Reconstruction of neglected traumatic Achilles tendon rupture in a young girl

Posttraumatic neglected Achilles tendon ruptures in a young patient have not been described in the literature to our knowledge; indeed, neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon have only rarely been described in adults. We present the case of a 7 year old girl with posttraumatic neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon that was operated on 8 weeks after the trauma.     

A Combined Repair Technique for Early Neglected Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Abstract Objective: This study presents the long-term results of a combined technique, using both Duthie's biological repair and a plantaris tendon transfer for the reconstruction of early neglected tendo Achilles ruptures. Materials and Method: Between January 2000 and November 2004, nine patients with an early neglected Achilles tendon rupture (≥ 4 and ≤ 12 weeks from injury), underwent surgical reconstruction. Eight patients were male and one female, their age was average 41 years and the median follow-up period was 3.66 years. The average clinical defect of the Achilles tendon was 4.33 cm. Results: All patients were examined by the clinical ankle scoring system of Leppilahti et al. (Clin Orthop 346:152–161, 1998). Six patients presented excellent results and three patients had good results. All patients had equal plantarflexion and dorsiflexion with the healthy side and all of the study's patients returned to work 3 months postoperatively. An average muscle atrophy of 0.83 cm was documented compared with the uninjured side. Only four of nine patients (44.44%) had a normal one-legged jump. There were no complications postoperatively and no re-ruptures of the Achilles tendons. Conclusion: This combined method appears to be safe and effective, with a low risk for complications, allowing us to obtain excellent results for the majority of our patients.     

Outcomes of flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders

BackgroundIn patients with chronic Achilles tendon disorders, Achilles tendon debridement can be supplemented with a tendon transfer, with the flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL) transfer representing the most common used technique. Our study describes clinical and functional results of patients treated with flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendon disorders.MethodsRetrospective study of prospectively collected data of thirteen patients (15 feet) that underwent FDL tendon transfer as part of the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon disorders. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, SF-36 survey and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). The average follow-up was 26.4 (range, 14–56) months. Patients were also assessed for ability to perform single leg heel rise test, muscle power for plantar flexion of the lesser toes, surgical scar condition and associated complications.ResultsAt final follow-up, we found significant postoperative improvement in VAS score (6.6 ± 2.99 vs 1.06 ± 1.43; p < .0001), SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) (28.20 ± 10.71 vs 45.04 ± 11.19; p < .0001) and LEFS (36.13 ± 20.49 vs 58.73 ± 18.19; p < .0001). Twelve patients (92%) could perform a single leg heel rise test in the operated extremity, although there was significant difference when comparing operated and uninvolved sides (4.86 ± 3.36 cm vs 7.18 ± 3.40 cm; p = .0002). One patient reported weakness for plantar flexion of the lesser toes, without balance or gait disturbances. Two patients (2 feet, 13.3%) had superficial infections and one patient (one foot, 6.6%) needed operative debridement for a deep infection.ConclusionsFDL tendon transfer represent an operative alternative in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon disorders. Our study showed good clinical outcomes with low complications and donor site morbidity.Level of evidenceObservational study, case series – level IV.     

Biomechanical and histologic comparison of Achilles tendon ruptures reinforced with intratendinous and peritendinous plantaris tendon grafts in rabbits: an experimental study

Introduction We hypothesized that the closer the reinforcing graft was to the repair zone, the more strength the healed tendon would achieved. Therefore, we compared the ruptured rabbit Achilles tendons reinforced with intratendinous and peritendinous plantaris grafts.Materials and methods The experimental study was performed on Achilles tendons of 20 rabbits. First, they were divided into two groups: group I (n=10) underwent intratendinous graft and end-to-end tenorraphy, and group P (n=10) were repaired end-to-end and then reinforced with a peritendinous plantaris graft. An above-knee cast was applied during 6 weeks postoperatively. The two groups were compared to each other biomechanically and histologically. Seven randomly selected rabbits from each group were used for biomechanical evaluation. The remaining six rabbits (three from each group) were used for histologic comparison. Non-operated sides (n=20) served as the control group.Results The mean maximum load at rupture of the repaired and control groups was 159.9±31 N, 83±7.5 N, and 207.5±35 N for group I, group P, and the control group, respectively. Values between groups were significantly different considering maximum load and absorbed energy to rupture. There was no significant difference between groups I and P in respect to strain. Control group tendons (groups I-C and P-C) had significantly more lengthening capability than operated tendons. Macroscopically, group I tendons were thicker and stiffer than group P tendons. Histologically, differences between the group I and group P specimens revealed that the healing process was faster in tendons augmented intratendinously.Conclusions In reinforcing Achilles tendon repair, the site of the tendon graft affected the result. When the graft was used intratendinously, the healed tendon was more similar biomechanically to normal tendon and had more graft-tendon orientation histologically than the tendon augmented peritendinously.This study was performed at the Biomechanic Laboratory of Middle East Technical University (METU) and Animal Experimental Research Laboratory of Osmangazi University in Turkey. The experiments comply with the current law of our country     

