Intraoperative Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Repair of Ruptured Achilles Tendon: A Comparative Study with Open Repair

Abstract

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: To compare and analyze the clinical outcomes between ultrasound guided percutaneous repair(USPR) and open repair in ruptured Achilles tendon. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes between 12 patients with USPR (group A) and 18 patients with open repair (group B), from January 2015 to February 2018. The postoperative clinical evaluations were done by Arner-Lindholm scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture score (ATRS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall satisfaction and cosmetic satisfaction of scar, and starting time of single heel raise. And we evaluated complications. Results: There was no statistical difference between two groups in Arner-Lindholm scale, AOFAS score, ATRS, starting time of single heel raise (all p>.05). There was statistically higher overall patient’s satisfaction and cosmetic satisfaction in group A than group B (all p<.05). There were 2 cases of Achilles tendon elongation in group A, and 1 case of re-rupture with deep infection and 1 case of superficial infection in group B. Conclusion: The USPR showed not only good clinical outcomes but also high satisfaction and low rate of complications like sural nerve injury. Thus, it is thought that USPR can be considered as an effective surgical treatment options for Achilles tendon ruptures.