Outcome after operative treatment for chronic versus acute Achilles tendon rupture - A comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND

This study compared outcomes after treatment of acute Achilles tendon (AT) rupture via percutaneous suturing, with those after chronic AT rupture treated via open reconstruction.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 30 patients who underwent either percutaneous suturing for acute AT rupture (group AR, n=16) or open reconstruction for chronic AT rupture (group CR, n=14). Function was evaluated by calf muscle circumference, and endurance through isokinetic measurement and single-leg heel-rise test. Score evaluation included AT Total Rupture Score, Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire, and visual analogue scale pain score. Postoperative tendon thickness was measured using ultrasonography and MRI.

RESULTS

Follow-up was conducted 4.97±1.79 years postoperatively. The groups were similar in age and body mass index. There was no significant difference between groups in calf circumference, isokinetic measurement, heel-rise test, and score evaluation. There was significantly less mediolateral tendon thickening in group AR compared with group CR on ultrasonography (p=0.01) and MRI (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Open reconstruction for chronic AT rupture may result in comparable clinical and functional outcomes, but a thicker tendon compared with percutaneous suturing after acute AT rupture.