Open versus minimal invasive repair with Achillon device

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Acute Achilles tendon ruptures require effective surgical repair.
• Comparing standard open repair with minimally invasive techniques is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Mid-term functional and clinical results of different repair methods need thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively compare the functional and clinical outcomes of standard open repair versus minimally invasive repair using the Achillon suture system for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
• To evaluate complication rates associated with each surgical method.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 40 patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures from February 2004 to May 2007.
• Patients were divided into two equal groups: Group 1 (Krakow end-to-end suturing) and Group 2 (Achillon suture system).
• Follow-up averaged 22.4 months, assessing functional outcome scores (AOFAS) and complications.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed high AOFAS hindfoot scores (Group 1: 98.7, Group 2: 96.8), with no significant functional difference.
• Minimally invasive repair (Group 2) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in local tenderness, skin adhesions, scar, and tendon thickness compared to open repair (Group 1).

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive repair with the Achillon suture system is a safe, reliable, and practical treatment option for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
• While functional outcomes are similar to open repair, the minimally invasive approach offers a lower risk of complications.