Minimally invasive repair of ruptured Achilles tendon

SK Chan, Stephen CY Chung, YF Ho
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Caritas Medical Centre, Shamshuipo, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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.

Hong Kong Med J 2008;14:255-8

Key words: Achilles tendon; Rupture; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Sutures; Treatment outcome