Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer And V-Y Plasty: An Effective Treatment Modality for Chronic Achilles Rupture - A Case Series

@#Introduction: To assess outcomes of FHL transfer and V-Y plasty for chronic Achilles rupture due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Materials and methods: A case series of 12 patients was conducted between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2018. The patients had short flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer with gastrocnemius lengthening by V-Y plasty for Achilles tendon rupture. Patients were allowed full weight bearing at six weeks post-operatively, and were followed up at three months and six months post-operatively, when the range of motion of the ankle was examined, and the outcome was assessed using the EFAS score. Results: Of the 12 patients in the study, the majority were males; the mean age was 50.6±8.96 years. A significant improvement in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was noted at the six-month follow-up compared to the three-month follow-up (P=<0.001 for both). When compared to the normal side, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the affected ankle were significantly less at three months but were comparable at six months post-operatively. A significant improvement was noted in the mean EFAS score at the sixmonth follow-up (25.5±5.71) compared to three months (18.6±0.90) post-surgery (P=0.001). Males were also noted to have significantly higher EFAS scores at their six-month follow-up than females (P=0.022). In contrast, a negative correlation was noted between the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score at the final follow-up and age (P=0.011). Conclusion: FHL tendon transfer with V-Y plasty in chronic Achilles rupture due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy is an effective procedure resulting in the restoration of the ankle range of motion and improvement in functional scores.

Complications in repairing acute closed Achilles tendon rupture with micro-incision percutaneous Achilles tendon suture system / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the causes, management and prevention of complications after micro-incision percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study indentyfied 279 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who underwent a mini-invasive procedure using the micro-incision percutaneous Achilles tendon suture system(MIPAS) from August 2008 to November 2019, including 269 males and 10 female;96 cases on the right side and 183 cases on the left side;aged from 18 to 64 years old with an average of (36.9±11.4 )years old. Surgery was performed 0.5 to 7 days with an average of(2.7±0.9 )days after injury. The incision-related complications, re-rupture, sural nerve injury, deep vein thrombosis, Achilles tendon adhesion, local pain, and ankle stiffness within 18 months after surgery were recorded, as well as the corresponding management and outcome, the causes and prevention measures were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#No superficial or deep infection was found in all patients, symptomatic Achilles tendon adhesion and ankle stiffness were not observed, delayed suture foreign-body reactions occurred in 2 cases (0.7%), re-rupture in 5 cases (1.8%), sural nerve injury in 3 cases (1.1%), 21 cases(7.5%) with skin invagination at puncture site, 2 cases (0.7%) with symptomatic vein thrombosis, and 45 cases (16.1%) of transient posterior medial malleolus pain. After individualized treatment, the function was good. American Orthopeadic Foot & Ankle Sciety(AOFAS) score was 93 to 100 with an average of(98.9±5.4) scores.@*CONCLUSION@#Despite the occurrence of unique complications with MIPAS, it shows low functionally-related complications rates, such as incision-related complications, re-rupture, sural nerve injury, deep vein thrombosis and ankle stiffness.

