[Treatment results of late surgery in subcutaneous ruptures of the Achilles tendon].

15 patients with neglected subcutaneous ruptures of the tendo Achilles where operated at an average interval of 7 weeks after the accident. Up to 7 weeks after the rupture direct suture was possible, when the scar tissue was not removed. After a longer interval additional reinforcement of the suture or plastic repair was necessary. As immobilisation a low leg cast for 6 weeks is sufficient. Weight bearing is permitted after wound healing. Late results on 11 patients showed in all of them a loss of muscle strength of at least 10% as compared to the other leg. Also limitations of motion of the ankle joint is to be expected. 3 patients had infections. The use of non absorbable suture material is not to be recommended. The "pen-box operation" (Griffelschachtelplastik) leads to less devascularisation of the material then other methods with twisting a flap from the proximal tendon-stump for 180 degrees (Umkipp-Plastik).