A prospective study of surgical management of chronic neglected tendoachilles rupture with teuffer technique

Abstract

Aim: Injuries of Achilles tendon are relatively common in middle aged athletes and it's one of the most common tendons to be ruptured. As Achilles tendon rupture is both a serious injury and one of the most common tendinous lesions, various treatment modalities are devised. We conducted a prospective study to analyze outcome of surgical management of chronic neglected tendoachilles rupture with Teuffer technique. Materials and Methods: Our study included 20 patients of chronic neglected tendoachilles rupture. Those who visited VIMS orthopedic outpatient department were examined and included in our study once they satisfied the inclusion criteria and after thorough preoperative analysis patients were operated under spinal anaesthesia with Teuffer’s technique. Post operatively patients were put on pop slab and progressive strengthening and rehabilitation program was followed. Patients were followed up at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months and at 6 months and final outcomes were measured using modified Rupp scoring. Results: Final outcome were measured using modified Rupp scoring which showed 10 excellent, 4 good, 4 fair and 2 poor results. Conclusion: Results of reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures using Teuffer’s technique showed the technique to be, a strong and stable repair that allows early weight bearing and ambulation, with favorable clinical results, in most patients.