[Repair of acute avulsion-type achilles tendon rupture by locking-loop stereoscopic suture]

To summarize the clinical application and experience of repairing acute avulsion-type achilles tendon rupture by locking-loop stereoscopic suture.

Between January 2006 and June 2010, 41 cases of acute avulsion-type achilles tendon rupture were treated by locking-loop stereoscopic suture. Among 41 patients, 33 were male and 8 were female with an average age of 41 years (range, 18-56 years); the locations were left side in 27 cases and right side in 14 cases. There was palpable defect in 33 cases, 7 cases underwent B-ultrasound, and 1 case underwent MRI to confirm the diagnosis. The time from injury to operation was 36 hours to 7 days. All cases were restored by locking-loop stereoscopic suture.

All incisions healed by first intention. Thirty-one cases were followed up 12 months to 3 years and 10 months with an average of 17 months. The muscle strength reached grade 5; the patients could walk normally, and the heel raising was powerful at 1 year after operation. The circumference difference between wrong leg and good leg was less than 3 cm, and the ankle dorsiflexion was 20-30 degrees, plantar flexion was 40-50 degrees. No re-rupture of achilles tendon or deep infection occurred during follow-up period. At last follow-up, according to evaluation of curative effects by Arner-Lindholm standard, the results were excellent in 21 cases and good in 10 cases with an excellent and good rate of 100%.

Locking-loop stereoscopic suturing is a safe and effective method with avulsion-type control ability, tensile strength, little effect on the blood supply of the achilles tendon for repairing acute avulsion-type achilles tendon rupture.