Augmented repair of acute tendo Achilles ruptures with gastrosoleus turn down flap

BACKGROUND: We present the results of primary repair of acute tendo Achilles (TA) rupture augmented with gastrosoleus turn down flap technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 78 consecutive patients with a complete acute rupture of the Achilles tendon operated between 1993 and 2004 were included in study. We performed a modification of the Lindholm technique in which the primary Kessler suture repair of the tendon was augmented by a turn-down ~3 cm × 10 cm gastrosoleus aponeurosis flap. In all cases, a short-leg circular walking cast was applied at 90° of the ankle dorsiflexion for 3 weeks and all the patients were encouraged to full weightbearing ambulation immediately. After removal of the cast, isometric and isokinetic ankle exercises were performed for 3 weeks. Modified Rupp Score was used to evaluate the subjective satisfaction. RESULTS: All of patients returned to daily activity and 54 (69%) of them returned to previous sport activity. The tendon repair failed in two patients and they were reoperated with an allograft. Three patients developed infection and one of them required débridement. One developed deep venous thrombosis and two permanent sural nerve injuries were encountered. One of the patients had a severe skin necrosis, which was treated with rotation flap. The mean Rupp score was 29 (3–33). CONCLUSION: Primary repair of acute tendo Achilles rupture augment with gastrosoleus turn down flip technique in combination of immediate weightbearing ambulation provides a good outcome, but is associated with similar complication rates to the previous literature.