Percutaneous tenodesis of the Achilles tendon - A new surgical method for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture through percutaneous tenodesis

Various studies have shown that the operative treatment of a freshly ruptured Achilles tendon is generally considered to be more appropriate than a nonoperative regimen. However, complications in open reconstructions are reported to occur between 11-29%. We intended to develop a method which reduces the risk of complications arising from operation but simultaneously allows early postoperative mobilization and functional treatment. We developed a percutaneous tenodesis of the Achilles tendon, using two Lengemann extension wires for adaptation of the ruptured tendon. This method of treatment has been applied in 20 patients. The postoperative observation period was one year. All patients were male, their average age was 42 years. The Achilles tendon ruptures occurred during sporting activities and were treated by operation within 22 h on average. The outcome was very good in 95%. One patient (5%) suffered a rerupture due to trauma. There was no other complication. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.