Full thickness open tear of the tendoachilles - Functional outcomes following a stable, single stage repair

Achilles Tendon Tear Following an Unusual Pattern of Open Pure Ankle Dislocation: A Case Report

We present a rare case of concurrent open Achilles tendon tear and pure subtalar dislocation in a 20-year-old male following a motorcycle accident, highlighting the complexity of managing such unique musculoskeletal injuries. The patient was initially admitted with an open and deformed left ankle, underwent prompt primary debridement, and received immediate medical intervention. Despite unsuccessful attempts to reduce the dislocation through external maneuvers, subsequent radiographic evaluation revealed a subtalar dislocation associated with a 90° rotation of the talus. A direct reduction was achieved in the operating room, uncovering a complete tear of the Achilles tendon and a section of the posterior tibial artery during more intensive debridement. The vascular surgery team repaired the posterior tibial artery, followed by Achilles tendon repair using a Kessler suture technique. Postoperative care involved immobilization and adapted rehabilitation, resulting in the patient regaining full range of motion without complications. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first reported open lateral subtalar dislocation associated with an open Achilles tendon tear. The detailed treatment strategies and outcomes offer valuable insights for clinicians facing similar challenges and inspire further research on rare musculoskeletal injuries.

Outcome of a Simple Novel Technique to Reduce Soft Tissue Complications in Open Tendoachilles Injury: A Series of 20 Patients

Introduction

Open tendoachilles injuries are rare and associated with significant soft tissues complications. The objective of the present study was to assess the clinical outcome and safety of a simple and minimally invasive technique, with a goal to assess if it may help minimise flap and wound related complications in open tendoachilles injuries.

Materials and methods

This prospective study of four years duration included 20 patients with open tendoachilles injuries managed with a simple minimally invasive tunnel technique. The primary outcome variable was occurrence of a major soft tissue complication. The secondary outcome variables included functional outcome measured using AOFAS Ankle hind foot score, re-rupture of tendoachilles and need for revision surgery.

Results

None of the patients in the present series developed a serious soft tissue complication. Based upon the AOFAS hind foot scoring system, good to excellent outcome was achieved in 19 (95%) patients. All the patients were able to perform tip toe walking at six months post-surgery. None of the patients had a re-rupture of the tendoachilles and no patient needed a revision surgery. The complications encountered include thickening of the tendon at the repair site (15%), superficial wound infection (5%), stitch granuloma (5%) and hypertrophic scar (5%).

Conclusion

This technique seems to be promising in reducing the soft tissue complications associated with the surgical management of open tendoachilles injuries. Most patients had a good final clinical outcome. The technique is safe, simple and reproducible. However, further randomised control studies with a larger sample size assessing the technique are recommended.

A Case of Chronic Rupture of Achilles Tendon Managed Using a Combination of Multiple Surgical Techniques

Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that occurs due to sudden dorsiflexion of the plantar-flexed foot. Both acute and chronic ruptures are frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated. Acute Achilles tendon rupture commonly occurs in middle-aged individuals (30-40 years). Although several operative procedures are available for Achilles tendon repair, the management of choice remains controversial and debatable. A 27-year-old male came to our clinic complaining of pain over the left ankle for the last five months. History revealed trauma caused by a heavy metal object five months ago. Physical examination revealed tenderness and swelling over the left heel. Ankle plantar flexion was restricted, and painful and squeeze test was positive. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of a tear of the Achilles tendon in the left ankle. Surgical management was done with multiple techniques which included flexor hallucis longus tendon graft augmentation, end-to-end suturing (Krackow technique), V-Y plasty, and bioabsorbable suture anchor. Although complications such as scar stiffness and wound gaping are common in such cases, the postoperative outcome was excellent in our case according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score.