Minimally invasive repair of ruptured Achilles tendon

Abstract

Objective: To study the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive repair of ruptured Achilles tendon. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department of a public hospital in Hong Kong. Patients: Fifteen consecutive patients admitted to the hospital from August 2002 to April 2005 with closed Achilles tendon rupture, had it repaired by a minimally invasive method. Parameters including patient epidemiology, nature of injuries, and isometric force measurement of ankle plantar flexion were recorded to justify the effectiveness of the Achilles tendon repair. Results: Isometric peak force measurement of ankle plantar flexion 1 year after injury showed an average regain of 95% of the calf muscle strength, compared to the normal side. All wounds healed well, without major complications such as deep infection, sural nerve injury, or re-rupture of the Achilles tendon. All patients were able to resume their pre-injury activity level and previous occupation. Conclusion: This minimally invasive surgical technique using the Achillon suture guide produces encouraging results in the operative management of ruptured Achilles tendon.