Outcome of achilles tendon ruptures treated by a limited open technique

The optimal surgical management of Achilles tendon ruptures remains a topic of active debate. Recently, many authors have preferred the limited open method because it afforded sufficient visualization to ensure anatomic apposition of disrupted tendon fibers, minimized local blood supply disturbances, guaranteed free tendon movement, and produced excellent cosmesis. We report our initial experience with this technique and review the literature.

The outcomes of 30 consecutive patients that underwent limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture using Achillon (Newdeal SA, Lyon, France) from June 2003 to May 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 20 men and 10 women, of average age 38.6 years, and the average followup period was 18.5 months. Twenty of the injuries were sports-related, eight were caused by a fall, and two by a laceration. The clinical results were assessed using patient satisfaction, the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and the occurrence of complications.

At last followup, sixteen patients were very satisfied, 11 were satisfied, and the remaining three were dissatisfied. Mean patient AOFAS score was 93.0 points. Surgical complications noted were re-rupture in two cases, deep infection in one, and sural nerve injury in one. All patients except the three patients with a re-rupture or infection, returned to work 2 months postoperatively and resumed light exercise at 3 months, and previous sporting activities by 6 months.

The described limited open repair technique for Achilles tendon ruptures provided excellent cosmetic results, satisfactory functional results, and a high level of patient satisfaction.