A Prospective Study of Surgical Management of Chronic Neglected Tendoachilles Rupture With Teuffer Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of degenerated tendonachil ruptures is a task. The ruptured tendons and the remaining tendon ends are irregular. A number of methods have been identified in the literature on the reconstruction of tendoachilles, but with variable results. Aims: Repair of damaged Achilles tendon in ignored cases is one of the difficult and challenging procedures for surgeon. Here, we share our experience with the use of two innovative approaches for repair of chronic rupture of Achilles tendon. Materials and methods: It is a prospective study included 23 patients of chronic neglected tendoachilles rupture were operated under spinal anaesthesia with Teuffer’s technique for a period of one year .At the final follow-up, patients’ satisfaction was assessed with Kerkhoffs’ Modified Rupp Scoring system. Results:In present studyaverage dorsiflexion was 18° (compared to 24°on the noninjured side) and average plantarflexion was 26° ( compared to 36°on the non-injured side ). Results of testing the patient’s ability to toe raise for 60 seconds, 43 patients were able to sustain, while 6 patients were able to raise the toe but could not sustain it. 3 patients could not do raise the toe at all. 4 patients complained of sensory hypoesthesia.  For Rupp scoring , 82 % patients had excellent or good results and 18% had fair or poor results. Conclusions: Results of reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures using Teuffer technique have shown that the technique is a good and stable repair that enables early weighting and ambulation, with favourable clinical outcomes, in most cases.