2-LINE TRICEPS SURAE AUGMENTATION GRAFTING - AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT CONCEPT FOR ACHILLES-TENDON RUPTURES

From January 1990 to December 1992 a total of 62 patients with subcutaneous Achilles tendon ruptures underwent surgical treatment. The majority of ruptures were caused by sports injuries. In a retrospective study, 25 cases who had a two-line triceps surae augmentation graft in addition to standard repair were evaluated. The functional results after 6-24 months were studied with reference to the patients'activity and graded according to the classification of Trillat. This alternative treatment concept gave excellent functional results. Surgical treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures, if necessary for reconstruction with a primary graft for augmentation, remains the appropriate therapy.