Safety of Achilles Repair Using the Mini-Open Approach in Supine Position vs Prone Position: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Surgical repair of the Achilles tendon is a commonly-performed procedure in cases of acute tendon rupture. Open Achilles tendon surgery with traditional extensile approach is most often performed with the patient in prone position, but this can interfere with airway access, put increased pressure on the abdomen, and subject to increase perioperative period and comorbidities. Mini-open approach in supine repair may potentially avoid the risks of the prone position, but the safety and utility of this approach have not been established. The purpose of this study is to compare perioperative outcomes between patients undergoing acute Achilles rupture repair with mini-open approach in the supine position versus traditional approach in the prone position. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical repair of acute Achilles rupture between the years 2011 and 2018 at a single institution were retrospectively identified using CPT code 27650. Patients who underwent concurrent procedures for additional injuries were excluded. Charts of included patients were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted and p-values =0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 81 patients were included for analysis, 26 supine and 55 prone. Baseline characteristics were statistically similar between the two groups. Average total time in the operating room was significantly greater among patients in the prone position (118.7 minutes) than those in the supine position (100 minutes) (p = 0.0011). Average surgery time, blood loss, and time in PACU were greater among the prone group than the supine group, although these differences were not statistically significant. Average postoperative pain score, infection rate, dehiscence rate, sepsis rate, and DVT rate were also similar between the two groups. Conclusion: The mini open approach in supine position may be advantageous in repair of acute Achilles rupture in that it significantly reduces total time in the operating room while maintaining positive patient outcomes. Prospective clinical studies are warranted to validate these assessments.