Local flap coverage for soft tissue defects following open repair of Achilles tendon rupture

The authors assessed the long term clinical and functional results following local flap coverage (medial plantar flap, peroneal reverse flow island flap, posterior tibial reverse flow flap) in 11 patients who developed wound complications after open repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon. At the latest follow-up, seven patients had achieved a good result, having returned to their pre-injury activities. All patients were able to stand on tiptoes unaided, and were able to walk without aid. In our hands, local flaps are a reliable means of treating skin defects following open repair of subcutaneous ruptures of the Achilles tendon.