Mini-incision and open repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture

Abstract

Abstract Background: The treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures remains controversial; operative options include open, mini-invasive, and percutaneous repair of the tendon. This trial aimed to compare the clinical effects of mini-invasive and open repair in treating acute Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial of 100 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Patients will be randomized into a mini-invasive group and an open group. The mini-invasive group will undergo a mini-invasive technique using a percutaneous Achilles repair system device, and the open group will undergo open repair using the Krackow technique. The primary outcomes were the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, ankle range of motion, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and visual analog scale pain score. The secondary outcomes will be the Leppilahti score, SF-36, time to return to sports, calf circumference difference, and percentage of recovery to pre-injury physical activity. Complications such as rerupture, sural nerve problems, superficial/deep infections, deep venous thromboembolism, and wound complications will be recorded and analyzed. All analyses were performed using SPSS software. The value of P < .05 was considered significant. Discussion: The results of this study will provide comprehensive data and outcomes on mini-incision vs open repair in treating acute Achilles tendon rupture, so as to help surgeons and patients make better choices. Trial registration: This study protocol was registered at www.chictr.org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR2000041053).