Neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon treated with a percutaneous technique

Abstract 

Introduction

Neglected rupture of Achilles tendon is an infrequent but debilitating injury. Several surgical methods of treatment have been described to repair neglected Achilles tendon rupture.

Material and methods

In our study we reviewed 20 patients (18 male and 2 female). We describe a new surgical technique using percutaneous repair of the neglected Achilles tendon ruptures. It consists of 10 micro-incisions, five lateral and five medial to the posterior aspect of the Achilles tendon, the suture is performed using an absorbable number 1 Vicryl (Ethicon, Edinburgh UK) inserted percutaneously in a figure of eight fashion.

Results

The advantages of this procedure are a short time immobilization, an early weight bearing and a return to complete ankle range of motion. The mean AOFAS score was 99.0, no re-ruptures or sural nerve damage were observed. In all the treated patients the results obtained were rated from good to excellent.

Conclusion

We would like to encourage this technique as being fast, inexpensive and very satisfactory both to the patient and to the surgeon.

Keywords: Achilles tendon, Neglected rupture, Percutaneous technique