小切口辅助经皮缝合系统修复急性闭合跟腱断裂并发症

目的：分析小切口辅助经皮修复急性跟腱断裂术后并发症的原因、处置及预防对策。方法 ：回顾性研究2008年8月至2019年11月采用小切口辅助经皮跟腱缝合系统（micro incision percutaneous Achilles tendon suture system,MIPAS）治疗的急性闭合性跟腱断裂患者279例,其中男269例,女10例;右侧96例,左侧183例;年龄18～64(36.9±11.4)岁;伤后至手术时间0.5～7(2.7±0.9) d。收集记录术后18个月内切口相关情况、再断裂、腓肠神经损伤、静脉血栓、跟腱粘连、局部疼痛和踝关节僵硬,以及相应处置措施和并发症转归,总结分析原因和预防策略。结果：所有患者未出现切口浅表及深部感染,未出现症状性跟腱粘连和踝关节僵硬。发生迟发性线结反应2例（0.7%）,再断裂5例（1.8%）,腓肠神经损伤3例（1.1%）,穿刺点皮肤内陷21例（7.5%）,症状性静脉血栓2例（0.7%）,一过性内踝后方疼痛45例（16.1%）。经个体化处理,功能良好,美国足踝外科协会（American Orthopaedic Foot&Ankle ...     

Neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon treated with peroneus brevis transfer: A functional assessment of 5 cases

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical results of 5 patients who underwent repair of a chronic Achilles tendon rupture using a combination of peroneus brevis transfer and plantaris tendon augmentation. The technique belongs to the group of local tendon transfer procedures making use of the transferred peroneus brevis tendon as strengthening material together with the plantaris tendon as suturing material. There were 4 males and 1 female with an average age of 49.4 years and an average time to presentation postinjury of 19.8 weeks (range 5-40 wk). All patients underwent Cybex strength testing before and approximately 1 year after surgery. This testing demonstrated a postoperative improvement in peak plantarflexion torque (Newton-meters/body weight) in all cases. The peak torque of plantar flexion increased in all patients (range, 21%-410%). Four patients were found to have an increase of the dorsal flexors peak torque (range, 31%-290%), whereas one patient showed a decrease (-37%). No patient experienced wound closure complications, postoperative pain, or functional limitations. In spite the possibility of residual lateral ankle instability, we found this modification to be a valuable innovation that offers a very good functional result, low morbidity, technical advantages to the surgeon and, most important, a durable and satisfactory result for the patients.     

Missed Achilles tendon rupture due to oral levofloxacin: surgical treatment and result

We describe a case of a 60-year-old male patient who was treated with oral levofloxacin. The patient sustained a total subcutaneous rupture of the left Achilles tendon which was not diagnosed for at least 5 months. Surgical treatment was successful.     

Chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstructed using hamstring tendon autograft

BackgroundChronic rupture of the Achilles tendon (delayed diagnosis of more than 4 weeks) can result in retraction of the tendon and inadequate healing. Direct repair may not be possible and augmentation methods are challenging when the defect exceeds 5–6 cm, especially if the distal stump is grossly tendinopathic.MethodsWe describe our method of Achilles tendon reconstruction with ipsilateral semitendinosis autograft and interference screw fixation in a patient with chronic rupture, a 9 cm defect and gross distal tendinopathy.ResultsPatient reported outcome measures consistently demonstrated improved health status at 12 months post surgery: MOXFQ-Index 38–25, EQ5D-5L 18–9, EQ VAS 70–90 and VISA-A 1–64. The patient was back to full daily function, could single leg heel raise and was gradually returning to sport. No complications or adverse events were recorded.ConclusionReconstruction of chronic tears of the Achilles tendon with large defects and gross tendinopathy using an ipsilateral semitendinosis autograft and interference screw fixation can achieve satisfactory improvements in patient reported outcomes up to 1 year post-surgery.     

