Work

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided repair of Achilles tendon rupture: a cadaveric study and preliminary clinical report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Percutaneous repair is a safe and reliable method to restore continuity after acute Achilles tendon ruptures, with a lower incidence of wound complications than to open techniques. We describe a percutaneous ultrasound-guided surgical technique for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Ultrasound guidance enables the tendon to be sutured without damaging the sural nerve or vessels. Following a cadaveric study in seven specimens, the technique was then used in 11 Achilles tendon tear patients. Ultrasound-guided repair of Achilles tendon ruptures is safe and reliable, and does not require skin incisions or a tourniquet. No re-ruptures nor sural nerve damage were recorded at the latest follow-up. Appropriately powered clinical studies are necessary to compare this closed technique with other percutaneous or minimally invasive techniques.

Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06098-z

Authors: Alvaro Iborra, Manuel Villanueva, Daniel Ferro, Jose Palacios, Nicola Maffulli

Institutions: Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Zarzuela, La Salle Centro Universitario, Sapienza University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Tendon Structure and Treatment

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090