Acute Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment Using a Minimally Invasive Knotless Technique. Rehabilitation and Immediate Weight Bearing

Keywords: Achilles tendon, minimally invasive technique, knotless technique, early rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Modern surgical techniques seek to rehabilitate early for recovery in less time. Minimally invasive techniques are one option to accomplish this. Objective: To evaluate the ability to start rehabilitation and weight bearing in the immediate postoperative period and the evolution at 6 months postoperative using a minimally invasive knotless technique. Materials and Methods: 10 surgical repairs of acute Achilles tendon injuries were performed with a minimally invasive technique. The original Arthrex combination system (PARS - SpeedBridgeTM) was used. After 48 hours, weight bearing was progressively allowed according to tolerance. The final outcome at 6 months was evaluated using the ATRS score. Results: On average, patients took 14 days to walk without crutches. All began rehabilitation with active and passive ankle range of motion during the first postoperative week. The average ATRS score was 79 points (between 60 and 90 points). Conclusion: This technique has proven to be an excellent surgical option in acute midsubstance Achilles tendon injuries. The patients were able to start rehabilitation within the first postoperative week, whereas immediate weight bearing was not possible, due to the patients’ pain or fear.        

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Author Biographies

Nicolás Raimondi, Leg, Ankle and Foot Sector, Hospital Universitario Austral (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Leg, Ankle and Foot Sector, Hospital Universitario Austral (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Sergio Massetti, Leg, Ankle and Foot Sector, San Isidro Traumatology and Orthopedics Center (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Leg, Ankle and Foot Sector, San Isidro Traumatology and Orthopedics Center (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Andrés Villada, Leg, Ankle and Foot Sector, Hospital Zonal General de Agudos “Dr. Ramón Carrillo” (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Leg, Ankle and Foot Sector, Hospital Zonal General de Agudos “Dr. Ramón Carrillo” (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

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Published
2021-06-15
How to Cite
Raimondi, N., Massetti, S., & Villada, A. (2021). Acute Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment Using a Minimally Invasive Knotless Technique. Rehabilitation and Immediate Weight Bearing. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 86(3), 356-364. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2021.86.3.1153
Section
Clinical Research