Twelve-years’ experience in minimal invasive Achilles tendon repair using a suture-guiding device

Abstract

Introduction: Minimal invasive Achilles tendon repair is becoming more and more popular recently. We have evaluated our results in Achilles tendon repair using minimally invasive method by a suture-guiding device. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture, which was repaired using minimally invasive method namely the suture-guiding device, that was performed during 2003 to 2015 in our department. Outcome parameters were the incidence of re-rupture, other complications, and the functional outcome. Results: There were 36 men (90%) and 4 women (10%) in this study. Mechanisms of injury were basketball (28%), football (15%), squash (15%), and trauma (13%). The mean operating time was 59 min (range 30–90 min). The mean follow-up time was 8 months (range 3–35 months). The mean duration with casting was 7 weeks. The mean range of movement at 3 months was 8° dorsiflexion and 33° plantar flexion. There was no major complication necessitating surgical re-interventions such as re-ruptures and infections. No patient suffered from dysfunction of the sural nerve or delay wound healing. Conclusion: Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair using suture-guiding device is a safe and quick procedure with a low rate of re-rupture and a satisfactory short-term and long-term recovery. Level of evidence: IV.

Outcome of a Simple Novel Technique to Reduce Soft Tissue Complications in Open Tendoachilles Injury: A Series of 20 Patients

“…These complications occur due to interference with the peroneal and the posterior tibial angiosomes 6 , 7 during placement of extrapolated skin incisions from the edges of the traumatic wound and in part due to undue stretching of the flap during retraction by metallic retractors. Various limited open techniques for closed tendoachilles injuries may be cited 8 - 11 .…”