing on tip-toe was possible in all cases while the heel-floor height on ruptured side was shorter by 0.7 cm (0-2 cm). By Arner-Lindholm evaluation scale, 9 cases were excellent, and 3 cases were good. Overall AOFAS score was an average of 96.1 (94-100), and all patients were satisfied with the result. Patients returned to work at an average of 1.3 months after the surgery and pre-injury sports activities were all possible from at 6 months after operation.
CONCLUSION
Since we have treated acute Achilles tendon ruptures with minimal incision technique utilizing the Achillon and gained encouraging functional results with all patients returning to previous work with high patient satisfaction, this technique could be recommended as one of the ideal surgical options for the Achilles tendon ruptures.