Achilles tendon thickening does not affect elasticity and functional outcome after surgical repair of Achilles rupture: A retrospective study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Previous studies have confirmed that Achilles tendon occurs Achilles thickening after repair surgery of the rupture. Although this mechanism has been elucidated in the laboratory, there are few reports on its impact on clinical function. We designed a retrospective study to investigate the Achilles thickening after Achilles tendon rupture repair and its correlation between the elasticity and postoperative function.@*METHODS@#In this retrospective analysis, patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture from April 2016 to April 2020 were included. All the patients were regularly followed up at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Surgeon (AOFAS) scale and Leppilahti score were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Achilles elasticity was measured by ultrasound shear wave of elasticity. Achilles thickening was calculated as maximal transverse and longitudinal diameter in cross-sectional plane of magnetic resonance scan. Sample t-tests was used for different follow-up periods. Correlation between Achilles thickening and other factors were analyzed using Pearson's method. p < 0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference.@*RESULTS@#AOFAS scale and Leppilahti score at 1 year were significantly higher than at 3 months postoperatively (both p < 0.001). These functional scales were also improved at 2-year follow-up significantly (both p < 0.001). The dorsiflexion difference showed gradually recovery in each follow-up period (t = -17.907, p < 0.001). The elasticity of the Achilles appeared to continuously decreases during the postoperative follow-up period in all position sets (p < 0.001). In thickening evaluation, the cross-sectional area of the thickest plane of Achilles was significantly higher at 1 year postoperatively (310.5 ± 25.2) mm2 than that at 3 months postoperatively ((278.0 ± 26.2) mm2, t = -8.219, p < 0.001) and became thinner in 2-year magnetic resonance scan ((256.1 ± 15.1) mm2, t = 16.769, p < 0.001). The correlations between Achilles thickening, elasticity, and functional outcome did not show statistical significance (p > 0.05) in every follow-up period.@*CONCLUSION@#Achilles tendon thickens after surgery in the 1st year, but begins to gradually return to thinning about 2 years after surgery. There was no significant correlation between the increase and decrease of thickening and the patients' clinical function scores, Achilles elasticity, and bilateral ankle dorsiflexion difference.

Clinical study on a novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument for treating fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the effectiveness of a novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument in the treatment of fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted on 150 patients who underwent surgical intervention for fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture. Eighty patients were treated with the novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument (minimally invasive group) and 70 patients with traditional open surgery (traditional group). The two groups were comparable in terms of gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, the interval between injury and operation, and the distance from the fracture end to the calcaneal tuberosity ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stays, hospitalization expenses, and complications were recorded and compared. At 1 year after operation, the ankle joint function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score.@*RESULTS@#The minimally invasive group demonstrated significantly shorter operation time, smaller incision length, and lower intraoperative blood loss when compared with the traditional group ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in terms of hospital stays and hospitalization expenses between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-24 months after operation (mean, 15.5 months). In the traditional group, 6 cases of incision necrosis and 7 cases of Achilles tendon adhesion occurred, while in the minimally invasive group, all incisions healed at first intention and no Achilles tendon adhesion occurred. The differences in the incidences of the two complications between the two groups were significant ( P<0.05). At 1 year after operation, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the minimally invasive group was superior to that of the traditional group ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#In comparison with traditional open surgery, the use of self-designed novel minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture instrument proves to be an ideal technique for treating fresh closed Achilles tendon ruptures. This approach offers the benefits of smaller incisions, fewer complications, and better postoperative functional recovery, without increasing hospital costs.

Risk factors analysis of achilles tendon rupture in male by propensity score / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of achilles tendon rupture in male patients and to verify them.Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on the medical records of male inpatients with achilles tendon rupture (242 cases in achilles tendon rupture group) and simple ankle joint injury (825 cases in control group) admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May 2013 to June 2020. The tendency score matching method was used to balance the confounding factors at a ratio of 1∶1. After matching, 147 cases were in achilles tendon rupture group and 147 cases in control group. The baseline data and related indicators were compared before and after matching, and the risk factors of achilles tendon rupture were analyzed by constructing a multivariate logistic regression model.Results:The age, smoking rate, drinking rate, family history of hypertension and diabetes, previous history of hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease, and BMI of the achilles tendon rupture group before matching were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05). After matching, there was no significant difference in age, smoking proportion, drinking proportion, family history of hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease, previous history of hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease, and BMI between the two groups (all P>0.05). After matching, the levels of fasting uric acid (UA), cholesterol (TG) and triglyceride (TC) in achilles tendon rupture group were significantly higher than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed UA ( OR=1.006, 95% CI: 1.003-1.010, P<0.001), TC ( OR=2.462, 95% CI: 1.194-5.076, P=0.015) was an independent risk factor for achilles tendon rupture in male. Conclusions:Dyslipidemia and UA may be an independent risk factor for achilles tendon rupture in male.

Comparative analysis of pathological structure between acute closed and open Achilles tendon rupture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the morphological, histological and ultrastructural changes of acute closed rupture of Achilles tendon, in order to clarify the pathological basis of the injury and to explore the significance.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to January 2019, 35 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who underwent the minimally invasive Achilles tendon suture technique were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 12 cases in acute open Achilles tendon rupture group included 10 males and 2 females, with an average age of (35.1±9.7) years old ranging from 19 to 50, and the time from injury to operation was 2 to 8 hours with an average of(5.6±1.8);23 cases in acute closed Achilles tendon rupture group included 21 males and 2 females, with an average age of (35.5±6.6) years old ranging from 18 to 50, and the time from injury to operation was 3 to 15 hours with an average of (7.5±3.1). The gross appearance and imaging findings of the broken end of Achilles tendon tissue in the two groups were compared by naked eye observation and foot and ankle MRI at 4 to 6 hours before operation. HE staining, scanning and fluoroscopic electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry(Sirius red staining) were performed on the intraoperative Achilles tendon tissue specimens at 1 to 2 days after operation, the collagen fiber degeneration and local fat infiltration, collagen fiber shape, cell morphology and function, and the distribution of typeⅠand type Ⅲ collagen fibers in Achilles tendon were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the acute open Achilles tendon rupture group, the acute closed Achilles tendon rupture group had poor elasticity, hard texture, moderate edema, irregular shape of Achilles tendon broken end, horsetail shape, and more calcification around the broken end. HE staining results:the collagen fibers in the Achilles tendon of the acute open Achilles tendon rupture group were arranged irregularly, with hyaline degeneration and fat infiltration;The results of electron microscopy showed that collagen arranged disorderly and fibroblasts atrophied in the acute closed Achilles tendon rupture group. Immunohistochemical(Sirius staining) results:the proportion of collagenⅠin the acute open Achilles tendon rupture group and the acute closed Achilles tendon rupture group was(91.12±4.34)% and(54.71±17.78)% respectively, and the proportion of collagen Ⅲ was (8.88±4.34)% and (45.29±17.78)% respectively. The content of collagenⅠin the acute closed Achilles tendon rupture group was lower than that in the acute open Achilles tendon rupture group, and the content of collagen Ⅲ in the acute closed Achilles tendon rupture group was higher than that in the acute open Achilles tendon rupture group(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the acute closed ruptured Achilles tendon are significantly altered compared with the normal Achilles tendon. The original fine and orderly spatial structure cannot be maintained, part of collagen Ⅰ is replaced by collagen Ⅲ, and the toughness and strength of the tendon tissue decreased, which may be the feature of degeneration of the Achilles tendon and an important pathological basis for closed Achilles tendon rupture.

