Early satisfactory results of percutaneous repair in neglected achilles tendon rupture

• Published in: BMC musculoskeletal disorders Vol. 24; no. 1; p. 446
• Main Authors: Hammad, Mostafa Elsebai, Fayed, Aly Maher, Ayoub, Mostafa Ahmed, Emran, Ali Mahmoud
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 02.06.2023; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Achilles tendon; Care and treatment; Diagnosis; Health aspects; Injuries; Minimally invasive; Neglected rupture; Neuritis; Percutaneous repair; Range of motion; Rehabilitation; Rupture; Sensation; Skin; Statistical analysis; Sural nerve; Surgery; Sutures; Tendons; Wounds and injuries; Egypt; Achilles tendon; Percutaneous repair; Minimally invasive; Neglected rupture
• ISSN: 1471-2474; 1471-2474
• DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06561-0

This investigation aimed to study the outcome of percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon ruptures regarding patient-reported and objective outcomes. This is a retrospective review of a cohort of patients (n = 24) who underwent percutaneous repair of neglected Achilles rupture in the period between 2013 and 2019. Included patients were adults with closed injuries, presented 4-10 weeks after rupture, with intact deep sensation. All underwent clinical examination, X-rays to exclude bony injury and MRI for diagnosis confirmation. All underwent percutaneous repair by the same surgeon, using the same technique and rehabilitation protocol. The postoperative assessment was done subjectively using ATRS and AOFAS score and objectively using a percentage of heel rise comparison to the normal side and calf circumference difference. The mean follow-up period was 14.85 months ± 3 months. Average AOFAS scores at 6,12 months were 91 and 96, respectively, showing statistically significant improvement from pre-op level (P < 0.001). Percentage of heel rise on the affected side and calf circumference showed statistically significant improvement over the 12 month follow up period (P < 0.001). Superficial infection was reported in two patients (8.3%), and two cases reported transient sural nerve neuritis. Percutaneous repair of neglected Achilles rupture using the index technique proved a satisfactory patient-reported and objective measurement at a one-year follow-up. With only minor transient complications.