[A modified flap technique as an alternate procedure for open Achilles tendon repair (the Bassi Method)].
OBJECTIVE
Repair of acute and remote ruptures of the tendo Achillis by a modified open technique to reduce wound healing complications and the incidence of reruptures.


METHODS
Acute and remote ruptures of the tendo Achillis in diabetic patients and those with any underlying local or systemic conditions that may delay skin healing or predispose to wound dehiscence. This technique is also helpful in instances of a large dehiscence of the ruptured tendon stumps.


METHODS
Medically unfit patients. Noncompliant patients. Local skin infection. Severe neuropathy.


METHODS
Two longitudinal skin incisions made proximal and distal to the site of rupture leaving a bridge of skin over the site of tendon tear. One lateral and one medial strip are fashioned from the proximal stump. The strips are passed under the skin bridge and sutured to the distal stump with the foot in plantar flexion.


METHODS
Below-knee cast for 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Report of eleven patients (seven men, four women). No re-rupture or local wound complications. All but one patient returned to their prerupture activity level.
Bassi
Jiwan Lal
JL
Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, 914/5A Tagore Nagar, Civil Lines, Ludhiana (Punjab), Pin-141001, India. jlbassi@rediffmail.com
Mahindra
Pankaj
P
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome