Neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon treated with a percutaneous technique.
BACKGROUND
Neglected rupture of Achilles tendon is an infrequent but debilitating injury. Several surgical methods of treatment have been described to repair neglected Achilles tendon rupture.


METHODS
In our study we reviewed 20 patients (18 male and 2 female). We describe a new surgical technique using percutaneous repair of the neglected Achilles tendon ruptures. It consists of 10 micro-incisions, five lateral and five medial to the posterior aspect of the Achilles tendon, the suture is performed using an absorbable number 1 Vicryl (Ethicon, Edinburgh UK) inserted percutaneously in a figure of eight fashion.


RESULTS
The advantages of this procedure are a short time immobilization, an early weight bearing and a return to complete ankle range of motion. The mean AOFAS score was 99.0, no re-ruptures or sural nerve damage were observed. In all the treated patients the results obtained were rated from good to excellent.


CONCLUSIONS
We would like to encourage this technique as being fast, inexpensive and very satisfactory both to the patient and to the surgeon.
Bertelli
R
R
Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, S. Maria della Scaletta Hospital, Imola (Bo), Italy.
Gaiani
L
L
Palmonari
M
M
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography