Abstract
Introduction: The acute rupture of Achilles tendon is injury with absolute indication for operation. Rupture of the Achilles tendon is only in rare instances due exclusively to an accident. Commonly, the site of rupture reveals marked fraying and degenerative lesions.
Therefore, the pathologic tissue must be excised and often a large defect is created. Different procedures have been described to repair this defect.
Methods: In our department, between June 1995–June 1997 we have use the operation described by Lange to bridge the defect in 15 acute rupture of Achilles tendon.
This procedure consists in turning down a fascia flap from the gastroknernius to bridge the gap and end-to-end suture. In 13 patients the plantaris tendon has been used as a reinforcing membrane. In 2 cases we didn’t found it. We didn’t have any postoperative complications. After care a long -leg cast is applied with sufficient equinus of the foot and flexion of the knee for 6 weeks. For 6 weeks more a short leg cast was applied with the foot in neutral position and weight hearing was slowly resumed.
Results: All the patients were reviewed between 6m and 2y. (F.U. 14m) and pain, range of motion, power, and functional level were evaluated.
We had 2 far results and 1 poor but -no rerupture. The gap that we were obliged to repair was between 3cm–8cm
Discussion: We believe that this procedure, described for neglected rupture, is a method that we can recommend for acute rupture of degenerative Achilles tendon.
The abstracts were prepared by Eleni Koutsoukou. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST), 20, A. Fleming str, 15123 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
