Abstract

The results of a follow-up investigation of 54 patients who were treated surgically for Achilles tendon rupture are presented. The patients included 46men and 8 women aged 23-68 yr (average 39.5 yr). There were 22 competitive athletes and 23 patients who regularly participated in recreational sports. Forty-six accidents were sport-related, with badminton accounting for 31 of all cases. The patients were followed up for 14-77 mo (average 39.5 mo). Sixteen patients were treated by simple suture and 38 by suture and plastic repair of the sural tendon. Primary healing occurred in 82 . Wound infection and fistulization occurred in 9 . Re-rupture occurred in one patient. Plasticrepair of the tendon increased the incidence of postoperative complications considerably. At the follow-up examinations, 11 of the patients had impairedfunction. The isometric strength of the calf muscles was reduced an average of11.2 in the affected limb. The capacity to work was reduced by the injury only slightly, but 7|22 competitive athletes switched to lighter sports, 2 gave up sports because of the accidents, and 3 gave up sports for other reasons. Among the 23 patients who participated in recreational sports, 4 switched to lighter sports, 4 gave up sports because of the injury, and 6 gaveup recreational sports for other reasons. Verf.-Referat