Less invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction

Abstract

Background. The optimal management of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon is surgical reconstruction. Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon using peroneus brevis has been widely reported. Classically, these procedures involve relatively long surgical wounds in a relatively hypovascular area which is susceptible to wound breakdown. Results. We describe our current method of peroneus brevis reconstruction for the Achilles tendon using two para-midline incisions. Conclusion. This technique allows reconstruction of the Achilles tendon using peroneus brevis preserving skin integrity over the site most prone to wound breakdown, and can be especially used to reconstruct the Achilles tendon in the presence of previous surgery. © 2007 Carmont and Maffulli; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.