J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2014 Sep;18(3):115-118. 10.14193/jkfas.2014.18.3.115.

Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture with Absorbable Suture

• Kang C
• Hwang DS
• Hwang JM
• Song JH
• Shin BK
• Park JH

• KMID: 2333476
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2014.18.3.115

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to report on the result of repairing Achilles tendon using absorbable suture under nerve block.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who were followed up for at least six months after the operation. We repaired Achilles tendon using two absorbable sutures using the Krackow technique for the proximal stump and the Kessler technique for the distal stump. A programmed postoperative management including non-weight bearing with a short leg cast for four weeks after the operation was applied for all patients. We evaluated clinical results using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for satisfaction, range of motion of ankle, functional recovery rate, and the starting time of single heel raise.
RESULTS
The mean VAS score for satisfaction and AOFAS score was 9.2 and 93.0, respectively. The affected ankle showed a mean dorsiflexion rate of 90% and plantar-flexion rate of 94% compared to the uninjured side. The single heel raise could start at a mean of 3.5 months after the operation.
CONCLUSION
Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with absorbable suture material using the hybrid suture technique of proximal Krackow and distal Kessler showed sufficient stability and minimal chronic inflammatory reaction.

Keyword

Achilles tendon; Hybrid suture technique; Absorbable suture material

MeSH Terms

Achilles Tendon*
Ankle
Foot
Heel
Humans
Leg
Nerve Block
Range of Motion, Articular
Retrospective Studies
Rupture*
Suture Techniques
Sutures*

Figure

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  Figure 1. This illustration shows the hybrid suture technique of proximal Krackow and distal Kessler method.

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  Figure 2. Mean length of the incision for Achilles tendon repair was 5.7 cm.

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