Evaluation of a New Knotless Suture Anchor Repair in Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Biomechanical Comparison of Three Techniques.

Acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon are a common injury, and debate has continued in published studies on how best to treat these injuries. Specifically, controversy exists regarding the surgical approaches for Achilles tendon repair when one considers percutaneous versus open repair. The present study investigated the biomechanical strength of 3 different techniques for Achilles tendon repair in a cadaveric model. A total of 36 specimens were divided into 3 groups, each of which received a different construct. The first group received a traditional Krackow suture repair, the second group was repaired using a jig-assisted percutaneous suture, and the third group received a repair using a jig-assisted percutaneous repair modified with suture anchors placed into the calcaneus. The specimens were tested with cyclical loading and to ultimate failure. Cyclical loading showed a trend toward a stronger repair with the use of suture anchors after 10 cycles (p = .295), 500 cycles (p = .120), and 1000 cycles (p = .040). The ultimate load to failure was greatest in the group repaired with the modified knotless technique using the suture anchors (p = .098). The results of the present study show a clear trend toward a stronger construct in Achilles repair using a knotless suture anchor technique, which might translate to a faster return to activity and be more resistant to an early and aggressive rehabilitation protocol. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate this technique in a patient population.

The "All-Inside" Arthroscopic Broström Procedure Augmented With a Proximal Suture Anchor: An Innovative Technique.

Arthroscopic treatments of chronic lateral ankle stability have been reported in the literature. The authors report on an innovative technique augmenting the "All- Inside" Arthroscopic Broström procedure with an additional suture anchor.

A Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Different Arthroscopic Lateral Ankle Stabilization Techniques in 36 Cadaveric Ankles.

Arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization has become an increasingly popular option among foot and ankle surgeons to address lateral ankle instability, because it combines a modified Broström-Gould procedure with the ability to address any intra-articular pathologic findings at the same session. The present study evaluated 3 different constructs in a cadaveric model. Thirty-six fresh frozen cadaver limbs were used, and the anterior talofibular ligament was identified and sectioned. The specimens were then placed into 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 received a repair with a single-row, 2-suture anchor construct; group 2 received repair with a novel, double-row, 4-anchor knotless construct; and group 3 received repair with a double-row, 3-anchor construct. Specimens were then tested for stiffness and load to ultimate failure using a customized jig. Stiffness was measured in each of the groups and was 12.10 ± 5.43 (range 5.50 to 22.24) N/mm for group 1, 13.40 ± 7.98 (range 6.71 to 36.28) N/mm for group 2, and 12.55 ± 4.00 (range 6.48 to 22.14) N/mm for group 3. No significant differences were found among the 3 groups in terms of stiffness (p = .939, 1-way analysis of variance, ɑ = 0.05). The groups were tested to failure, with observed force measurements of 156.43 ± 30.39 (range 83.69 to 192.00) N for group 1, 206.62 ± 55.62 (range 141.37 to 300.29) N for group 2, and 246.82 ± 82.37 (range 164.26 to 384.93) N for group 3. Statistically significant differences were noted between groups 1 and 3 (p = .006, 1-way analysis of variance, ɑ = 0.05). The results of the present study have shown that a previously reported arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization procedure, when modified with an additional proximal suture anchor into the fibula, results in a statistically significant increase in strength in terms of the maximum load to failure. Additionally, we have described a previously unreported, knotless technique for arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization.

The "All-Inside" Arthroscopic Broström Procedure With Additional Suture Anchor Augmentation: A Prospective Study of 45 Consecutive Patients.

Lateral ankle sprains are a common injury that typically respond well to nonoperative therapy. When nonoperative therapy fails and patients develop chronic lateral ankle instability, they become candidates for surgical repair. The present study examined 45 consecutive patients (45 ankles) with chronic lateral ankle instability who underwent arthroscopic Broström repair using a double-row suture anchor construct. The 45 patients (27 females and 18 males) were followed up for a mean of 14 (range 12 to 20) months. The mean time to weightbearing with crutches was 3.3 (range 2 to 4) days, and full weightbearing was initiated at a mean of 14.4 (range 12 to 16) days. All patients participated in structured physical therapy, which was started at 21.6 (range 18 to 23) days. Patients were transitioned to regular shoe gear with a stirrup-style ankle brace at 28.7 (range 26 to 31) days. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale scores improved from an average preoperative score of 48.7 (range 45 to 55) to 95.4 (range 90 to 100) postoperatively. The average visual analog scale decreased from 8 (range 6 to 10) preoperatively to 0.6 (range 0 to 5) postoperatively at the last follow-up visit. The Karlsson-Peterson score postoperatively was 87 of 100. We have shown that patients with this new arthroscopic Broström technique modified with a proximal suture anchor can begin weightbearing earlier than previously reported, without adverse effects in terms of pain, functional outcomes scores, and clinical outcomes.

Triple arthrodesis for adult acquired flatfoot.

The primary goal of triple arthrodesis for stage III and IV adult acquired flatfoot is to obtain a well-aligned plantigrade foot that will support the ankle in optimal alignment. Ancillary procedures including posterior muscle group lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, medial column stabilization, peroneus brevis tenotomy, or transfer and harvest of regional bone graft are often necessary to achieve adequate realignment. Image intensification is helpful in confirming optimal realignment before fixation. Results of triple arthrodesis are enhanced with adequate preparation of joint surfaces, bone graft/orthobiologics, 2-point fixation of all 3 tritarsal joints, and a vertical heel position.