RESUMO
Between 1983 and 1994, 15 patients (range 18 to 62 years) with acute traumatic Achilles tendon rupture, were treated surgically in our Department. We employed a modified Bosworth technique. The modifications were the use of a shorter strip of tendon and more secure fixation of the proximal and distal stump, than the original Bosworth technique. Postoperatively an above - knee plaster cast was applied with the knee flexed 30°-40° and the foot in a relaxed equinus position. The plaster cast was changed to a below - knee after 4 weeks and the foot gradually dorsiflexed to a neutral position until the 8th week, and then the plaster cast was removed. No patient had wound separation, infection or skin sloughs. After an average follow-up of 9 years, no rerupture has been reported and all the patients have returned to their pre injury activities.
RESUMO
Between 1979 and 1994, 75 patients underwent primary repair of a Grade III rupture of the lateral ligament of the ankle. The operation was indicated after the demonstration of ankle instability on stress X-rays by anterior displacement of the talus by more than 8 mm or/and a talar tilt of more than 10 degrees. The patients were either young or engaged in sports activities or physically demanding jobs. An end-to-end suture of the torn ligament was undertaken under general anaesthesia. A non-weight-bearing cast was used for the first 2 weeks, followed by a walking cast until 6 weeks postoperatively. Sixty-one patients were followed up for 1-15 years (mean 10.3 years). At follow-up all but one patient had returned to their pre-injury level of activity without complaint or restriction.