Retrospective analysis of mini-open repair versus open repair for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
OBJECTIVE
Debate exists over optimal treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Recent literature suggests the mini-open technique may provide the reliability of the open repair with the decreased complication rate of non-operative treatment. This retrospective review compares acute tendon ruptures treated with one of two techniques: open repair (TO) or mini-open repair (MOA).


RESULTS
Records were reviewed and 34 patients were found to meet the inclusion criteria for open or mini-open repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture with follow up of at least 12 months. TO (n=16) and MOA (n=18) had no statistically significant differences in age at time of injury [TO: 41 + 2.5 years (range 20 - 68); MOA: 46 + 2.5 years (range 33 - 73)] or time between injury and surgical repair [TO: 15 + 2 days (range 2 - 30); MOA: 15 + 2 days (range 2 - 30)]. Post-operative VISA-A scores were 82 + 10 (range 42 - 98) and 92 + 5 (range 66 - 100) for TO and MOA, respectively. Significant differences were found in the time between surgical intervention and beginning of rehabilitation [TO: Post op day 37 + 5 (range 21 - 46); MOA: Post op day 19 + 2 (range 7 - 32)] and the time between surgical intervention and full return to activity [TO: Post op month 7 + 1 (range 4 - 11); MOA: Post op month 5 + 0.6 (range 4 - 11)].


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the mini-open repair provides acceptable surgical outcomes while optimizing patient function after Achilles tendon repair.
Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016, USA.
Erin E
EE
Klein
Lowell
L
Weil
Jeffrey R
JR
Baker
Lowell Scott
LS
Weil
Wenjay
W
Sung
Jessica
J
Knight
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors