A study of chronic tendon Achilles rupture and the different modalities of its repair

Abstract

Background: Achilles tendon rupture is a common and primary cause of lower limb
tendon injuries suffered during sports-related activities. The causes of Achilles tendon
rupture include calf muscle and tendon overuse, steroid local injection in tendon, poor
tendon quality, and various medical conditions. Historically, acute Achilles tendon
rupture was treated conservatively. However, historical techniques are now associated
with an increased risk of rerupture. Aim and Objective: To study of the
reconstruction of chronic tendoachilles ruptures with the flexor hallucis longus and
peroneus brevis. Material and Method: 30 patients aged between 30 and 60 years
underwent reconstruction of chronically ruptured tendon Achilles either with flexor
hallucis longus or peroneus brevis. Ruptures are due to stumbling in fields, falling
from stairs, and some being uneventful. All these patients attended the department of
Orthopaedics OPD and tertiary care of SSIMS, Bhilai. The patients were admitted and
surgically treated after appropriate counseling and consent. The results were
compared with the Quigley scale and Leppilahti scores. Results: Rupture of the
Achilles tendon is more common in middle-aged males. Delay in diagnosis is due to a
lack of adequate knowledge by the treating physician and a lack of immediate
disability for the patient. The Thompson test has high sensitivity and specificity in
diagnosis. Complications such as superficial skin infections and wound dehiscence
are more common in patients treated with peroneus Peroneus and Sensory
disturbance on foot is post operative complication. Conclusion: Flexor hallucis
longus is superior to Peroneus brevis because of its anatomical and technical
advantages, less incidence of superficial infections, wound dehiscence, and sensory
disturbance, and better weight-bearing times and functional recovery.