The use of fibrin glue for repairing Achilles tendon ruptures was introduced in the
1980s. Although fibrin glue has been in regular use since that time, suturing remains
the standard for surgical repair. Studies have indicated that, in the short term,
fibrin glue is as effective as suturing. To date, there have been no long-term studies
comparing the outcomes of these 2 techniques. This study compares the long-term results
of surgical repair of Achilles tendon rupture with sutures versus fibrin glue. Forty-two
patients who had undergone Achilles tendon repair with either suture or fibrin glue
took part in a follow-up examination after an average of 12.1 years. The fibrin group
consisted of 31 patients and the suture group consisted of 11 patients. Patients treated
with fibrin glue reached a higher modified Thermann score (adapted from Weber), achieved
equal results in an isokinetic force measurement, and showed fewer complications.
The authors concluded that the use of fibrin glue for the repair of ruptured Achilles
tendon is a suitable alternative to traditional sutures. Level of Clinical Evidence:
2
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 14, 2008
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
