Separation of tendon ends after suture of achilles tendon.
Ten patients treated for an acute rupture of the achilles tendon were studied. During the operation a marker was attached to each tendon end. The postoperative separation of the markers was studied by repeated X-ray examinations. Despite immobilization a small initial separation was found during the first 4 days, followed by a period of no separation. After about 20 days a second separation started. No re-ruptures occurred. Both in the rabbit and in man a small initial separation of sutured tendon ends seemed to indicate an adequate tendon suture and therefore also a good tendon healing.
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011817:Rabbits; D012421:Rupture