Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair
Performed by Kevin R. Stone, MD · 2014 · San Francisco, CA
Quick Facts
- Procedure Type
- Tendon Repair
- Approach
- Percutaneous / Minimally Invasive
- Indication
- Acute Achilles Rupture
- Advantage
- Reduced wound complications
Summary
Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open repair. The technique uses small stab incisions to pass sutures through the torn tendon ends, bringing them together without the extensive exposure of open surgery.
Benefits of Percutaneous Repair
This approach reduces the risk of wound healing complications—a significant concern with traditional open Achilles repair given the tendon's limited blood supply. Recovery time and return to activity can be faster with the smaller incisions.
Transcript
This video demonstrates percutaneous Achilles tendon repair using a minimally invasive technique. The ruptured tendon ends are identified through palpation, and small stab incisions are made at strategic points.
Sutures are passed through the tendon substance using specialized instruments, creating a strong repair construct without extensive soft tissue dissection. The foot is held in plantarflexion during repair to approximate the tendon ends.
Final tensioning ensures appropriate length restoration while protecting the repair during early healing.