[Subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture. Experiences with 99 operations on fresh injuries]

Influenced by new publications about the conservative treatment of the rupture of the Achilles tendon we reviewed our own material. 99 operations were performed within the first week after the accident. There were 7 slight early complications, one rerupture after 3 months, healed after resuture, and 1 osteodystrophy. 94 patients answered our question forms, and the result of 92 operated ruptures could be examined personally within an average of 5 years after the accident. 2/3 of the patients had a measurable--although unimportant--muscular atrophy but only 1/5 of them felt a weakness. 7 patients had a reduced movement of the ankle joint. Only one patient was disabled by the scar. 85 patients have taken up again the same sport, only one had to give up. The result of the primary suture of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures is good if the operation is performed as soon as possible and by using a strictly atraumatic technique.