Percutaneous Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture with a Free Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a free hamstring tendon graft for percutaneous reconstruction of neglected Achilles tendon rupture. Methods Fifteen patients (12 males and 3 females) with neglected Achilles tendon rupture (with gaps of 5 cm or more) were treated via percutaneous reconstruction via free hamstring tendon autografts. Preoperative clinical and radiological assessments were performed for all patients. The mean follow-up period was approximately twenty months. Postoperative evaluation was performed according to the AOFAS score. Results Restoration of ankle function, plantar flexion and proper calf muscle circumference occurred in all patients. Postoperative complications were limited to surgical site hematoma in two patients and superficial infection in another two patients, and all patients responded well to medical treatment. Conclusion Percutaneous reconstruction of neglected Achilles tendons by hamstring tendon grafts is a reliable