Medial Achilles tendon island flap-a novel technique to treat reruptures and neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon

Abstract

Purpose There is a strong consensus for surgical treatment of reruptures and neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon. A number of different surgical techniques have been described and several of these methods include extensive surgical exposure to the calf and technically demanding tendon transfers. The overall risk of complications is high and in particular the risk for wound healing problems, which are triggered by an increased tension in the skin when inserting a bulky graft to cover the rupture. In order to reduce the risk for wound healing problems a new, less complicated surgical technique was developed, as described in this study. Methods Nine consecutive patients (including six chronic ruptures and three reruptures) with complicating comorbidities and with a tendon defect between three and eight centimetres were operated upon using the described novel technique. Patient-reported functional outcome was reported after two to eight years. Results All tendon defects were successfully repaired. Neither early nor late surgical complications occurred. High patient satisfaction was reported for all patients. Conclusions The new surgical technique with a medial Achilles tendon island flap seems to be safe and results in a good patient reported outcome. © Springer-Verlag 2012.