[Results of surgical treatment of rupture of the Achilles tendon (author's transl)].

32 ruptures of the achilles tendon were treated surgically in the surgical department of the St. Katharinen-Hospital during the period 1. 1. 1975 to 1. 3. 1980. These cases comprised 28 subcutaneous complete ruptures and 4 open tendon injuries. 29 fresh and 3 old ruptures were operated. The article describes the surgical technique. The median, arcuate incision, the end-to-end suture according to Bunnell with Dexon and, if possible, an interlacing suture with the plantaris tendon, appear to be the essential measures. This is followed by immobilization in a plaster case for a period of 6 weeks. The patients remained hospitalized for a period of 2 weeks after the operation; they were unable to work for 10 weeks, and unable to actively participate in sports for 19 weeks. Half a year to 5 years after the operation, 25 patients were subjected to follow-up examinations. No early or late infection had occurred, and there was also no rerupture or thrombosis. There was also no adherence to tendon and skin. Using the assessment scheme according to B.G. Weber, the functional result must be classified as "good" with all patients.