[Mini-invasive suture of Achilles tendon ruptures: a concept whose time has come]

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a frequent injury particularly among sports enthusiasts, and there has been an increased incidence over these past years which parallels the rise in popularity of sporting activities. Traditionally, an open operative repair of the tendon has been proposed. Over the past ten years we have utilized a mini-invasive technique with the help of instrumentation we have developed, with the objective to minimize the surgical trauma and improve the quality of suture fixation. These past ten years of observation have allowed us to objectively assess its clinical and functional benefit. This operative approach is in the process of replacing the traditional open procedure for the management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures in the majority of centers which manage these injuries.