[Delayed management of rupture of the Achilles tendon. Long-term follow-up in comparison with early operation].

At the Orthopedic Clinic of the University Homburg/Saar 32 delayed (8 days to 7 months) treated ruptures and 32 immediately (< 48 hours) treated ruptures of the Achilles tendon were followed up by clinical tests and sonographic examination and were compared with regard to the final results and the complications. There was no significant difference in the functional results. The rate of complications, which made a second operation necessary, was significantly higher in the group of delayed repair of the Achilles tendon rupture.