Subcutaneous suturing of the ruptured Achilles tendon under local anaesthesia.

Debate concerning the appropriate treatment of ruptures of the Achilles tendon still continues. Conservative treatment can be associated with a high incidence of re-rupture and with relative weakness and lengthening of the triceps surae but with low costs. Surgical treatment contributes to a much lower incidence of re-rupture but can be associated with significant complications as well as with time loss and high costs of hospitalization. Subcutaneous reconstruction combines the advantages of surgical and non-surgical management. Operating with local anaesthesia reduces hospitalization time and operative costs; there are also almost no contraindications for the operation. The functional results in 36 patients operated on in this way are encouraging.