Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Using a "mini-open" Technique

For active patients, surgery is usually the preferred treatment for an acute Achilles tendon rupture. Classical open techniques require a long tendon exposure, which can result in damage to its blood supply and gliding structures. Adhesions may form, which impair the final functional result. Closed surgical techniques do not allow for a perfect adaptation of the tendon stumps and have a higher rate of rerupture. The "mini-open" technique has advantages over both of these techniques. Percutaneously introduced threads prevent adhesions along the tendon. The rupture is exposed through a minimal incision and is carefully sutured with fine threads to allow a direct healing process without the formation of intermediate scar tissue. The minimally invasive approach and the introduction of percutaneous threads considerably reduce the time spent in surgery. An aggressive rehabilitation program can be initiated 1 week after surgery and allows good early functional results.