Achilles tendon repair with the plantaris tendon compared with repair using polyglycol threads.

ABSTRACT

Therapeutic results in 56 surgically treated patients with rupture of the Achilles tendon are presented. Results with repair using plantaris tendon and by suture of polyglycol threads are compared in 41 patients in a long-term followup study. Although 54 patients returned to their pre-accident physical activity, in all cases residual phenomena like calf atrophy, thickening of tendon, and tendon excursion were analyzed. The use of synthetic absorbable threads shortens the convalescence period. Covering the repair site with the fanned plantaris tendon seems to help to avoid painful adhesions with the skin.