Minimally invasive repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures with Achillon device

Comparison of rerupture rates after operative and nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture in older populations: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the treatment for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) associated with the lowest risk of rerupture in older patients.

Methods

Five databases were searched through September 2022 for studies published in the past 10 years analyzing operative and nonoperative ATR treatment. Studies were categorized as "nonelderly" if they reported only on patients aged 18-60 years. Studies that included at least 1 patient older than age 70 were categorized as "elderly inclusive." Of 212 studies identified, 28 were eligible for inclusion. Of 2965 patients, 1165 were treated operatively: 429 (37%) from elderly-inclusive studies and 736 (63%) from nonelderly studies. Of the 1800 nonoperative patients 553 (31%) were from nonelderly studies and 1247 (69%) were from elderly-inclusive studies.

Results

For nonoperative treatment, the rate of rerupture was higher in nonelderly studies (83/1000 cases, 95% CI = 58, 113) than in elderly-inclusive studies (38/1000 cases, 95% CI = 22, 58; P<.001). For operative treatment no difference was found in the rate of rerupture between nonelderly studies (7/1000 cases, 95% CI = 0, 21) and elderly-inclusive studies (12/1000 cases, 95% CI = 0, 35; P<.78). Overall, operative treatment was associated with a rerupture rate of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0%, 2.8%) (P<.001), which was lower than the 5% rate reported by other studies for nonoperative management (P<.001).

Conclusion

Older patients may benefit more than younger patients from nonoperative treatment of ATR. More studies are needed to determine the age at which rerupture rates decrease among nonoperatively treated patients.

Level of Evidence

3.

Rerupture and wound complications following Achilles tendon repair: A systematic review

Despite the relatively high frequency of Achilles ruptures, there is no general consensus on the optimal treatment method. A general trend toward more patients being treated nonoperatively has emerged recently with the advent of functional rehabilitation. However, much of the recent data on this subject has been highly variable. This systematic review focused on Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) treatment outcomes, with a focus on rerupture and complication rates. This systematic review specifically focused on articles regarding ATR treatment that also included rerupture and complication rates. Treatments were divided into three categories: open minimally invasive, open standard, and nonoperative. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare complication and rerupture rates among pairs of treatment options, as well as between early weight bearing versus immobilization. There was significantly higher complications for minimally invasive compared to nonoperative treatment (risk ratio [RR] = 4.4154; p < 0.05), lower complication rates for minimally invasive compared to open treatment (RR = 0.3231; p < 0.05), and higher complications for open standard compared to nonoperative treatment (RR = 5.6350; p < 0.001). There were significantly lower rerupture rates in minimally invasive compared to nonoperative treatment (RR = 0.4085; p < 0.001), a significantly lower rerupture rate in nonoperative treatment compared to open treatment (RR = 0.2282; p < 0.001), and no significant difference in rerupture rates when comparing minimally invasive to open standard treatment. We found that operative treatment is associated with fewer reruptures and more complications than a nonoperative approach. Minimally invasive surgery appears to be associated with a lower rate of complications than open operative treatment.

The Reinforced Ma-Griffith Method Combined with Minimally Invasive Small-Incision Suture for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

Objective

To evaluate the treatment effects of the reinforced Ma‐Griffith method combined with a minimally invasive small incision(M‐G/MISI) in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods

From January 2012 to January 2020, a retrospective study was carried out on thirty‐one patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures that were treated using the M‐G/MISI. Patient with acute Achilles tendon rupture was operated on in the prone position. The M‐G/MISI begin with making a small incision to debride the stumps of ruptured tendon. Then M‐G/MISI was used to suture the distal and proximal Achilles tendons with the help of a epidural puncture needle and polydioxanone synthetic absorbable suture (PDS) Ⅱ line. Finally the stumps of ruptured tendon was reattached. After the surgery, the affected limb was fixed with either a plaster slab below the knee brace or a functional brace. Removal of plaster external fixation and partial weight‐bearing with crutches five weeks after the operation; Complete weight‐bearing nine weeks after the operation; jogging permitted 12 weeks after the operation; Patients were allowed to resume normal activities six months after the operation.

