Background:Chronic Achilles tendon rupture is challenging to repair, and many procedures
have been suggested to fill the gap that separates the distal and proximal
ends of the ruptured tendon.Purpose:To compare clinical outcomes between the free hamstring graft (HG) and
gastrocnemius turn flap (GTF) procedures in the treatment of chronic
Achilles tendon rupture.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This retrospective study included 26 patients (25 males, 1 female; mean age,
36.7 years; range, 22-53 years) with Kuwada type 3 chronic rupture of the
Achilles tendon. A total of 11 patients underwent GTF surgery, whereas 15
patients underwent HG surgery. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3, 6,
and 12 months postoperatively.Results:The complication rate was significantly higher in the GTF group compared with
the HG group (27.2% vs 6.6%, respectively; χ2 = 12.462;
P = .001). At the 3-month follow-up, the degree of
ankle dorsiflexion was significantly higher in the HG group than in the GTF
group (t = 3.144; P = .004). At 6-month
and 1-year follow-up, no significant differences in ankle function were seen
between the 2 groups.Conclusion:Hamstring tendon graft is associated with better early recovery of
dorsiflexion compared with GTF. The long-term clinical outcomes of these 2
procedures are similar.