The role of Plantaris Longus in Achilles tendinopathy: A biomechanical study

Background

The Plantaris Longus Tendon (PLT) may be implicated in Achilles (AT) tendinopathy. Different mechanical characteristics may be the cause. This study is designed to measure these.

Methods

Six PLT and six AT were harvested from frozen cadavers (aged 65–88). Samples were stretched to failure using a Minimat 2000™ (Rheometric Scientific Inc.). Force and elongation were recorded. Calculated tangent stiffness, failure stress and strain were obtained. Averaged mechanical properties were compared using paired, one-tailed t-tests.

Results

Mean stiffness was higher (p < 0.001) in the PLT, measuring 5.71 N/mm (4.68–6.64), compared with 1.73 N/mm (1.40–2.22) in AT. Failure stress was also higher (p < 0.01) in PLT: 1.42 N/mm² (0.86–2.23) AT: 0.20 N/mm² (0.16–0.25). Failure strain was less (p < 0.05) in PLT: 14.1% (11.5–16.8) than AT: 21.8% (14.9–37.9).

Conclusions

The PLT is stiffer, stronger than AT, demonstrating potential for relative movement under load. The stiffer PLT could tether AT and initiate an inflammatory response.     

三种手术方法治疗新鲜跟腱断裂比较研究

目的比较传统切开跟腱吻合术、经皮微创跟腱吻合术以及应用跟腱吻合器有限切开术治疗新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂的疗效,为临床治疗方式的选择提供参考依据。方法 2007年12月-2010年3月将69例符合纳入标准的新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂患者随机分为3组,其中采用传统切开跟腱吻合术23例(传统切开组),经皮微创跟腱吻合术23例(经皮微创组),应用跟腱吻合器有限切开治疗23例(有限切开组)。3组患者性别、年龄、损伤机制、美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)踝-后足评分等一般资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。结果经皮微创组及有限切开组住院时间及失血量明显优于传统切开组(P<0.01)。术后传统切开组发生2例(8.7%)切口感染坏死,其余两组患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合;传统切开组术后腱旁组织并发症发生率高于其余两组(P<0.05)。经皮微创组及有限切开组各1例(4.3%)发生跟腱再断裂,传统切开组跟腱再断裂发生率(0)低于其余两组(P<0.05)。69例均获随访,随访时间12～18个月,平均14.9个月。术后12个月3组踝关节AOFAS评分均>90分,较同组术前显著改善(P<0.05),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 3种手术方式均能有效治疗新鲜跟腱断裂,有限切开或经皮微创手术方法创伤小,伤口愈合好,住院时间少,术后腱旁组织并发症少,但跟腱再断裂风险增加。     

Functional outcome of gastrocnemius advancement flap augmented with short flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in chronic Achilles tear

BackgroundThere are various techniques of Achilles tendon (TA) repair and reconstruction in chronic Achilles tear. However, there is no clear consensus on the relevance of one method over the other. The short flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL) transfer has recently gained popularity because of its same phasic action, ease of harvesting and tensile strength.MethodologyFifteen chronic Achilles tear (>6 weeks) were treated with tendon repair using gastrocnemius advancement flap augmented with FHL transfer. The patients were followed-up at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The clinical outcome at latest follow-up was evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS).ResultsThe mean age was 43.5 ± 12.4 years and the median time from injury to surgery was 17.13 ± 9.64 weeks. The mean gap between the retracted ends of the ruptured tendon was 5.67 ± 1.63 cm (range 4–10 cm). The mean follow-up was 19.07 ± 3.15 months (range, 13–24 months). The mean AOFAS and ATRS improved from 72.07 ± 8.29 (62–83) to 98.4 ± 2.03 (94–100) and 61.73 ± 8.16 (52–70) to 98 ± 1.85 (94–100) respectively (paired t-test, p-value 0.0001). All patients resumed their pre-injury daily activities, and there was no donor site morbidity. Two patients had sterile serous discharge, and one patient had a staphylococcus infection. These patients responded to debridement with prolonged antibiotic therapy. There were no nerve injuries or re-rupture.ConclusionThe functional outcome of chronic Achilles tear treated with gastrocnemius advancement flap augmented with short FHL transfer is rewarding.     

