Comparison of percutaneous suturing with sponge forceps and open suturing for repair of acute closed Achilles ruptures

Abstract

Objective To compare percutaneous suturing with sponge forceps and open suturing for repair of acute closed Achilles ruptures. Methods From March 2011 to June 2014, 40 patients with acute closed Achilles rupture were enrolled in this study and randomized into 2 equal groups (n=20) which were subjected to percutaneous suturing with sponge forceps or open suturing. The operative time, incisive length, blood loss, wound healing, hospitalization time and complications were compared between the 2 groups. Their ankle functions were evaluated at postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores. Results The operative time (median, 60.0 min), hospitalization time (median, 8.5 d) and incisive length (median, 8.0 cm) in the open suturing group were significantly greater than those in the sponge forceps group (32.5 min, 7.0 d and 1.5 cm) (P 0.05). No injury to the sural nerve or tendon rerupture happened in either group. Conclusions In treatment of acute closed Achilles ruptures, compared with open suturing, percutaneous suturing with sponge forceps may be relatively easier without using special equipment, and additionally, may lead to lower incidence of incision complications and better short-term efficacy. Key words: Achilles tendon; Tendon injuries; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive