Free Semitendinosus Tendon Graft in Re-ruptured Achilles Tendon / 대한족부족관절학회지

The acute Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs to the people who participate in sports-related activities between 30 and 40 years of age. Recently surgical repair is the standard treatment in acute Achilles tendon rupture. After the Achilles tendon rupture in the left ankle, a 30-years old young man had been suffered from re-rupturing within three months after the primary repair. 2 years later, right-side Achilles tendon was reruptured after primary repair consequently. In the revision surgery, we performed V-Y advancement of the gastrocnemius-soleus fascia and reinforcement of the semitendinosus tendon. None of the English-literature was reported about using the semitendinosus tendon in revision surgery of the Achilles tendon retear previously. Therefore, we report this case and surgical technique because of the simple technique and the excellent results.

Minimally Invasive Dynamic Hip Screw for stable Pertrochanteric Fracture

Purpose: To report the surgical skills needed, and the clinical results of, minimally invasive hip surgery with dynamic hip screws and the comparison with the classical technique in stable pertrochanteric fractures of the femur. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with pertrochanteric fractures of the femur who were treated with dynamic compression hip screws between April 1999 and March 2004, and were evaluated retrospectively, and were followed up for more than 12 months. 16 cases were treated with a classical dynamic hip screw technique and 16 cases with a minimally invasive technique in random order. The mean age was 73.2 years, and there were 11 males and 21 females. The operative times, total hemovac bleeding loss, functional scores, and average hemoglobin decrease ratios were evaluated. The clinical assessments were performed with the Harris Hip Score (HSS) and bony union was evaluated with serial follow-up plain radiographs. Results: The average operative time was 63.9 minutes with the classical technique and 42.5 minutes with the minimally invasive technique. The total average hemovac blood loss was 640 cc with the classical technique and 143 cc with the minimally invasive technique. Clinically, the HHS was an average of 85.9 and 89.2 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, by the last follow-up and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05) The hemoglobin decrease ratio was the same in both groups and there was no nonunion. Conclusion: Minimally invasive dynamic hip screw insertion was useful in stable pertrochanteric fractures, because it decreased blood loss and operative times; and there were no changes in fracture healing and functional outcomes.