Early, active rehabilitation following mini-open repair of Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of a supervised active rehabilitation program following repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures using a minimally invasive suture system.


METHODS
We performed a prospective study on 46 patients undergoing surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures using the Achillon suture system. All patients began a supervised active rehabilitation program from 2 weeks postoperatively. Patients were placed in a range of motion brace fixed at 20 degrees equinus for 2 weeks to allow wound healing followed by active movement from neutral to full plantar flexion for 4 weeks.


RESULTS
At a minimum follow up of 12 months there were no re-ruptures. All patients were able to return to their previous sporting activities by 6 months post operation. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at 6 months was 98, with 42 patients having excellent and four patients good Leppilahti scores. The average time to return to work was 22 days. One patient had a superficial wound infection which settled with 5 days of oral antibiotics. Two patients had altered sensation in the distribution of the sural nerve which settled spontaneously within 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The Achillon suture system appears to allow a safe early active rehabilitation program and achieves a high rate of success. Further evaluation is necessary with regard to potential damage to the sural nerve.
Calder
J D F
JD
North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, Hampshire and Imperial College, London, UK. j.calder@ic.ac.uk
Saxby
T S
TS
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D013177:Sports; D013537:Sutures; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome