Surgical Fepair of Achilles Tendon Ruptures: modified lindholm method

Kang, Chung Nam; Kim, Jong Ho; Kim, Dong Wook; Koh, Young Do; Go, Sang Hoon; Kim, Seong Man

Abstract

Treatment of Rupture of Achilles tendon was first reported by Pare, 1575 and thereafter the various causes, diagnostic & therapeutic method of the ruptured tendon have been described by many authors. The two options of treatment are conservative management and surgical treatment and currently surgical intervention has been more popular. There are various surgical techniques which have been reported by many surgeons to treat the acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. In this report, 18 cases ( 11 male & 7 female ) of injuried Achilles tendon had been treated by the modified Lindholm method and follow-up study of 18 cases had been made during 28 months from august. 1993 to december, 1995. The results as follows; 1. After repair by the modified Lindholm method, a long leg cast was applied, and then aweight bearing was started average 8 weeks postoperatively. It can be demonstrated to shorten hospitalization and early ambulation compared to other surgical techniques 2. Postoperative power of triceps surae muscle was improved to normal in 15 patients ofthe 18 patients, and muscle power was good in 3 patients, but, all cases was improved to nearly normal whithin the last follow up. 3. Heel to floor distance was 0.6cm less on the operated side than on the normal side, and the difference decreased to 0.2cm at the last follow up. 4. The calf atrophy was minimal, and active range of motion of ankle was within normal limit. 5. We suggest that the procedure is recommended for one of the methods of the treatment of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon, because it is easy to do and permits early weight bearing and the complication is less.