Comparison of the Functional Outcomes of Biological Repair and Standard Open Repair for the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair either with biological technique or standard open technique. Methods:A retrospective evaluation was made of 71 patients who were surgically treated for Achilles tendon rupture.The patients were separated into 2 groups according to the surgical technique and type of rehabilitation.Group 1 comprised 20 patients who underwent biological repair and early rehabilitation.Group 2 comprised 23 patients who were treated with a standard open surgical technique and late rehabilitation-early immobilization.The primary functional outcome measurements were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and isokinetic strength measurements assessed by a Cybex NORM device. Results:The mean time to return to daily activities was determined to be statistically significantly shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (P = .014).No significant difference was found between the groups in respect of the AOFAS scores of the operated side (P = .824).A significant decrease was determined on the operated side compared to the normal side in the isokinetic strength measurements of group 2 (P < .05). Conclusion:According to the results acquired from this study biologic repair resulted in a significantly shorter time to return the daily activities with similar clinical outcomes compared to the classic repair.