Resultados funcionales en el tratamiento ortopédico de las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles / Functional results in the orthopedic treatment of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los resultados clínicos y funcionales de los pacientes con rotura aguda del cuerpo del tendón de Aquiles tratados de forma conservadora mediante bota ortopédica y carga precoz. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo con 19 pacientes con rotura aguda de tendón de Aquiles tratados de forma ortopédica. Se analizaron las variables demográficas, la escala ATRS (Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score), la función mediante el test de puntillas, masa muscular gemelar y el equino en reposo residual. Los registros clínicos y funcionales se realizaron a las seis semanas, tres, seis y 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante Stata 14. Resultados: A los 12 meses, 94% de los pacientes realizaban puntillas monopodales, la media de la atrofia gemelar fue de 1.03 cm ± 0.51 respecto a extremidad contralateral y la diferencia de equino residual respecto el lado sano era de 5.63 grados ± 4.17, 83.24% de los pacientes realizaban su práctica deportiva habitual previa a la rotura. La media de ATRS de la muestra era de 87.41 puntos ± 17.78. Se registraron dos rerroturas parciales (11%) a los tres meses de seguimiento que continuaron con tratamiento ortopédico. Conclusiones: El tratamiento ortopédico funcional mediante bota ortopédica y carga precoz presenta buenos resultados clínicos y funcionales, considerándolo un tratamiento válido para las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and functional results of patients with acute middle third of Achilles tendon rupture treated conservatively by orthopedic boot and early weight-bearing. Material and methods: This is a prospective observational study with 19 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated by conservative treatment. Demographic variables, ATRS score, function using heel-rise test, calf circumference and Achilles tendon resting angle were analyzed. The clinical and functional registration was performed at six weeks, three, six and 12 months of injury. A statistical analysis was performed. Results: At one year follow-up, the 94% of patients were capable of standing single heel rise, the mean of twin atrophy was 1.03 cm ± 0.51 compared to uninjured side and the difference of Achilles tendon resting angle was 5.63 degrees ± 4.17 compared to contralateral limb. The 83.24% of patients returned to play and the mean of ATRS score was 87.41 points ± 17.78. Two partial re-rupture (11%) were occurred at three months of follow-up, which continued with orthopedic treatment. Conclusions: Based on the results, functional orthopedic treatment using orthopedic boot and early weight-bearing presents good clinical and functional outcomes, considering it a valid treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas de la ruptura de tendón de Aquiles / Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Achilles tendon rupture

Resumen: Introducción: La ruptura del tendón de Aquiles es una de las más frecuentes del miembro inferior, el aumento de su incidencia invita a evaluar sus características asociadas que actúan como desencadenantes o como factores de riesgo. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, según datos de historias clínicas, utilizando media, desviación estándar y porcentajes. Resultados: Evaluamos 49 pacientes: varones 83.7%, profesión administrativa 46.9%, 61.2% lesión de deporte (fútbol 38.8%). De las lesiones, 75.5% fueron agudas afectando el tendón izquierdo (57.1%). El síntoma más referido fue dolor súbito (95.9%) y el signo más encontrado fue el de Thompson (89.8%). Se usó ecografía en 42.9%. Recibieron tratamiento por cirugía abierta 95.5% y anestesia espinal 85.1%. Intraoperatoriamente reportaron ruptura completa 95.7%, a 2-5 cm de inserción 66%, 98% de ellas no presentaron lesiones asociadas. La reparación fue tenorrafía simple con punto de Kessler (51%) y vycril como material de sutura (95.7%). Se realizó inmovilización con yeso tibio-pedio (98%) por lapso de seis a ocho semanas (91.9%). La espera quirúrgica fue 3.6 días y la estancia hospitalaria 4.9 días. Conclusiones: La ruptura del tendón de Aquiles se observó con mayor frecuencia en varones sedentarios entre 29-48 años, presentación aguda en actividad deportiva afectando el tendón izquierdo. La mayoría fueron rupturas completas ubicadas entre 2-5 cm de su inserción, realizando tenorrafía simple.

Abstract: Introduction: The rupture of the Achilles tendon is one of the most frequent of the lower limb, the increase in its incidence invites to evaluate its associated characteristics that act as triggers or as risk factors. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, based on clinical history data, using mean, standard deviation and percentages. Results: We evaluated 49 patients: males 83.7%, administrative profession 46.9%, sport injury 61.2% (soccer 38.8%). 75.5% were acute injuries, affecting the left tendon (57.1%). The most referred symptom is sudden pain (95.9%) and the most common sign is Thompson's (89.8%). Ultrasonography was used in 42.9%. 95.5% received treatment by open surgery and spinal anesthesia 85.1%. Intraoperatively they reported complete rupture 95.7%, at 2-5 cm insertion 66%, 98% of them had no associated injuries. The repair was simple tenorrhaphy with Kessler's point (51%) and Vycril as suture material (95.7%). Immobilization was performed with warm-pedium plaster (98%) for a period of 6-8 weeks (91.9%). Surgical waiting was 3.6 days and hospital stay 4.9 days. Conclusions: Achilles tendon rupture occurred more frequently in sedentary males between 29-48 years, acute presentation in sports activity, affecting the left tendon. Most were complete ruptures located between 2-5 cm from its insertion, performing simple tenorrhaphy.

