Achilles tendon rupture: an alternative treatment.

We have found percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon to be a straightforward operation that can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Our experience leaves us with no doubt that the results in terms of wound complications and cosmesis are superior to those obtained with open operative treatment. Repeat rupture rates are comparable to the rates seen with open procedures, and patient satisfaction is excellent. Although this technique does not replace the more traditional open operative repair, it certainly has become an acceptable treatment option, and it is gaining more popularity among orthopedic surgeons. We recommend this technique without reservation.