BACKGROUND: There is still controversy regarding the optimal surgical technique and post-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. We evaluated a treatment protocol for Achilles tendon ruptures consisting of a minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair combined with early full weight bearing. METHODS: A consecutive group of 163 patients was prospectively followed during a 6 year period (1998-2004) in one university hospital and five teaching hospitals. Data were collected during the outpatient department visits at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks, 4 months and 12 months after the intervention. Outcome parameters were the incidence of re-rupture, other complications, the functional outcome and the period of sick leave concerning work and sport. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 128 men (79%) and 35 women (21%). The mean operating time was 41 min. In 9 patients (5.5%) a major complication occurred, necessitating 5 surgical re-interventions (2 for re-ruptures, 2 for infections and 1 for tendon necrosis). Fifteen patients (9.2%) suffered from dysfunction of the sural nerve. The median time of returning to work was 28 days (range 1-368) and the median time of returning to sport was 167 days (range 31-489). The majority of patients (150; 92%) were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair in combination with a functional rehabilitation program is a safe and quick procedure with a low rate of re-rupture and a high level of patient satisfaction.
BACKGROUND: There is still controversy regarding the optimal surgical technique and post-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. We evaluated a treatment protocol for Achilles tendon ruptures consisting of a minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair combined with early full weight bearing. METHODS: A consecutive group of 163 patients was prospectively followed during a 6 year period (1998-2004) in one university hospital and five teaching hospitals. Data were collected during the outpatient department visits at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks, 4 months and 12 months after the intervention. Outcome parameters were the incidence of re-rupture, other complications, the functional outcome and the period of sick leave concerning work and sport. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 128 men (79%) and 35 women (21%). The mean operating time was 41 min. In 9 patients (5.5%) a major complication occurred, necessitating 5 surgical re-interventions (2 for re-ruptures, 2 for infections and 1 for tendon necrosis). Fifteen patients (9.2%) suffered from dysfunction of the sural nerve. The median time of returning to work was 28 days (range 1-368) and the median time of returning to sport was 167 days (range 31-489). The majority of patients (150; 92%) were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair in combination with a functional rehabilitation program is a safe and quick procedure with a low rate of re-rupture and a high level of patient satisfaction.
Authors: Mareen Braunstein; Sebastian F Baumbach; Wolfgang Boecker; Mike R Carmont; Hans Polzer Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2015-09-26 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: Joseph A Blackmon; Stavros Atsas; Mackenzie J Clarkson; Jacob N Fox; Blake T Daney; Sean C Dodson; H Wayne Lambert Journal: J Foot Ankle Surg Date: 2012-10-23 Impact factor: 1.286
Authors: Carlos De la Fuente; Gabriel Carreño; Miguel Soto; Hugo Marambio; Hugo Henríquez Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2016-06-02 Impact factor: 4.342