Chen‑Chie Wanga,b, Pei‑Yu Chenc, Kai‑Chiang Yangd, Chung‑Li Wangc*, Ing‑Ho Chenb,e*
aDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan, bDepartment of Orthopedic, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, cDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, dSchool of Dental Technology, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, eDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Achilles tendon rupture is a common and primary cause of lower limb tendon injury suffered during sports‑related activities. The causes of Achilles tendon rupture include the calf muscle and tendon overuse, poor tendon quality, and various medical conditions. Historically, acute Achilles tendon rupture was treated conservatively. However, historical techniques are now associated with an increased risk of rerupture. To address this problem, open repair has been proposed. Open repair is associated with a reduced risk of rerupture; however, it is also closely associated with wound complications, like wound infection, whose treatment is time‑consuming and costly. Therefore, minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair has been proposed as a promising option with acceptable functional outcomes. Nevertheless, despite its benefits, minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair is associated with increased risks of sural nerve injury and rerupture. In this review, we evaluate the currently used treatment strategies for acute Achilles tendon rupture and their historical evolution to provide evidence‑based recommendations for physicians.
Keywords: Achilles tendon rupture, Minimally invasive, Ultrasound
