SUBCUTANEOUS SUTURING OF THE RUPTURED ACHILLES-TENDON UNDER LOCAL-ANESTHESIA

Debate concerning the appropriate treatment of ruptures of the Achille s tendon still continues. Conservative treatment can be associated wit h a high incidence of re-rupture and with relative weakness and length ening of the triceps surae but with low costs. Surgical treatment cont ributes to a much lower incidence of re-rupture but can be associated with significant complications as well as with time loss and high cost s of hospitalization. Subcutaneous reconstruction combines the advanta ges of surgical and non-surgical management. Operating with local anae sthesia reduces hospitalization time and operative costs; there are al so almost no contraindications for the operation. The functional resul ts in 36 patients operated on in this way are encouraging.