[Percutaneus Suture of Achilles Tendon Rupture--Operation for Beginners?]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Research
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Acute Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury with a significant incidence.
• Traditional surgical repair can be invasive and time-consuming.
• Minimally invasive techniques offer potential advantages in patient recovery and surgical efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with Dresden instruments as an educational procedure.
• To assess the economic viability of this surgical technique.
• To analyze complication rates and operative times across different surgeon experience levels.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 212 patients undergoing Achilles tendon repair with Dresden instruments between 2007 and 2013.
• Operations were performed by trainees, attending surgical staff, and a senior surgeon.
• Data collected included operative duration, complication rates, and cost analysis.

Main Results:

• Operative times were comparable across surgeon experience levels (mean 29:53 min for trainees, 29:10 min for attending staff).
• Complication rates were low and similar across groups (5% for trainees, 8.7% for attending staff, 5.3% for senior surgeon).
• Outpatient surgery generated a net income of €44.35 per case, demonstrating cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous Achilles tendon suture with Dresden instruments is a standardized, safe, and cost-effective procedure.
• The technique is well-suited as a beginner's procedure due to its speed and safety profile.
• Functional rehabilitation in a walking boot contributes to very good clinical results.