Comparing Absorbable and Nonabsorbable Suture Materials for Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Study

Abstract

We aimed to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and corresponding clinical outcomes of repaired Achilles tendons using absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures. Patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair were divided into 2 groups, with 11 in the absorbable group (group A) and 11 in the nonabsorbable group (group B). For all patients, MRI findings taken 6 months postoperatively were evaluated for morphological changes in the tendon. Concurrently, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score and incidence of postoperative complications were evaluated. Regarding MRI findings, the extent to which the cross-sectional area of the repaired tendon was thicker than that of the preoperative tendon was significantly greater in group B than in group A (p = 0.0012). Notably, more stitches remained within the tendon in group B than in group A (p = 0.0063). No other MRI findings showed a significant difference between the two groups. No significant difference was observed in the AOFAS score, and there was one re-rupture each in both groups. Because nonabsorbable suture material in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture yielded a thicker postoperative MRI cross-sectional area, enhanced rehabilitation is recommended in order to prevent scar formation.