Objective: To investigate the techniques and therapeutic effects of suture anchors for the reconstruction of distal tendo achillis rupture.
Methods: The clinical data of 16 patients of distal tendo achillis rupture repaired with suture anchors from June 2005 to August 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males and 3 females with a mean age of 33.5 years (ranged from 17 to 46 years). The postoperative rehabilitation was conducted for every patient. The operation time, position of suture anchor and complications of the surgery were analyzed. The healing of stendo achillis and functional recovery were assessed by Arner-Lindholm standard.
Results: All the patients were followed up for an average of 13.2 months. There were no complications of foreign-body reaction or re-rupture. The average operation time was 35.5 minute. There was no intraoperative injuries of blood vessels, nerves or tendons. A total of 19 suture anchors were used, and only 1 anchor was displaced. The functional recovery of tendo achillis was rated as excellent in 13 cases,good in 2 cases, bad in 1 case. All patients were satisfied with the effects on their current work and life. And no displacement of anchors was found in radiographic films.
Conclusion: Repairing of the distal tendo achillis rupture with suture anchors can make operation simple and quick, rigid fixation, less complications, and provide good therapeutic effects.