Turning over rough surface of aponeurosis of gastrocnemius for repairing freshly torn Achilles tendon

Abstract

To evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of freshly torn Achilles tendon by turning over aponeurosis of gastrocnemius and holding its rough surface to contact with sutured tendons. Thirty-two patients with torn Achilles tendon received surgeries at our department. There were 20 males and 12 females with an age range of 22 - 45 years. All patients were injured during movement. The surgical techniques involved applying medial straight incision of tendon about 5 cm, under the help of long tractors, turning over aponeurosis of gastrocnemius and holding its rough surface to contact with sutured tendons. All patients were motivated to accept early motion exercises after surgery. The follow-up was carried out during May 2007 to January 2010 with an average period of 18 months. Based upon the Arner Lindholm score, their therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. Incisions were healing well in all patients. All patients removed long plaster and changed into short plaster when they received operation for 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, plaster was removed and they began to exercise movement of ankle. At Week 8, their ankle functions were close to normal. At Week 12, they could jog. The final outcomes were as follows: excellent (n = 24), good (n = 6) and poor (n = 2). The excellent rate was over 93.75%. Turning over aponeurosis of gastrocnemius and holding its rough surface to contact with sutured tendons is an excellent therapeutic method for freshly torn Achilles tendon so that the patients may be motivated to execute early motion exercises. Early motion exercise is essential for an earlier recovery of postoperative function.