Surgical Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture by Turn-O-Plasty: A Case Report

Abstract

Achilles tendon rupture has been a difficult problem for surgeons, especially in older patients, since tendon strength and flexibility are significantly diminished compared to young people. The Achilles tendon endures the highest tensile stresses in the body while running, leaping, and skipping, with tensile loads up to 10 times body weight. There are many treatment options for Achilles tendon repair, including open surgery, percutaneous repair, and ultrasound therapy. Open repair has the danger of scar dehiscence owing to poor skin conditions. In contrast, small invasive operations have the risk of sural nerve damage and a higher possibility of re-rupture. The gold standard method or approach is still under question. Plantar flexion in the ankle is primarily a function of the Achilles tendon; hence, post-operative plantar flexion is a significant determinant of the desired result. We present the case of a 57-year-old male farmer suffering from a left Achilles tendon rupture due to trivial trauma. This rupture consisted of a significant defect, present in the watershed area with signs of tendinosis at the insertion of the tendon. The patient was managed surgically by turn-o-plasty and the degenerated insertion site was augmented with the help of a suture disc. This case report focuses on surgical management by turn-o-plasty for significant defects in the Achilles tendon by using a suture disc to augment the defect.