Open minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair with early rehabilitation: Functional results of 25 consecutive patients

Abstract

Background Various treatment techniques have been described for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, there is no consensus among orthopaedic surgeons regarding the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation program. Mid-term functional outcome results of the patients who had undergone open minimally invasive repair of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures followed by an early rehabilitation programme were evaluated. Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent open minimally invasive repair of Achiles tendon ruptures during January 2004–October 2005 were independently reviewed at an average follow-up of 34 months (range 24–45 months). The mean age of the patients was 41 (35–47). A functional rehabilitation protocol based on early range of motion exercises was used after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was used to evaluate the outcomes of the patients. Ankle range of motion; thigh, calf and ankle circumferences of the injured leg and the contralateral side, return to work and sports activities time were evaluated. Results One patient had a partial rerupture and one had superficial wound infection. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 93 (80–100). Patients returned to work at 3 weeks (range 1–5 weeks) and to preinjury sportive activities at 3 months (range 2–4 months). Ankle ROM and circumference measurements did not reveal a significant difference between the two sides. Conclusion These results suggest that open minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair and an early rehabilitation programme provides satisfactory results with early return to previous functional status with low complication rates.