Percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture: is it safe and reliable?

Abstract

Aim: Achilles tendon rupture is the most common tendon rupture and the best treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures remains controversial. Mini open or percutaneous repair techniques offer early recovery and return to daily life, but have some disadvantages such as sural nerve injury and re-rupture. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and reliability of percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture with identifying and retracting the sural nerve on its anatomical location.
 Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients who had undergone percutaneous Achilles tendon repair between November 2013 and February 2017 were included in this study. Wound healing problems, complications, ankle range of motions, and American Foot and Ankle Society score in early postoperative period and at the last follow-up were assessed.
 Results: The average follow up period was 23 months. At last follow up injured ankles had 47.9±3.1° plantar flexion and 20.1±2.6° dorsiflexion statistically similar to the uninjured side. The average AOFAS score was 91±9.6.
 Conclusion: Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair is safer and more reliable method when the sural nerve was identified at its anatomical location.