Efficacy of Baxian Xiaoyaotang Against Ankylosis of Wind-Cold-Dampness Obstruction Syndrome After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery and Its Influences on TGF-β1， IGF-1， and EGF / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Baxian Xiaoyaotang （BXT） in treating ankylosis of wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome after acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery and its effects on transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）， and epidermal growth factor （EGF）. Method:According to the visiting sequence， 66 patients with fresh closed Achilles tendon rupture were included and randomly divided into a treatment group （<italic>n</italic>=33） and a control group （<italic>n</italic>=33）. Patients in both groups underwent surgical repair， followed by immobilization in long-leg brace， which was then replaced by the boot brace in the fourth week， with the plantar-flexion angle adjusted correspondingly. Six weeks later， the brace was removed for accelerated functional rehabilitation training. On this basis， patients in the treatment group were further instructed to fumigate and wash the affected Achilles tendon with BXT， twice a day， for 45 d. The Leppilahti Achilles tendon performance scores and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society （AOFAS） ankle-hindfoot scores between the two groups were compared at the time of brace removal and the third， sixth， and twelfth months after surgery. The strength of triceps surae on the affected side was evaluated at the last follow-up visit. The serum TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， IGF-1， and EGF levels were detected before and after treatment. The wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome scores， symptom scores， the changes in foot dorsiflexion angle， and the overall clinical efficacy were compared. Result:The changes in scores of patients receiving different treatment measures did not synchronize. After the removal of brace， the Leppilahti Achilles tendon performance score and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score determined at three time points in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. At the last follow-up visit， the good-to-excellent rate of muscle strength in the treatment group was 93.94% （31/33）， higher than 72.73% （24/33） in the control group （χ²=0.031，<italic>P</italic><0.05）， implying that the strength of triceps surae in the treatment group was better recovered. After treatment， the serum TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， IGF-1， and EGF levels in both groups were increased in contrast to those before treatment （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and these levels in the treatment group were all higher than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The foot dorsiflexion angle and the wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome score in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The overall response rate of the treatment group was 90.91% （30/33）， higher than 75.76% （25/33） of the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=6.981， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. No adverse reactions occurred during the treatment. Conclusion:The external fumigation and washing with BXT alleviates both the clinical symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome， improves the joint function score， triceps surae strength， and other indicators， elevates the serum TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， IGF-1， and EGF levels， and enhances the strength and toughness of Achilles tendon of patients with ankylosis due to wind-cold-dampness obstruction after the acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery. Its clinical efficacy is better than that of functional rehabilitation training.

Application of Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score in Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the validity of Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) for rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture. Methods:From January, 2012 to December, 2016, 50 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were enrolled. The original table of ATRS was translated, organized and evaluated to obtain the ATRS consensus version. At the 1st month, 2nd month, 3rd month, 6th month and 12th month follow-up, the scores of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) and ATRS were recorded. Results:Three patients were dropped out. The scores of both AOFAS-AH and ATRS increased with time, and gradually became flat. The total score of AOFAS-AH was significantly positively correlated with the total score of ATRS (ρ = 0.961, P < 0.001). Conclusion:ATRS can be used in evaluating the functional recovery of Achilles tendon repair.

