Summary

minimally invasive percutaneous suture of tendon is a good method for repairing acute closed rupture of the Achilles tendon, with the advantages of minimal incision, effective protection of blood supply of tendon and less postoperative complications.

Abstract

Objective

to evaluate the short-term clinical effect of minimally invasive percutaneous suture technique in the treatment of acute closed rupture of Achilles tendon.

Methods

From 2009 January to 2012 April, 11 cases of sports injury who suffered Achilles tendon rupture were treated using minimally invasive percutaneous suture (8 males, 3 females, averaging 32.5 ± 6.3 years). Physical examination and MRI as regular confirmed of complete rupture. Technical details: firstly, minimal incision was performed parallel with skin crease to expose Achilles tendon stump, then we clear blood clots and comb the tendon fibres to dock the broken ends. Then stab incisions were established at 2cms proximal and distal to the ruptured site, respectively at the four corners of a rectangle with rupture site at the center. Kessler suture of Achilles tendon was performed percutaneously to repair the ruptured tendon. The involved foot immobilized with postoperative plaster at plantar flexion. 7 Patients were followed for a mean of 15.3 months (10 ~ 36 months). MRI examination and Arner-Lindholm standard were used for clinical evaluation.

Results

According to Arner-Lindholm criteria, 8 cases were scored as excellent and 1 as good. The excellent and good rate was 100%. No infection or re-rupture cases were found.

Conclusion

Through short-term follow-up, minimally invasive percutaneous suture of tendon is a good method for repairing acute closed rupture of the Achilles tendon, with the advantages of minimal incision, effective protection of blood supply of tendon and less postoperative complications.