Abstract
Introduction
Growing evidence in the literature suggests better clinical and functional outcomes and lower re-rupture rates with repair compared to non-operative treatment of ruptured Achilles tendon. There are however, concerns of wound infection, nerve injury and scar tenderness with the standard open and percutaneous techniques of repair. We aim to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes and complications in patients treated with minimally invasive Achillon device.
Materials and Methods
Prospectively collected clinical data was reviewed of all consecutive patients who underwent repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon using the Achillon device. Patients were contacted using a postal questionnaire for assessment of their functional status using the validated Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and compared with their uninjured side. The outcomes were compared to the published results.
Results
We present patient demographics; and clinical and functional outcomes of 140 consecutive patients who underwent repair of ruptured Achilles tendon using the minimally invasive technique between June 2007 to August 2010. Our complication rate was of two-three percent each of proximal DVT, scar sensitivity, superficial wound infection and no re-rupture after a minimum of 6 months. There was no case of nerve injury leading to permanent neurological deficit.
Discussion
This study demonstrates good clinical and functional outcomes from using the Achillon device in repair of ruptured Achilles tendon with a low complication rate comparable to other published series. We recommend Achillon device as a safe minimally invasive technique for repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon.
