Functional Outcome in Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a considerable cause of morbidity with reduced function following injury. Randomized studies have so far failed to show a difference in outcome between operative and nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture, provided that no re-rupture occurs. Percutaneous Achilles repair has been suggested to result in superior patient satisfaction compared with open repair in patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture.

To assess and evaluate the functional outcome after percutaneous repair in patients of the acute and closed Achilles tendon ruptures.

It was a prospective study conducted on patients diagnosed as having rupture of the Achilles tendon. A total of 25 patients with mean age of 44.4 (range 19-65) years were taken, who underwent percutaneous Achilles tendon repair.

The number of patients who reported excellent or good scores (ATRS > 80) at 3, 6 and 12 months were 0%, 16% and 100%, respectively. The mean AOFAS hind foot score at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups was 77.9 ± 4.3, 92.04 ± 2.4 and 96.16.32 ± 1.1, respectively. The number of patients who reported excellent or good scores (AOFAS > 74) at 3, 6 and 12 months were 76%, 100% and 100%, respectively. Most of the patients in our study showed no complications, and only 2 (8%) of patients had the features of sural nerve injury which was resolved in the subsequent follow-ups.

Percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon is an effective procedure which gives excellent functional outcome with very few complications. The percutaneous technique gives an additional advantage of less operative time, no wound complications, less damage to the soft tissues, and improved cosmesis as compared to the open repair.