Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture functional and anatomical outcomes over a mean follow-up period of two years

Abstract

Background: The aim of this paper was to report the functional and clinical results of subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture repairs through two surgical plasty techniques, with a mean follow-up of 2 years. Patients and methods:This study carries out a retrospective analysis of 27 patients presenting a subcutaneous rupture of Achilles tendon who enderwent surgical treatment between January 2012 and December 2016. Surgical treatment was carried out using the Chigot-Lynn technique for 19 patients and the Bosworth-Lynn technique for the remaining 8 patients. Functional and clinical results were evaluated according to McComis criteria and patient satisfaction. Results: Clinical measurement of the of ankle motion range revealed average flexion of 15 ° and an average extension of 40 °. Amyotrophy of the triceps surae muscle was found in all patients, with an average 2 cm. Residual pain was found in four patients. Average sick leave was 4 months. 8 patients had resumed sport at their previous level of training, 3 patients had returned to lower levels of sport, and one patient had abandoned their sporting activity. The results were considered highly satisfactory or satisfactory by 24 patients, good by two patients and poor by one patient. Conclusion: Chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon remain a therapeutic challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Surgery with a reinforcement plasty must be proposed to patients who are active or have sports activities. Surgical repair reduce iterative ruptures and ensure the best functional recovery.