Abstract

The aim of the current study was to assess the changes of plantar foot pressures with pedobarography in patients with Achilles tendon repair by minimally invasive surgical technique. This retrospective study consisted of 15 consecutive patients who were treated for acute Achilles' tendon repair with minimally invasive technique in our clinic in a two year period between 2010 and 2012. All patients were male. The mean age was 28.7 years (24-42) and the mean follow-up time was 2.3 years (1.5- 3). All patients had sports related Achilles' tendon rupture and all had undergone surgery in 24-48 hours. After surgery, extremity was immobilized with short leg cast for 6 weeks. Peak and mean heel and forefoot pressures in injured extremity were measured by pedobarograph and compared with noninvolved foot. There wasn't any complication associated with surgery such as wound problems, re rupture or neurologic injury. Only three patients had some numbness at the incision site. When we compare the mean foot pressures between the operated foot and the normal foot, there was no statistical difference about peak and mean heel and forefoot plantar pressure between involved site and non involved site. As a result, Achilles tendon repair with minimal invasive technique and early rehabilitation may prevent changes of plantar foot pressure distribution.