Separation of tendon ends after Achilles tendon repair: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.
Fifty-seven patients treated for an acute rupture of the Achilles tendon were studied. The patients were randomized into a Mason suture technique or a reinforced continuous six-strand suture technique, and markers were attached to each tendon end perioperatively. The postoperative separation of the markers was studied by repeat radiographic examination. Despite immobilization, separation developed after a biphasic course, and after 7 weeks the mean separation was 10.5 mm. No difference was found between the two techniques. We attempt to correlate the separation to the clinical outcome, examined at 1 year follow up.
Mortensen
N H
NH
Orthopaedic Department, Holstebro Central Hospital, Denmark.
Saether
J
J
Steinke
M S
MS
Staehr
H
H
Mikkelsen
S S
SS
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012421:Rupture; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome