Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture Reconstruction Using the Lindholm Method and the Vulpius Method

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical and functional outcomes of chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction via the Lindholm technique and via the Vulpius’ lengthening of the gastrocnemius. METHODS: We evaluated 15 patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture (Lindholm technique in eight patients and primary repair with the Vulpius technique in seven patients). In the final follow-up, the Hooker scale was used to measure the ankle functional capacity in all patients. The patients were evaluated on the basis of their capability to stand on tiptoe on the affected limb and the time required to return to pre-injury daily activities. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 19.6 months (range, 12 - 38 months). The mean time to return to work and daily activity was 3.2 months. The mean calf atrophy at the end of follow-up was 1.2 cm (range, 0 - 2.5 cm). At the last follow-up visit, no patient had any limitation in the activities of daily living and the active and passive ankle range of motion was good. All patients were able to perform single-leg heel rises at the end of follow-up and the Hooker scores were excellent for 11 patients and satisfactory for four patients. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures via the Lindholm technique or via the Vulpius technique is associated with good clinical and functional outcomes.