"Mini-open" repair for acute achilles tendon ruptures

The conventional exposure for surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures affords ample visualization to ensure anatomic apposition of the disrupted tendon fibers. Reported outcomes of this standard approach to Achilles tendon repair are generally favorable. However, such broad exposure with extensive iatrogenic disruption of the subcutaneous tissues and paratenon increases the potential for peritendinous adhesions. In an attempt to diminish the risk of such adhesions without compromising the functional outcome, the "mini-open" technique was developed. Despite the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, anatomic apposition of the disrupted tendon can be consistently performed. The mini-open repair represents an attractive compromise between the nonoperative, pure percutaneous, and traditional operative treatment alternatives. © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.