Repair of distal tendo Achillis rupture with the use of the Mitek Anchor System

Abstract

Surgical repair of an acute, distal, tendo Achillis rupture in a 59-year-old diabetic male is described in which the Mitek Anchor System was used. The injury described is a distal tear of the insertion of the tendon into the calcaneus without avulsion fracture of the calcaneus. Sixteen months of postoperative follow-up care, including casting for equinus deformity, progressive weightbearing, range of motion exercises, and physical therapy, have been free of complications. The authors include a brief overview of historical and current reparative techniques for comparison. The authors conclude that the use of the Mitek Anchor System affords the surgeon a simple and effective method for the repair of acute, distal, tendo Achillis rupture when other methods cannot be used because of the location of the rupture.