Soleus subtendon elongation is reduced by individual suturing of Achilles subtendons after rupture
This week, I had the privilege of joining my Rasmus Kramer Mikkelsen in the surgical room to observe an Achilles tendon repair.
Rasmus is the lead author of a recently published study from Bispebjerg Hospital investigating an innovative surgical technique in which the soleus and gastrocnemius subtendons are identified and sutured separately, with particular attention to restoring the original length of the soleus subtendon.
What did the study find?
The researchers compared 23 patients undergoing individual subtendon repair with 24 patients receiving conventional surgical repair.
🔹After 1 week: Soleus subtendon length difference was 1.9 mm versus 17.0 mm with conventional repair.
🔹After 26 weeks: The difference remained smaller at 10.7 mm versus 21.5 mm.
🔹Functional outcomes: No statistically significant differences in heel-rise performance or patient-reported outcomes.
Why does this matter?
Achilles tendon elongation may contribute to persistent plantarflexor weakness and reduced functional performance. It could also there be interesting to if patient recovers their soleus strength faster and better.
Reference: Mikkelsen RK et al. (2026). Soleus subtendon elongation is reduced by individual suturing of Achilles subtendons after rupture. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy.
Read the full open-access article
https://esskajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ksa.70533
