Percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture: A 10-year follow-up

Aim. The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures is constantly improving, probably as a result of the increment of recreational sport activities. Percutaneous tendon repair, described for the first time in 1977 by Ma and Griffith, minimize many of complications that accompany open surgical repairs and combine the advantages of surgical and non surgical management. Currently this technique has increasing popularity and is considered safe and effective in repairing ruptured Achilles tendon. We use this procedure, modified, from 1997 and the purpose of this study is the evaluation of long term results of first 20 cases operated between 1997 and 1999. Methods. At follow-up the controls patients had been evaluated subjectively with a questionnaire and clinically with a sensory assessment, measurement of calf circumference, ankle range of motion and a stress test with the patient on bilateral and unilateral tip toe. Moreover we performed bilateral ultrasonography examinations to control tendon healing and size and MRI evaluation for a more accurate study of tendon structure and thickness. Results. The overall results were good. No re-ruptures. We confirm an increase of Achilles tendon thickness without structural impairments. Conclusion. At long-term follow-up percutaneous repair proved a simple, safe, reliable, low cost procedure with a high patient's compliance.