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Surgeons successfully use suture bridge technique for Achilles tendon reattachment
A suture bridge technique with bone anchors to reattach the Achilles tendon in cases of insertional Achilles tendinosis resulted in no postoperative ruptures at the 24-month follow-up. Ninety-seven percent of patients successfully performed the single heel rise test at the final postoperative visit.
“We have reported excellent postoperative [American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society] AOFAS and VAS scores using the suture bridge technique for reattachment of the Achilles tendon after surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinosis,” the investigators wrote in the study. “We recommend early weightbearing for the appropriate patient with all the benefits of quicker rehabilitation and return to activity.”
The researchers analyzed the results of 43 patients with insertional Achilles tendinosis who had a mean age of 53 years. The mean VAS scores were 6.8 points preoperatively and 1.3 points postoperatively, according to the abstract. Postoperatively, the mean AOFAS scores were 90 points.
In 35 cases, surgeons performed a concomitant procedure: 33 patients underwent gastrocnemius recession and 2 patients underwent flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. At final follow-up, the results showed 42 patients returned to their usual activities of daily living and wore regular shoes.Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.