Results

All 31 patients in this study were male. Nineteen of these patients had Achilles tendon rupture on the right lower extremity, while 12 had ruptures on the left lower extremity. The patients had a mean age of 33.35 ± 7.13 years (range, 18‐52 years). The mean operation time was 79.58 ± 22.67 minutes (range, 40‐167 minutes). The mean time from injury to operation was 4.19 ± 2.01 days (range, 1‐8 days), and the mean hospital stay was 9.87 ± 3.88 days (range, 5‐22 days). The new technique had a small incision with a mean length of 3.94 ± 1.82 cm (range, 2‐6 cm). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 16.77 ± 13.76 mL (range, 10‐50 mL) and the mean follow‐up time was 21.35 ± 10.18 months (range, 6‐50 months). No wound infection, fistula, skin necrosis, sural nerve damage, deep venous thrombosis or tendon re‐rupture was found. One year after the surgery, all patients reported 97.00 (range, 93‐100 points) AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot score points and the mean ATRS was 97.39 (range, 91‐100) points.

Conclusion

The reinforced Ma‐Griffith method, combined with a minimally invasive small incision suture, is a simple, effective, minimally invasive technique and low‐cost surgical method for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Strength Measurement After Achilles Tendon Repair

The goal of treatment after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is to restore appropriate tension to the tendon, so that normal baseline strength and functional soft-tissue length can be achieved. The assessment of plantarflexion strength has shown widespread variability. The purpose of this study is to document variations in strength assessment after the treatment of ATR in the literature. A comprehensive literature review was performed. In total, 2758 articles were found on Achilles tendon rupture and Achilles tendon strength measurement. The full text of articles including strength as a functional outcome measurement in the abstract were assessed. All objective strength measurements performed were reviewed and recorded for comparison. One-hundred articles were included in our study. In 78 articles, a dynamometer was used to measure strength, whereas in 22 articles, an endurance test (n=14) or formal gait assessment (n=8) was applied. When a dynamometer was used, there was wide variability in the various methods used including the incorporation of both isokinetic (n = 65) and isometric (n = 29) exercises utilizing varying degrees of knee flexion and patient testing position. Furthermore, the number of measurements at certain angular velocities varied. This study illustrates that no general consensus exists regarding an optimal method for measuring strength after ATR. The variability creates difficulty and challenges medical professionals' ability to formulate consistent conclusions when determining functional performance outcomes. A more uniform way of measuring strength after ATR may allow for better comparisons between studies in the literature, potentially leading to a better understanding of strength. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II.

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

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.

Is Achillon repair safe and reliable in delayed presentation Achilles tendon rupture? A five-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

To assess the outcome of delayed repair of ruptured Achilles tendon using the Achillon mini-open technique.

METHODS

A review of all patients who underwent delayed repair (>10 days post injury) of ruptured Achilles tendon with mini invasive technique was compared to acute repairs carried out at the same unit. Leppilahti Score and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) were utilised. Complication rates including re-rupture were also reviewed.

RESULTS

14 patients were identified as having delayed repair (11-31 days). The mean follow-up period was 71 months (range: 58-92). There were no statistically significant difference in the Leppilahti Score and ATRS compared to patients treated acutely (<10 days post injury) in the same time period. 79% of patients with delayed repair reported good to excellent, comparable to 80% of patients having undergone acute repair.

CONCLUSIONS

For those patients who would benefit from surgical repair, a mini-open technique using the Achillon suture-passing device remains a safe and reliable option for delayed presentation of 11-31 days.

The improved oval forceps suture-guiding method for minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the effect and advantage of the improved oval forceps suture-guiding method combined with anchor nail in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

METHODS

A retrospective research was performed on 35 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with the improved oval forceps suture-guiding method from January 2013 to October 2016. Instead of the Achillon device, we perform the Achillon technique with the use of simple oval forceps, combined with absorbable anchor nail, percutaneously to repair the acute Achilles tendon rupture.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for at least 12 months (range, 12-19 months), and all the patients underwent successful repair of their acute Achilles tendon rupture using the improved oval forceps suture-guiding method without any major intra- or postoperative complications. All the patients returned to work with pre-injury levels of activity at a mean of 12.51 ± 0.76 weeks. Mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores improved from 63.95 (range, 51-78) preoperatively to 98.59 (range, 91-100) at last follow-up. This was statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Mean Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) at final follow-up was 94.87 (range, 90-100).