Percutaneous woven modified kessler suture for a small medial incision of the achilles tendon in treatment of acute closed achilles tendon rupture / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Traditional open suture for the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture can significantly reduce the risk of gastrocnemius nerve injury and re-rupture of Achilles tendon, but this suture method can increase incision-related complications and result in tissue adhesion. Although the Krackow suture method is more powerful, it is difficult to perform minimally invasive surgery with small incisions, and excessive locks to strengthen the suture may affect the blood supply in the Achilles tendon. The percutaneous woven modified Kessler suture method is not only smooth, flat, and relatively strong, but also has strong tension. This is a minimally invasive method that can achieve good functional recovery of the Achilles tendon. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous woven modified Kessler suture of a small medial incision of the Achilles tendon in the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture in comparison with the open suture method. METHODS: Clinical data of 72 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed at Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University between June 2015 and June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into open group and minimally invasive group of medial Achilles tendon (n=36 per group). The operation time, hospitalization time, blood loss, length of incision, wound healing, complications, and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University in China. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the open group, the minimally invasive group of medial Achilles tendon had shorter operation time and hospitalization time, less blood loss, and shorter incision length (P < 0.05). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Achilles tendon total rupture (ATRS) scores of the minimally invasive group of medial Achilles tendon were significantly higher than that of the open group at 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in the ATRS score and the AOFAS score at 1 year after surgery (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups at 1 year after surgery (P 0.05). The overall complication rate of the minimally invasive group of medial Achilles tendon was significantly lower than that of the open group (P < 0.05), and incision-related complications were confirmed to be the main postoperative complications. To conclude, compared with the open modified Kessler suture, percutaneous woven modified Kessler suture for the small medial incision of the Achilles tendon has some benefits, including simpler operation, lower price, more prominent perioperative index, lower incidence of postoperative incision-related complications, and better short-term efficacy.

Clinical analysis of autogenous tendon reconstruction under total arthroscopy in treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of autogenous tendon reconstruction under total arthroscopy in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: Between June 2015 and June 2018, 16 patients with chronic Achilles tendon ruptures were treated by autogenous tendon reconstruction under total arthroscopy. Of the 16 patients, 11 were males and 5 were females. Their mean age was 40.7 years (range, 21-55 years). The disease duration was 14-20 months (mean, 16.4 months). Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 41.2±2.2 and the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.9±1.2. MRI and B-ultrasonography examinations showed that the Achilles tendon was not continuous. The length of Achilles tendon defect was 5.0-10.3 cm, with an average of 5.8 cm. The rupture of the Achilles tendon happened on top of the insertion of the tendon in 4 cases and at the tendon-muscle belly connection in 12 cases. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and related complications were recorded. The AOFAS score and VAS score were used to evaluate the improvement of ankle joint function and pain. Results: The average operation time was 77.2 minutes (range, 60-90 minutes). The average intraoperative blood loss was 20.5 mL (range, 15-30 mL). The average hospital stay was 7.2 days (range, 5-10 days). All incisions healed by first intention. There was no skin necrosis, infection, or deep vein thrombosis. All the patients were followed up 8-18 months, with an average of 12 months; and 10 cases were followed up more than 12 months. During the follow-up, there was no Achilles tendon re-rupture, and the symptoms of pain and heel lifting failure significantly improved. MRI reexamination showed that the continuity of Achilles tendon recovered. At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, AOFAS scores significantly improved and VAS scores significantly reduced, except for 1 month postoperatively, the scores at other time points were superior to that before operation, the differences were significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Autogenous tendon reconstruction under total arthroscopy in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture has the advantages of small trauma, rapid functional recovery, and satisfactory surgical efficacy.

Research progress of early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture after surgical repair / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To summarize the latest research progress of early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture after surgical repair. Methods: The high-quality randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses regarding early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture in recent years were reviewed. Results: There are three functional rehabilitations after acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery, including early postoperative mobilization, early weight-bearing with immobilization, and early weight-bearing combined with mobilization. The results of randomized controlled trials show that the effectiveness of early postoperative rehabilitation is similar or better than the early postoperative immobilization. The results of systematic reviews/meta-analyses show that the early postoperative rehabilitation is beneficial to the early function recovery of the Achilles tendon, can reduce the time for functional recovery, and do not adversely affect the outcomes. Conclusion: Early postoperative rehabilitation is beneficial to the functional recovery, and do not increase postoperative complications. There is still no uniform protocol of early postoperative rehabilitation and the timing of weight-bearing, and further studies are needed in the future.

