Minimally invasive repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures with Achillon device

Abstract

The subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon is a frequently observed lesion. Its treatment, however, remains controversial. The treatment to be applied varies between the conservative method, open surgical procedure and percutaneous or minimally invasive techniques. While conservative treatment results in a high percentage of re-ruptures, the open surgical treatment also has its complications. Surgical wound dehiscence, delayed cutaneous healing due to infection, delayed weight-bearing capacity, and consequent hypertrophic scarring account for 4-19% of all complications. The need for a technique that minimizes these complications has led to the development of percutaneous techniques. From August 2005 to March 2009, 35 consecutive patients underwent reparative surgery of the Achilles tendon using a minimally invasive technique with the Achillon device. All patients were available for follow-up. Dynamometric evaluation was possible on 15 patients. Twenty-five patients reported being very satisfied and 10 as being satisfied. The average AOFAS score was 93.4 (range 88-100 points). No complications occurred as a result of surgery (re-rupture, infection, lesion of the sural nerve, wound complication). All patients returned to work within 2 months, to jogging within 3 months, and to their previous level of sporting activity within 6 months. The authors believe that the minimally invasive technique using the Achillon device is a reliable surgical treatment and provides satisfactory results with a low rate of complication.