CONCLUSION

The improved oval forceps suture-guiding method could make the advantage of minimally invasive repair with less complications, reduced surgical time and similar functional outcomes compared with the traditional open surgery. In addition, our new technique could save the cost of surgery with the compare of the Achillon device. At the same time for the cases which the remote broken tendon ends were within 2 cm from the calcaneal nodules, because of the less tendon tissue was left in the remote side, traditional percutaneous methods are incapable to ensure the reconstruction strength. By using the anchor nail, the improved technique has better repair capacity and expands the operation indication of oval forceps method.

A simple suture-guiding device for minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair

BACKGROUND

Our hypothesis is to utilize a simple suture-guiding device for minimally invasive repair of Achilles tendon without any extra cost with a minimal risk of rerupture. The purpose of this study is to investigate the results of our minimally invasive technique for Achilles tendon repair using a simple ovarian clamp for suture guiding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated with minimally invasive repair by an expert orthopaedic surgeon. Instead of an Achillon device, an ovarian clamp was directed to the proximal and distal parts of the Achilles tendon. All data relating to daily activities, walking, climbing stairs, sports activity, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Thermannscores were recorded. Sural nerve was evaluated with physical examination for paraesthesia, hyperaesthesia, lateralis cruris and foot pain in all patient controls.

RESULTS

The average AOFAS score was 97.06 (76-100). All patients had intact Achilles tendon at last control. No rerupture was observed. Average time taken to return to work was 30.8 days (28-60 days). After 6 months, all patients returned to their previous sports activities.

CONCLUSION

For Achilles tendon ruptures, minimally invasive repair techniques have shown successful results with low complication rates. Besides their success, some suture-guiding devices bring extra costs for patients or health insurance. Minimally invasive techniques may be performed with devices without any extra cost. Our new suture-guiding device provides knot placement under paratenon like Achillon device to improve outcomes, provides early return to work and minimizes the complications. Finally, our suture-guiding device has no extra cost.

Outcome following use of the Achillon jig for the repair of acutely ruptured Achilles tendons

We report a series of 143 patients who underwent limited open Achilles tendon repair using the Achillon device at a mean follow-up of 25 months. All patients attending our institution with a diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture were considered for operative repair using the Achillon jig unless they declined surgery or met the exclusion criteria. Following surgery patients were contacted and asked to complete an Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). The clinical records were reviewed for evidence of complications, demographic information and evidence of re-rupture. Statistical analysis of subgroups including age at presentation, delay to surgery and patients with complications was carried out using the Kruskal Wallis non-parametric test. We report no re-ruptures at a mean of 25 months (minimum 12 months) following surgery. The mean ATRS score was 84/100 (range 15-100). There was no statistical significance between any of the subgroups analyzed. In conclusion, acute Achilles repair using the Achillon jig is safe, with a low re-rupture rate, excellent ATRS scores at a minimum of 12 months post-operatively and low complications. The incidence of sural nerve injury is much lower than published series of percutaneous Achilles tendon repair without the use of a jig.

Subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture: A comparison between open technique and mini-invasive tenorrhaphy with Achillon® suture system

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture is still controversial: open techniques have a higher rate of soft tissue complications but a lower incidence of re-rupture than percutaneous tenorrhaphies. The aim of our retrospective study was to analyze and compare clinical and functional results in patients treated with either the conventional open or minimally invasive suture treatment with the Achillon^® system.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 140 patients was performed; 72 were treated with open tenorrhaphy, 68 with the minimally invasive Achillon^® suture system.

RESULTS

With a comparable re-rupture rate, there was a statistically significant reduction in surgical time, incidence of minor complications, time required to return to sport activities and return to work in the minimally invasive group.

CONCLUSIONS

Achillon^® mini-invasive suture system is a reliable tool for the Achilles tendon ruptures, able to reduce the incidence of soft tissues complications if compared to the classic open tenorrhaphy, while maintaining strength of the suture and leading to superimposed functional outcomes.

