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Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Original article

Functional outcome and complication rate after percutaneous suture of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures with the Dresden instrument

Authors: Sebastian Manegold, Serafim Tsitsilonis, Jakob Schumann, Tobias Gehlen, Alison N. Agres, Johannes Keller, Markus Gesslein, Florian Wichlas

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon (ATR) treated percutaneously with the Dresden instrument in the hands of surgeons others than its inventors.

Materials and methods

118 patients (FU rate: 77.1%) with an acute ATR treated with the Dresden instrument were retrospectively evaluated. The following data were evaluated: pain intensity, functional limitation, Hannover score, Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, Tegner activity score, complications, maximum calf circumference (MCC) on both sides, and the Matles test for tendon lengthening. The effect of the time point of the surgery after trauma was examined.

Results

Hannover scores and ATRSs were good; AOFAS scores were excellent. Almost all patients returned to sporting activities postoperatively, and 66.1% were able to return to their previous level. The Tegner activity score revealed a slight posttraumatic decrease (p = 0.009) in the level of physical activity overall (pre-injury: 5.37 ± 0.15; postoperatively: 4.77 ± 0.15). The re-rupture rate was 2%. No sural nerve lesions and no infections were reported. Even after 3 years, there was still a difference in MCC that was correlated with inferior clinical score and AT lengthening. Patients treated within the first 2 days after ATR showed inferior clinical outcomes in terms of AOFAS score, ATRS, and functional limitations.

Conclusions

Percutaneous ATR suture with the Dresden instrument is a safe and reliable method. Low complication and re-rupture rates, good clinical results, and a high rate of return to play support this fact. The time point of the operation may influence the outcome.

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Title: Functional outcome and complication rate after percutaneous suture of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures with the Dresden instrument
Authors: Sebastian Manegold
Serafim Tsitsilonis
Jakob Schumann
Tobias Gehlen
Alison N. Agres
Johannes Keller
Markus Gesslein
Florian Wichlas
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1590-9921
Electronic ISSN: 1590-9999
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-018-0511-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Functional outcome and complication rate after percutaneous suture of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures with the Dresden instrument

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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