Surgeons at the Ohio State University just published a study in which they outline a “modified giftbox” surgical technique for achilles tendon rupture repair. Inventor of the procedure Dr. Timothy Miller thinks that this technique could become the gold standard for surgical repair of achilles tendon ruptures.
In existing techniques, the sutures that are used to repair the torn achilles are knotted together at the tear site. This can interfere with healing. Dr. Miller’s new technique entails moving the knots away from the injury site.
It is rare to hear about an athlete who has surgery to repair a torn achilles tendon, and then re-ruptures the same achilles tendon while recovering. Many athletes re-rupture several years after the initial rupture, usually while playing their main sport. However, re-rupture rates in the weeks immediately following surgery are extremely low in the general populace, and considering that rich athletes have access to the best surgeons, equipment, doctors and physios, it almost never happens to them.