Background and aims: To ascertain the differences in patients' perceived outcomes between conservative, percutaneous or open repair of Achilles tendon ruptures.
Methods: We studied 111 patients who had been managed for a unilateral closed Achilles tendon rupture. We excluded patients with open Achilles tendon lesions, patients whose tear had occurred more than seven days from operation, patients with diabetes, inflammatory disease, systemic corticosteroids or fluoroquinolones. Patients were contacted by telephone and asked to answer a questionnaire.
Results: There was no difference in effects on working life, patient satisfaction, sports performance, muscle strength, swelling and fear of re-rupture. Pain on weight bearing and cramps were signficantly more frequent in the patients managed conservatively. Re-rupture and complication rates were comparable to published rates.
Conclusion: Treatment should be individualised according to the demands and health of the patient.