Minimally Invasive versus Open Repair for the Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture in Adults: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to compare open repair and minimally invasive repair in acute Achilles tendon rupture in adults regarding operative techniques, functional outcome and complications. DESIGN A prospective randomized controlled comparative trial. METHODS 40 consecutive cases with acute complete Achilles tendon rupture were divided randomly in 2 equal groups (20 treated by open Krackow repair and 20 treated by minimally invasive repair with the PARS device), average age 41 years, follow up time was average of 7 months. Patients were assessed clinically and functional scoring system of postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS) was used postoperatively. RESULTS Our results found that there were no significant differences between both groups in rates of postoperative complications (MIS group 10%, open repair group 15; P = 0.134). PARS group had greater postoperative AOFAS score, early rehabilitation, better cosmetic appearance and smaller scar length than open Krackow repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture. CONCLUSIONS We have found out that minimally invasive techniques such as the PARS are clinically and biomechanically suitable alternatives to open repair based on both clinical outcomes and repair strength.