Efficacy Comparison Of Krackow Suture And Modified Kessler Suture In The Treatment Of Fresh Achilles Tendon Rupture

Objective:To compare the clinical effect of Krackow suture and modified Kessler suture in the treat of fresh Achilles tendon rupture. Methods:A retrospective analysis was carried out in 43 cases of fresh Achilles tendon rupture treated with Krackow suture (17 cases) or modified Kessler suture (26 cases) at the Department of orthopedic trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from June 2010 to December 2015. The clinical efficacy after surgery was evaluated for comparison by AOFAS score, Arner-Lindholm ankle function evaluation, and patient satisfaction survey. Results:There was no significant difference in the clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction (P> 0.05) in the later period (> 6 months) after surgery between Krackow suture group and modified Kessler suture group. However, the difference of clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction in the early period between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion:The treatment of fresh Achilles tendon rupture with method of either Krackow suture or modified Kessler suture can obtain good results. However, the cases with Krackow suture, in which relatively higher tensile strength endorsing early functional exercise postoperatively, have earlier functional recovery after surgery and thus have higher degree of satisfaction. Krackow suture is especially applicable in the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon tear like horsetail, which can attain stronger stitching effect.