Endoscopically Assisted, Minimally Invasive Reconstruction for Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture With a Double-Bundle Flexor Hallucis Longus

Abstract

Background: High morbidity has been reported regarding Achilles tendon (AT) injuries, and the upward trend has accelerated since the mid-1990s. A chronic Achilles tendon rupture usually results from a neglected or misdiagnosed acute rupture, and about one-fifth of acute AT ruptures are missed and lead to chronic AT rupture. Although many techniques have been described, there is no gold standard in the treatment of chronic AT ruptures. Hypothesis: Endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive reconstruction for chronic AT rupture using a double-bundle flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon would result in improvement of the overall function, with a low rate of wound complications. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between May 2015 and November 2016, a total of 19 consecutive patients were enrolled and treated using endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive reconstruction for chronic AT rupture using a double-bundle FHL. The operative assessment comprised the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles score, and a postoperative questionnaire. All postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The mean follow-up time for all patients was 31 months (range, 20-42 months). According to the postoperative questionnaire, the result of surgery was excellent in 8 (42%) of 19 patients, good in 10 (53%), and fair in 1 (5%). All clinical outcome scores (mean ± SD) improved significantly after surgery: Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, 23.3 ± 10.3 vs 98.3 ± 9.2 (postoperatively vs preoperatively); American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, 52.1 ± 12.4 vs 97.5 ± 18.9; and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles, 23.4 ± 11.2 vs 95.7 ± 17.1 ( P < .05). No complications with regard to wound healing or infection were noted. Twelve relatively young patients returned to preinjury activity levels, such as playing basketball or badminton, and the older patients were able to meet their daily needs, such as walking up stairs and jogging. Conclusion: Chronic AT ruptures were successfully treated via minimally invasive reconstruction using a double-bundle FHL, which provided excellent functional improvement. It is best suited for patients with complex requirements who are at high risk for wound complications.