Biomechanical comparison study of two ultra-strong sutures in repair of Achilles tendon via panda rope bridge technique / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To compare the biomechanical properties of two ultra-strong sutures and suturing methods in panda rope bridge technique (PRBT) application, and provide guidance for clinical selection of suture threads and suture methods. Methods: Forty Achilles tendons from bulls were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n=10) and transected at the 4 cm proximal to the tendon insertion. Groups A and B used Ethibond sutures (USP 5), the proximal end was fixed at the myotendious junction with Krackow sutures and the distal end was fixed through a calcaneus canal. Groups A and B had 4 and 8 threads through the stump plane, respectively. Groups C and D used Ultrabraid sutures (USP 2), the proximal end was fixed at the myotendious junction with Krackow sutures and the distal end was fixed in the calcaneus with two anchors. Groups C and D had 4 and 8 threads through the stump plane, respectively. The dynamic tensile forces of 20-100, 20-200, 20-300, and 20-400 N were tested respectively by using a dynamic tensile testing machine at 0.5 Hz for 250 cycles. After each stage of testing, the gap between stumps was measured with a caliper and the type of suture failure was recorded. Results: After dynamic tensile forces of 20-100 N and 20-200 N, the gaps of the four groups arranged from small to large were groups D, B, C, and A. The differences between groups A and B and groups C and D were significant ( P0.05). After dynamic tensile forces of 20-400 N, the suture retention rates of groups A, B, C, and D were 0, 50%, 0, and 70%, respectively. There were significant differences between groups A and B and groups C and D ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Repairing Achilles tendon rupture via PRBT with 8 ultra-strong sutures through the stump plane can meet the mechanical requirements for walking by using ankle boots and heel pads in the early accelerated rehabilitation after operation.

Effect of Achilles tendon rupture line krackow downward legs after a plaster cast / 现代临床护理

Objective By discussing the Achilles tendon rupture line of two different methods of plaster fixation after operation,embodies the advantages of downward legs plaster fixation method when the new operation.Methods From January 2014 to December in the inpatient department for Achilles tendon repair in 34 cases as the control group,krackow suture after upward leg plaster fixation;from January 2015 to December in the inpatient department for Achilles tendon repair in 32 cases of patients as the observation group, the concept of krackow suture after downward leg plaster cast, 6 week of daily life were compared between the two groups at discharge and after the operation,the function of ankle and knee joint situation ability. Results At the time of discharge and 6 weeks after operation,the self-care ability,ankle function and knee joint function of the observation group were better than those of the control group (all P＜0.001).The complication rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion The new downward Achilles tendon plaster fixation is superior to the traditional plaster fixation method,can improve the patients'self-care ability,reduce complications,promote the recovery of limb function,promote early rehabilitation of patients.

Effectiveness of modified suture technique in treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of modified suture technique in the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture.

The application of contralateral acupuncture for rehabilitation after acute closed achilles tendon rupture / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the differences of affected-side ankle plantar flexors function and clinical efficacy between contralateral acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training and rehabilitation training alone for patients with acute closed achilles tendon rupture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-four patients with acute closed achilles tendon rupture were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group, 37 cases in each group. Patients in the both groups were treated with routine rehabilitation training after the operation for 12 weeks; besides, patients in the observation group were treated with contralateral acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Chengshan (BL 57), Taixi (KI 3) before rehabilitation training in the first 6 weeks. The treatment were given once a day, 5 times as 1 course with 2 d at the interval. The Biodex System 4 multi-joint dynamometers system was applied to test and compare affected-side plantar flexion peak torque (PFPT), peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) and total work (TW) after 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. The efficacy evaluation was conducted after 6 weeks and 12 weeks, and the follow-up visit was conducted 12 weeks after end of treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The PFPT, PT/BW, TW in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group after 8 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment (all<0.05); compared with those after 6 weeks, the PFPT, PT/BW, TW were significantly increased after 8 weeks of treatment (all<0.05); compared with those after 6 weeks and 8 weeks, the PFPT, PT/BW, TW were significantly increased after 12 weeks of treatment (all<0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment and at follow-up visit, the clinical excellent and effective rates in the observation group were higher than those in the control group[89.2% (33/37) vs 70.3% (26/37), 94.6% (35/37) vs 75.7% (28/37), both<0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>During the postoperative rehabilitation of acute closed achilles tendon rupture, the contralateral acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training could improve ankle plantar flexors function and clinical efficacy better than rehabilitation training only.</p>

