Surgical Treatment of the Ruptured Achilles Tendon: A Comparative Study between Percutaneous and Open Repair

Kim, Do Yeon; Kim, Sang Bum; Heo, Youn Moo; Lee, Jung Bum; Lim, Jae Woo; Oh, Hyeong Tak

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the present study was to compare and analyze the clinical outcomes of the percutaneous and open repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective study on 24 patients (group 1) managed with percutaneous repair, and 21 patients (group 2) managed with open repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture. The postoperative evaluations were done by an Arner-Lindholm scale and AOFAS score. Postoperative overall satisfaction and cosmetic satisfaction were also evaluated.
RESULTS
By Arner-Lindholm scale and AOFAS score, there was no difference between two groups (p<0.05). As for postoperative overall satisfaction, 5 cases were very satisfied, 16 cases were satisfied and 3 cases were fair in group 1. In group 2, 12 cases were very satisfied, 9 cases were satisfied. For postoperative cosmetic satisfaction, 13 cases were satisfied, 11 cases were fair in group 1. In group 2, 9 cases were very satisfied, 12 cases satisfied. In open repair group, a case of deep wound infection and three cases of skin necrosis were reported as complication. 2 cases of sural nerve injury were seen in percutaneous repair group and were recovered within 3 months.
CONCLUSION
Percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures have high level of cosmetic satisfaction compared with open repair without any significant difference in clinical outcomes.