Functional outcomes of repair of Achilles tendon using a biological open surgical method

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term functional outcomes of ankles following biological open Achilles tendon repair and early postoperative mobilization. Methods: The study retrospectively evaluated 22 male patients who underwent one-sided biological open Achilles tendon repair. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, isokinetic muscle strength and endurance tests and active angle reproduction test at 15 degrees of dorsiflexion and 20 degrees of plantarflexion of the injured and uninjured sides were measured and compared. Results: Mean age was 38.6 years and mean follow-up was 33.7 months. One patient had rerupture following a blunt trauma 1 month after operation. No other complication was seen. Mean AOFAS hindfoot score was 97.9 (range: 90 to 100). Peak isokinetic torque at 30 degrees/sec (isokinetic muscle strength) and total work at 120 degrees/sec (isokinetic muscle endurance) did not significantly differ between the operated and uninjured ankles. Proprioceptive evaluation with active angle reproduction test at 15 degrees of dorsiflexion and 20 degrees of plantarflexion was similar between the two sides. Conclusion: Biological open Achilles tendon repair with early postoperative mobilization appears to be a convenient intervention for acute Achilles tendon rupture in active young patients. Treatment results in low complication rates and restores ankle strength, endurance and position sense.