Comparison of Semi-Invasive "Internal Splinting" and Open Suturing Techniques in Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the semi-invasive "internal splinting" (SIIS) method for repair of Achilles tendon rupture relative to open repair with Krakow sutures. Efficacy was evaluated based on the clinical and functional outcomes, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurements, isokinetic results, and surgical complication rates. Functional measurements included the Thermann and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle scores, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion measurements. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare the bilateral length and thickness of each Achilles tendon. The isokinetic outcomes were evaluated using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Of the 45 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 24 were treated by SIIS and 21 by the open Krackow suture technique. The mean follow-up time for all patients was 43.7 (range 6 to 116) months. In the SIIS group, patients returned to normal daily activities after 7.2 (range 6 to 8) weeks compared with 14.3 (range 12 to 15) weeks in the open surgery group. The AOFAS ankle scores were 93.5 (range 82 to 100) points in the open repair group and 96.2 (range 86 to 100) points in the SIIS group. The Thermann scores were 80.4 (range 53 to 91) points for the open repair group and 87.9 (range 81 to 100) points for the SIIS method. The mean Achilles length on the operated side measured using magnetic resonance imaging was 175.06 (range 110 to 224) mm and 177.76 (range 149 to 214) mm for the open surgery and SIIS groups, respectively. Sensory impairment in the territory of the sural nerve was identified in 1 patient immediately after SIIS surgery, although this defect had completely resolved within 12 months. SIIS yielded better outcomes relative to the open surgery group according to the isokinetic measurements. Taken together, these data indicate the SIIS method for Achilles tendon ruptures performed better in terms of both functional and objective outcomes compared with open surgery.

Return to play post-Achilles tendon rupture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rate and measures of return to play

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to identify return to play (RTP) rates following Achilles tendon rupture and evaluate what measures are used to determine RTP.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Studies were assessed for risk of bias and grouped based on repeatability of their measure of RTP determination.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched to identify potentially relevant articles.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies reporting RTP/sport/sport activity in acute, closed Achilles tendon rupture were included.

RESULTS

108 studies encompassing 6506 patients were included for review. 85 studies included a measure for determining RTP. The rate of RTP in all studies was 80% (95% CI 75% to 85%). Studies with measures describing determination of RTP reported lower rates than studies without metrics described, with rates being significantly different between groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

80 per cent of patients returned to play following Achilles tendon rupture; however, the RTP rates are dependent on the quality of the method used to measure RTP. To further understand RTP after Achilles tendon rupture, a standardised, reliable and valid method is required.

Evaluation of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for repair of achilles tendon rupture with a suture-guiding device

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and clinical results of Achilles tendon repairs with an Achilles tendon suture-guiding device using nonabsorbable versus absorbable sutures. We hypothesized that the absorbable suture would have clinical results comparable to those of the nonabsorbable suture for Achilles tendon repair with an Achilles tendon suture-guiding system.

METHODS

From January 2010 to September 2013, 48 consecutive patients who had sustained a spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon underwent operative repair with an Achilles tendon suture-guiding device using 2 different suture types. All ruptures were acute. The patients were divided equally into 2 groups according to suture type. In the nonabsorbable suture group, No. 2 braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate sutures were used, and in the absorbable suture group, braided absorbable polyglactin sutures were used. The average age of the patients was 38 years (range, 28-50 years). Functional outcome scores and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients had an intact Achilles repair after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot clinical outcome scores were 98 (range, 90-100) in the nonabsorbable suture group and 96.8 (range, 87-100) in the absorbable suture group. All patients returned to their previous work. The absorbable suture group had fewer postoperative complications (0%) than the nonabsorbable suture group (12.5%) (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Use of an absorbable suture in the treatment of Achilles tendon repair by an Achilles tendon suture-guiding system was associated with a lower incidence of suture reaction; however, functionally the results were not notably different from those using a traditional nonabsorbable suture. We conclude that repair with absorbable sutures is appropriate for Achilles tendon ruptures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective comparative study.

Achilles tendon ruptures

The incidence of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is on the rise. This is thought to be due to the increasing number of middle-aged persons participating in athletic and/or strenuous activity. Ruptures of the Achilles tendon can be severely debilitating, with deficits seen years after the initial incident. Also, these injuries can have substantial socioeconomic impacts regardless of the treatment selected. Debate continues over the optimal treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures, especially the argument whether to treat patients nonoperatively or surgically. Newer evidence shows that functional rehabilitation, including early weight-bearing, should be an integral part of successful treatment of acute Achilles ruptures. Further research is needed to further investigate the ideal treatment and rehabilitation protocols.

Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair: a modification of the Achillon technique

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to present the results of a new minimally invasive operative method for Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures that could reduce nerve injuries and add no extra cost.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with acute AT ruptures who were treated with minimally invasive surgery and followed for a minimum of 12 months were included. At the latest follow-up, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, calf diameters, ability to walk on tiptoe, and ultrasound examination were evaluated. The average age was 42.8 years (range, 31-62 years). Average follow up was 24.5 months (range, 12-34 months).

RESULTS

AOFAS score was 92.5 (range, 85-100). Average calf diameters on the operated and nonoperated extremities were 38.9 cm (range, 36-44 cm) and 38.9 cm (range, 36-41 cm), respectively. On ultrasound examination, the site of the rupture was found to be 46.2 mm proximal from the calcaneal insertion, and the operated side was found to be significantly thicker than the nonoperated side (P = .008). There was 1 deep vein thrombosis, which recovered without sequelae. There were no wound problems, reruptures, or nerve injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

This new minimally invasive operative method was successful, showing good functional results and low complication rates. In our experience, the use of 3 continuous polyester sutures was less irritable with 3 knots.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Can local corticosteroid injection in the retrocalcaneal bursa lead to rupture of the Achilles tendon and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle?

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to explain the cause-effect relationship in three patients who reported combined ruptures of the Achilles tendon and the gastrosoleus complex 6 months after they had received corticosteroids injections for the management of retrocalcaneal bursitis.

METHODS

Three cryopreserved cadavers (three men, three left legs) were examined to assess the anatomic connection between the retrocalcaneal bursa and the Achilles tendon (distal and anterior fibers). Blue triptan medium contrast was injected.

RESULTS

An unexpected connection between the retrocalcaneal bursa and the anterior fibers of the Achilles tendon was found in all instances.

CONCLUSIONS

Local corticosteroid injection of the retrocalcaneal bursa may help the symptoms of retrocalcanear bursitis, but pose a risk of Achilles tendon rupture. This risk-benefit has to be taken into account when corticosteroid injections are prescribed to professional and high-level athletes.

The ruptured Achilles tendon: a current overview from biology of rupture to treatment

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the human body yet the aetiology remains poorly understood. Despite the extensively published literature, controversy still surrounds the optimum treatment of complete rupture. Both non-operative management and percutaneous repair are attractive alternatives to open surgery, which carries the highest complication and cost profile. However, the lack of a universally accepted scoring system has limited any evaluation of treatment options. A typical UK district general hospital treats approximately 3 cases of AT rupture a month. It is therefore important for orthopaedic surgeons to correctly diagnose and treat these injuries with respect to the best current evidence-based practice. In this review article, we discuss the relevant pathophysiology and diagnosis of the ruptured AT and summarize the current evidence for treatment.

Operative versus nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a meta-analysis based on current evidence

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a meta-analysis, the clinical effectiveness of operative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) compared with nonoperative treatment.

METHODS

We systematically searched six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Clinical Ovid, BIOSIS and Cochrane registry of controlled clinical trials) to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which operative treatment was compared with nonoperative treatment for AATR from 1980 to 2011. Trial quality was assessed using the modified Jadad scale. The data was using fixed-effects and random-effects models with mean differences and risk ratios for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with a total of 894 patients were screened. The results showed that operative was superior to nonoperative treatment regarding lower risk of re-rupture (P = 0.002) and shorter time for sick leave (P = 0.009) but inferior to nonoperative treatment regarding complication risks (P = 0.004). No significant difference was identified between the two methods regarding the number of patients who successfully returned to pre-injury sports (P = 0.30). Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences in relation to scar adhesion (P < 0.00001), superficial infection (P = 0.05), and sensibility disturbance (P = 0.0003). However, no significant differences were found between the two interventions in relation to deep infection (P = 0.22), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (P = 0.14), and extreme Achilles tendon lengthening (P = 0.31). Little consensus was obtained in the functional recovery from current trials as a result of an inconsistent assessment system.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with conservative treatment, operative treatment can effectively reduce the risk of re-rupture but increase the probability of complications. The increased complication risk may be associated with open repair surgery. However, no sufficient evidence is available from current studies to support the belief that operation may lead to better functional recovery.