Outcomes of open "crown" type v. percutaneous Bunnell type repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Randomized control study.

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) is still under debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of open repair comparing with percutaneous procedure for AATR.

METHODS

100 patients with AATR were randomized in two groups: open "crown" type (group A) and percutaneous Bunnell type repair (group B). 87 patients were available for the mean follow up of 27months

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in ATRS score, leg circumference, single heel rise, Achilles resting angle, time back to work and sports and overall patient satisfaction. Percutaneous technique was much faster. Overall 13 complications occurred in both groups (5 and 8 respectively). No deep infection occurred, no revisions were needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques showed to be effective and safe when using absorbable suture material with a high patient satisfaction and a low complication rate, but percutaneous repair was significantly faster.