Chronic rupture of Achilles tendon: is the percutaneous suture technique effective?

We report the long-term results of the surgical treatment of chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon using percutaneous suturing under local anesthesia.

We operated on 22 patients with median age of 50 years (29-72) with chronic rupture of Achilles tendon between 1991 and 2005. The median time from injury to surgery was 7.1 weeks (4-40). We used percutaneous surgical technique similar to a technique described by Ma and Griffith (1977, Clin Orthop Relat Res 128:247-255) and Kosanović (1994, Arch Orthop Trauma Surgery 113:177-179). Eighteen (82%) patients attended the clinical review at a mean of 67 months (14-176). During follow up, patients were asked about pain, stiffness, weakness of the calf, footwear restrictions, occupation and level of activity before and after injury (Tegner score), influence of injury on ADL activities and satisfaction with treatment. The passive and active range of movement of the ankle and the power of isometric plantar flexion were measured, and the endurance test was performed. Functional assessment was performed using a Leppilahti clinical scoring scale and a modified Merkel score

Complete healing of the tendon was achieved in 21 patients (95%). In 17 patients (77%) the postoperative course was complications free. There were no reruptures during the observation period. All were able to stand on the tiptoe of the injured leg. The operated leg had a mean of 87.5% of the isometric power compared with the uninjured leg (p = NS). On an average they could stand on toes and raise the heel 13 times on side with the ruptured tendon. The Leppilahti scoring scale revealed a result that was excellent for 11 patients (62%), good for 2 (11%), fair for 5 (28%) and no one had poor result. The average score was 83.3 (60-100). Eighty-three percent of patients stated that the result of surgery was very good and 11% rated it as good. Fourteen patients (78%) returned to same level of activity at median 7 months after surgery.

Our series is one of the largest to be reported for the treatment of chronic rupture. Our technique offers a considerable advantage; it is minimal invasive, easy to perform with no associated harvesting morbidity and increased patient acceptance. We recommend this technique for the treatment of chronic rupture of Achilles tendon.