Percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture: a functional evaluation study with a minimum 10-year follow-up

The purpose of this study was to present the functional outcomes of percutaneous tenorrhaphy of the Achilles tendon with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

The medical records of patients who underwent percutaneous surgery for acute unilateral Achilles tendon rupture between 2000 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed.

A total of 11 male patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 12.6 years (range: 10-13 years). The average age at the time of surgery was 39.3 years (range: 29-53 years). Patients returned to work at an average of 2.7 months (range: 1-4 months) after surgery and to normal daily activities (NDA) at an average of 4.1 months (range: 3-6 months) postoperatively. The mean strength ratio between the injured and normal sides was 90%. Compared with the contralateral normal side, the thickness of the operated tendon increased by a mean of 0.7 cm, while the circumference of the affected calf diminished by a mean of 1.1 cm. No difference in active and passive range of motion (ROM) was recorded between the affected and the contralateral normal ankle joints. Isometric plantar flexion was 87% of normal. Sensory impairment in the territory of the sural nerve was identified in 1 patient immediately after surgery. The sensory defect had completely resolved by 6 months postoperatively.

Long-term outcomes of our series support the effectiveness of percutaneous tenorrhaphy in Achilles function rehabilitation of patients with acute ruptures.