Achilles tendon repair with limited incision and anchor fixation: Case series results

Abstract

This is a retrospective study that reviews postoperative milestones of 33 patients who underwent an achilles repair with limited open incision and suture anchor fixation into the posterior calcaneus. The amount of days postoperatively that the patient was able to transition into a pneumatic boot and begin protective toe touch with crutches (PTTWC), protective full weightbearing (PFWB), initiate non-weightbearing (NWBPT) and full weightbearing physical therapy (FWBPT), return to regular shoe gear (RSG) and return to normal activity (RTA) were recorded. The median time to PTTWC was 20 (13 to 34) days. Median time to PFWB was 34.5 (23 to 48) days. The median time to NWBPT was 21 (13 to 34) and FWBPT was 37.5 (23 to 58) days. Median time to RSG was 44 (24 to 62) days. Median time to RTA was 105 (64 to 223) days. The progression of each postoperative milestone was based on the patient's subjective findings and a thorough clinical examination. It was concluded that the sooner the patient was able to convert into a pneumatic boot, begin weight bearing and initiate physical therapy, the sooner the transition into full weightbearing, return to a regular shoe and return to normal activity. Therefore, a limited open repair with suture anchor fixation in the posterior calcaneus can be a viable surgical option, that allows patients to achieve pre-injury status after an acute achilles tendon rupture while keeping surgical risks and complication rates at a minimum.