Mini-invasive surgical repair of the Achilles tendon--does it reduce post-operative morbidity?

Abstract

The surgical benefit of minimally invasive tendo Achilles repair (n = 25) with early weight-bearing mobilisation after rupture of the tendo Achilles was compared with operative treatment using an open technique (n = 34) with full weight-bearing after 8 weeks of surgical repair. The minimally invasive technique provided no evidence of wound problems and a functional benefit from early weight-bearing mobilisation. However, we noted that increased post-operative morbidity in terms of wound infection (n = 7) leading to delayed wound healing and wound pain requiring opiate-based analgesia post-operatively in the open repair group may have an additional impact on the patients and health care providers. This study showed that the mini-invasive open surgical repair of the Achilles tendon with the Achillon instrument and early weight-bearing mobilisation in an orthosis for the accelerated rehabilitation may offer cost-effectiveness and less financial burden on the health care provider in terms of associated nursing and physiotherapy costs.

• Authors: Mayukh Bhattacharyya, Bruno Gerber
• Journal: International orthopaedics (Int Orthop) Vol. 33 Issue 1 Pg. 151-6 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1432-5195 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 18496690 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Achilles Tendon (injuries, surgery)
• Adult
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures (adverse effects, economics, methods)
• Orthopedic Procedures (adverse effects, economics, methods)
• Orthotic Devices
• Pain (etiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Surgical Wound Infection (etiology)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Weight-Bearing
• Wound Healing