Comparison of Gastrocnemius Turn Flap and Hamstring Graft for the Treatment of Kuwada Type 3 Chronic Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Chronic Achilles tendon rupture is challenging to repair, and many procedures have been suggested to fill the gap that separates the distal and proximal ends of the ruptured tendon. PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes between the free hamstring graft (HG) and gastrocnemius turn flap (GTF) procedures in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This retrospective study included 26 patients (25 males, 1 female; mean age, 36.7 years; range, 22-53 years) with Kuwada type 3 chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. A total of 11 patients underwent GTF surgery, whereas 15 patients underwent HG surgery. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The complication rate was significantly higher in the GTF group compared with the HG group (27.2% vs 6.6%, respectively; χ(2) = 12.462; P = .001). At the 3-month follow-up, the degree of ankle dorsiflexion was significantly higher in the HG group than in the GTF group (t = 3.144; P = .004). At 6-month and 1-year follow-up, no significant differences in ankle function were seen between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Hamstring tendon graft is associated with better early recovery of dorsiflexion compared with GTF. The long-term clinical outcomes of these 2 procedures are similar.