Introduction
Reconstruction of defects of Achilles tendon and overlying tissues is a challenging undertaking1,2. These defects are typically caused by trauma, infection, or excision of tumors3. The relatively poor blood perfusion and the thin overlying skin renders this area vulnerable to trauma and complications4. Several different approaches are used for reconstruction of the Achilles region depending upon the mechanism of trauma and individual factors. The type of reconstruction is determined based on several factors including the length of achilles tendon defect, the extent of loss of overlying tissues, and the general health of the patient. The spectrum of repair methods range from secondary healing to use of free flaps5-9. Owing to the challenging nature of Achilles reconstruction, selection of the most reliable option is a key imperative to achieve favorable outcomes.
In the contemporary literature, there is no clear consensus on the optimal approach for reconstruction of defects of the Achilles tendon and the overlying tissues. In this study, we describe our treatment methods for repair of Achilles region defects and evaluated the outcomes of Achilles region reconstruction in a cohort of patients treated at a single center over a 4-year period.