The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. A rupture occurs when this tendon tears, often accompanied by a sudden "pop" and sharp pain in the back of the ankle or lower leg.

Arthrex has developed innovative solutions to address this injury, including the PARS (percutaneous Achilles repair system) Achilles Repair Jig System and the PARS Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge™ Repair.

The PARS Achilles Repair Jig System is designed for surgeons seeking a minimally invasive, suture-based approach to Achilles tendon repair. It provides flexibility in stitch configuration while minimizing the risks associated with open surgery.

The PARS Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge™ Repair uses a knotless, anchor-based technique that holds the tendon securely in place while it heals.

Most surgeons choose to treat Achilles tendon ruptures surgically to reduce the risk of re-rupture and support a faster recovery.¹ The PARS Achilles Repair Jig System is a minimally invasive surgical option that uses small incisions to avoid many of the problems associated with traditional open surgery, such as wound healing issues and infection.²

Overview & Advantages

• The PARS system uses strong, color-coded stitches called SutureTape or FiberWire® to reconnect both ends of the torn Achilles tendon.
• Surgeons can choose from different stitching methods, including a “locking” technique that securely anchors the stitches into both ends of the torn tendon.
  • This helps create a stronger, more secure repair compared to some other minimally invasive techniques, which may only use simple stitches across the tendon.³
• The tendon is repaired in a way that supports its natural shape, which may reduce the chance of thick, bulky scar tissue that can happen with open surgery.⁴
• Because the PARS system uses a smaller incision, it’s especially helpful for patients who may be more at risk for wound-healing problems.⁵

Traditionally, open surgery has been the standard for Achilles tendon repair because it offers strong results. However, it also carries a higher risk of wound complications.6 Now, with the PARS Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge™ Repair, surgeons no longer have to choose between strength and safety—this system delivers both.

When using this minimally invasive technique, the surgeon uses small openings to place strong, flat stitches called SutureTape into the tendon, while keeping the repair within the tendon’s natural covering (the paratenon). This helps protect the tendon and may promote better healing.

Overview & Advantages

• Small incisions are used and special anchors (SwiveLock®) hold the tendon without needing to tie knots.
• The tendon is reinforced with flat, durable stitches called FiberWire® SutureTape that are designed to lie smoothly under the skin.⁷

The system allows the surgeon to apply consistent tension to the tendon, which helps ensure a more secure and predictable repair.

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^References

1. Khan RJ, Fick D, Keogh A, Crawford J, Brammar T, Parker M. Treatment of acute achilles tendon ruptures. A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(10):2202-2210. doi:10.2106/JBJS.D.03049
2. Hsu AR, Jones CP, Cohen BE, Davis WH, Ellington JK, Anderson RB. Clinical outcomes and complications of percutaneous Achilles repair system versus open technique for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(11):1279-1286. doi:10.1177/1071100715589632
3. Demetracopoulos CA, Gilbert SL, Young E, Baxter JR, Deland JT. Limited-open Achilles tendon repair using locking sutures versus nonlocking sutures: an in vitro model. Foot Ankle Int. 2014;35(6):612-618. doi:10.1177/1071100714524550
4. Henríquez H, Muñoz R, Carcuro G, Bastías C. Is percutaneous repair better than open repair in acute Achilles tendon rupture? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470(4):998-1003. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1830-1
5. Del Buono A, Volpin A, Maffulli N. Minimally invasive versus open surgery for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a systematic review. Br Med Bull. 2014;109:45-54. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldt029
6. Hsu AR, Jones CP, Cohen BE, Davis WH, Ellington JK, Anderson RB. Clinical outcomes and complications of percutaneous Achilles repair system versus open technique for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(11):1279-1286. doi:10.1177/1071100715589632
7. Arthrex, Inc. Data on file (LA1-00038); Naples, FL; 2021.