Intraoperative ultrasound assistance for percutaneous repair of the acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Abstract

Various methods have been used to treat the acute Achilles tendon rupture. Traditional open repair is associated with a higher rate of complications. Percutaneous methods avoid most of the disadvantages of open surgical treatment, but the degree of tendon regeneration cannot be ensured. The authors prospectively followed 40 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who underwent percutaneous repair with intraoperative ultrasound assistance an average of 13 months after the injury. No surgery-related complications, such as wounds or deep infections, sural nerve injury, or re-rupture, were detected at follow-up. This technique avoids injury to the sural nerve, minimizes wound complications, and provides a strong repair.