Application of S type incision modified double Kessler suture in the treatment of fresh achilles tendon rupture / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of the treatment for fresh achilles tendon rupture by modified double Kessler suture with S type incision .Methods Totally 21 cases of fresh achilles tendon rupture were admitted into our hospital from January 2012 to Decem-ber 2015, and they were treated by S type incision modified double Kessler suture within 7 days (averagely 4.1 days).Observed the postop-erative complications and evaluated the efficacy with Arner-Lindholm.Results All the 21 patients were followed for 6 to 24 months ( aver-agely 12 months).There was no incision infection ,necrosis, re-fracture of achilles tendon and other complications .There were 16 cases of excellent and 5 cases of good , with the excellent and good rate of 100% through the Arner-Lindholm evaluation criteria .Conclusion Modified double Kessler suture with S incision for the treatment of fresh achilles tendon rupture is conducive to early functional exercise ,and it can obtain satisfactory clinical efficacy .

Twenty-eight cases of patients with acute closed rupture of the achilles tendon of five years follow-up study / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To compare the curative effect of open and minimally invasive treatment of acute closed achilles tendon rupture with 5 years followed-up study.Methods From September,2010 to January,2012,28 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture in our hospital were followed up for 5 years.There were 21 males and 7 females.Minimally invasive percutaneous suture in 11 cases;open suture in the treatment of 17 cases.The patients were followed up at 6 months,1 year,2 years,3 years,4 years,and 5 years after AOFAS and ATRS score.Results The follow-up time ranged from 60 to 72 months.All incisions healed by first intention and no incision related complications occurred.2 groups of patients with ATRS score at 6 months after operation:the open group was 81.23±3.99,minimally invasive percutaneous group of 88.27±4.27,the difference between the two groups was statistically significantly.After 1 year,there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups.Two groups of patients with AOFAS score at 6 months after operation:the open group was 69.00±6.23,minimally invasive percutaneous group of 79.27±4.83,the difference between the two groups was statistically significantly.At one year after operation,the open group was 85.53±3.38,and the minimally invasive group was more than 89.90±3.38.The difference between the two groups was statistically significantly.After 2 years,there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups.Conclusion There is no significant difference between the 2 years after surgery in the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture or open surger.

Effectiveness comparison of channel-assisted mini-incision and open Achilles shortening for treatment of healed Achilles tendon rupture / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To compare the clinical effectiveness between the channel-assisted mini-invasion and open Achilles shortening for treatment of the elongated Achilles tendon following previous rupture.Methods The clinical data of 19 patients admitted from Dec. 2013 to Dec. 2015 and met the inclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. Eight patients were treated with shortening operation by channel-assisted minimally invasive repair system, while 11 patients received dissection of Krackow Achilles tendon shortening. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, injury to operation time, preoperative calf circumference and preoperative AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) score (P>0.05).Results The operation time, incision length and postoperative hospital days were significantly less in min-invasion group than in incision group (P0.05).ConclusionChannel-assisted minimally invasive Achilles tendon shortening operation has not only similar effectiveness to the incision shorting operation for the treatment of elongated Achilles tendon following previous rupture, but also has the advantages of shortening operation time and stay in hospital and avoidance of sural nerve injury.