Chronic Achilles tendon rupture: a novel modification of surgical technique described by El Shewy.

Abstract

Chronic Achilles tendon rupture is commonly defined as a rupture presenting 6 weeks after the time of injury and operative management is recommended. This research aims to describe a novel modified surgical technique in the repair of chronic Achilles tendon rupture and to report the result of this technique. This is a retrospective study performed between January 2007 and January 2017, and a novel modification of El Shewy et al.'s surgical technique is described. Fifteen patients with chronic rupture of Achilles tendon repaired with the technique by a single experienced surgeon were identified. Patients were contacted via phone call and questionnaires completed. Achilles Tendon Rupture Score and pain score were assessed via questionnaires. Thirteen patients were contacted and two patients were uncontactable. Ten patients were able to return to their premorbid level of function. Twelve patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Only one patient was very dissatisfied with the outcome. The average Achilles Tendon Rupture score was 72 (n=7, 54%). The average pain score was 1.23 (n=13, 100%). This novel modified surgical technique demonstrated good functional outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction in patient with chronic Achilles tendon rupture. It can be considered in the repair of chronic Achilles tendon rupture.