Retrospective Comparative Study between Open and Modified Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair

Abstract

Introduction: To compare the outcomes between the percutaneous repair technique of the Achilles tendon rupture with the open repair technique. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of patients with complete Achilles tendon rupture managed surgically in our institution from January 2015 to June 2019. Group I consisted of patients managed with the percutaneous repair technique. Group II consisted of patients managed with the open technique. Clinical outcomes including re-rupture, wound infection, and pain control were compared. Results: Fifty-two patients were included in the study with 22 patients allocated into group I and 30 patients allocated to group II. The mean age of group I was 41.2 (range 21–78, SD 16.097). The mean follow-up time was 38.4 months (range 14–55 months, SDV 12.738). The mean age of group II was 48.8 (range 27–80, SDV 14.938). At postoperative 1 year, there was no statistical difference in the range of motion. Among the patients in group I, the mean numeral pain rating scale (NPRS) was statistically lower than that of the patients in group II. There was no wound infection, sural nerve injury, or re-rupture in group I. Two patients in group II developed postoperative wound infection. One of them had been complicated with the re-rupture of the repaired Achilles tendon. Conclusion: The percutaneous repair technique is a reasonable treatment option for ruptured Achilles tendon, with a satisfactory medium-term outcome comparable, if not better, than the traditional open repair technique.

Keywords

• achilles tendon repair
• foot and ankle surgery
• minimal invasive
• surgical technique