Outcomes Evaluation of Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer Versus Minimally Invasive Primary Repair in Patients With Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

Two separate foot and ankle surgeons in Northern Greece prefer to use a different surgical technique in their respective patients with Acute Achilles tendon rupture.

The first one (A.E.) prefers to perform only Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus transfer, while the second one (P.S.) prefers to perform only Minimally invasive primary repair assisted by the Achillon device (Percutaneous Achilles Repair System - PARS). They both agreed to enroll their recently operated patients (last 5 years) in this retrospective study, which will be conducted by the researcher (M.K.). The patient's study may be retrospective, nevertheless, the patients were randomly chosen and enrolled by a prospectively designed study protocol. Each surgeon applied the respective surgical treatment modality regardless of each patient's characteristics, biometrics, or comorbidities. Inclusion and Elimination criteria will be applied. The patient's satisfaction will be evaluated with the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Complications will be documented. Calf and ankle circumference will be measured and compared to the contralateral healthy limb. Ankle passive and active range of motion will be measured and compared to the contralateral healthy limb. Possible correlations will be investigated regarding patient age, BMI, history of smoking, level of activity, and comorbidities.