Minimally Invasive Knotless-Bridge Suture Technique for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

CATEGORY: Hindfoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive knotless-bridge suture technique combined with PRP augamentation for acute achilles tendon rupture. METHODS: Totally 23 cases of acute achilles tendon rupture were treated from August 2016 to December 2016 including 21 cases of males and 2 cases of females with an average age of 42.1 years-old (from 29-51 years). Mini-invasive knotless-bridge suture technique was performed in all cases until the soft tissue condition improved. Ankle range of motion, calf circumference difference between two lower extrenities, number of repetions for single heel-rise in one minute, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score(ATRS) and time to return to work were investigated at last follow-up, as well as complications during follow-up. RESULTS: 23 cases were followed for an average of 28 months . At last follow-up, the average ankle ROM was 60.3±2.2°, calf circumference difference between two lower extrenities was 92.7±1.8%, number of repetions for single heel-rise in one minute was 25±2, AOFAS score was 91.5±2.2, ATRS score was 92.6±2.4, time to return to work ranged from 6 to 9 weeks, averaging 7 weeks.Wound was sutured in one stage and united in one stage.No skin necrosis, superficial infection, sural nerve injury occurred.No achilles tendon re-rupture was seen during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive knotless-bridge suture technique combined with PRP augamentation for acute achilles tendon rupture is operated easily and lesser-trama, enabling patients to return to work earlier and proved to be an effective treatment.