Repair of achilles tendon rupture under endoscopic control.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the functional outcomes and complications after endoscopically assisted percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture.


METHODS
An arthroscopically assisted percutaneous repair was performed in 20 patients between the ages of 28 and 47 years. Two patients were suffering from a long-standing rupture. Follow-up was 2.5 years. Evaluation entailed Merkel's scale for pain, functional load (weight) bearing capacity, and the heel raise test. For statistical analysis, a random effects Poisson regression model was used.


RESULTS
All patients achieved good to excellent outcomes. The median score on Merkel's scale was 600. All patients were able to stand on the tiptoe of the operated leg and none had limitations placed on their daily activities. A 12% decrease in maximum torque and 16.5% decrease in work performance of the injured side were noted. There was no statistical significant difference in the heel raise test between the operated and non-operated leg. No wound problems, re-ruptures, or infections were reported. Two patients (10%) had sural neuralgia; in 1 case, it subsided without further treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopy in percutaneous Achilles tendon repair is useful in determining the initial gap and providing adequate apposition of the tendon ends. It is a safe technique with good outcomes and minimal complications. Despite its promising results, potential problems include sural neuralgia and some decrease in strength.
Second Orthopaedic Department, Panarcadian General Hospital, Tripolis, Greece.
Athanasios P
AP
Fortis
Anastasios
A
Dimas
Andreas A
AA
Lamprakis
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012008:Recurrence; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome