Percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon: a ten years follow-up

The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures is constantly increasing, 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 is obtaining increasing popularity and is considered safe and effective in repairing ruptured Achilles tendons. We use this procedure, modified, from 1997 and the purpose of this study is the evaluation of long term results of the first 20 cases operated between 1997 and 1999. At follow-up the control patients were 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. The overall results were good. No re-ruptures. We confirm an increase of Achilles tendon thickness without structural impairments. At long term follow-up percutaneous repair proved tobe a simple, safe, reliable, low cost procedure with a high patient’s compliance.