Repair of fresh open tear of Achilles tendon: Tension regulation at the suture line

BackgroundLack of the timely mechanical loading of the repaired tendon is detrimental for healing progress. The current knowledge knows the appropriate time for the mechanical loading, but need to find out a suitable tool for this purpose. Therefore we present a technique based on using of an absorbable reinforcement device for tension regulation at the suture line.Methods24 patients with open tear of Achilles tendon were repaired surgically, the repair was reinforced using an absorbable suture and the outcomes were prospectively assessed at 24 months.ResultsNo tendon lengthening or reruptures were reported; patients returned to pre-injury daily activates by fourth month. One patient reported 1 cm atrophy of the calf, scar adhesion Grade 1 and ankle dorsiflexion decreased 5°.ConclusionRestoration of the continuity and actual length of repaired tendons support use of the absorbable reinforcement device for regulation of the mechanical environment at the suture line.