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.