微创切取长屈肌腱重建慢性跟腱断裂

目的探讨微创切取长屈肌腱转移重建慢性跟腱断裂的临床效果。方法 2006年7月-2009年12月,收治22例22足慢性跟腱断裂患者。男16例,女6例;年龄28～65岁,中位年龄48岁。21例有患足用力蹬地史,1例无明显诱因。患者出现症状至手术时间为27～1 025 d,中位时间51 d。均有走路无力症状,Thompson试验呈阳性。根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝与后足疗效评价标准评分为(53.04±6.75)分。MRI示跟腱缺损长度为4.2～8.0 cm。术中作中足足底内侧切口和趾间关节跖侧平行横纹的小切口分步切取长屈肌腱,切取长度为超过跟骨结节10.5～13.5 cm,作3束反折编织缝合。界面螺钉或锚钉于跟骨后结节固定肌腱。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无早期并发症发生。22例均获随访,随访时间12～42个月,平均16.7个月。术后12个月根据AOFAS踝与后足疗效评价标准评分为(92.98±5.72)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=—40.903,P=0.000);获优18例,良2例,可2例,优良率90.9%。随访期间均未见胫、腓肠神经损伤、跖底部痛性瘢痕、足底内外侧神经损伤。结论微创切取长屈肌腱转移重建慢性跟腱断裂具有切口小、术后恢复快、肌腱固定强度高以及并发症少的优点。     

Achillon微创跟腱吻合器治疗急性跟腱断裂的疗效观察

背景:急性跟腱断裂是一种常见的运动损伤,微创治疗由于其创伤小、并发症少等而日渐被关注。目的:观察应用Achillon微创跟腱吻合器治疗急性跟腱断裂的临床效果。方法:对2010年7月至2011年7月在我院采用Achillon跟腱吻合器治疗的21例急性跟腱断裂患者进行随访。男19例,女2例,年龄19～54岁,平均31.7岁。根据美国骨科协会足踝外科分会(AOFAS)标准评价踝关节功能;观察有无手术并发症,同时调查患者满意度。结果:21例患者均获得随访,时间12～24个月,平均18个月。所有伤口愈合良好,无感染、腓肠肌神经损伤、跟腱再断裂等发生。AOFAS标准评分为88～98分,平均为93.2分,患者满意度高。结论:Achillon微创跟腱吻合器能够有效治疗急性跟腱断裂,具有对合良好、对跟腱局部血供影响小、创伤小、功能恢复快等优点。     

Endobutton联合双束跽长屈肌腱解剖止点重建治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂

背景：陈旧性跟腱断裂是足踝外科的常见疾病,目前临床以手术治疗为主。蹿长屈肌腱常被移植用作跟腱的修复,但存在单束重建时腱体单薄、双束重建时长度不足等问题。目的：观察Endobuuon联合双束蹿长屈肌腱于跟腱解剖止点重建跟腱治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂伤的临床疗效。方法：2010年1月至2011年6月,对21例MyersonIII型陈旧性跟腱断裂伤患者采用自体蹰长屈肌腱移植、双束蹿长屈肌腱联合Endobutcon跟腱解剖止点重建的方法进行治疗。男16例,女5例,年龄33-47岁,平均39．5岁。均为闭合性跟腱断裂。随访包括临床评价、X线及MR检查,采用美国足踝外科协会（American Orthopaedic Foot＆Ankle Society,AOFAS）踝与后足评分以及Leppilahti跟腱修复评分标准进行术后疗效评定。结果：21例获得平均16个月随访（12-30个月）。AOFAS—AH评分从术前63．2-8．3分提高到93．5±8．1分;Leppilahti跟腱修复评分从术前71．5±9．1分提高到93．2±5．9分。所有患者均无神经损伤、切口感染等并发症。术后6个月X线示Endobuaon固定位置良好,MRI示移植肌腱位置及形态良好。结论：Endobuaon联合双束蹰长屈肌腱解剖止点重建的方法可为跟腱提供强度和长度更为满意的自体移植物,术后功能恢复良好,无明显并发症。     

Neglected patellar tendon rupture: a case of reconstruction without quadriceps lengthening

Neglected rupture of the patellar tendon is a rare, can be easily missed in a group of patients. We present a 24 year old, male patient who sustained right femoral diaphyseal and tibial plateau fractures and a patellar tendon rupture following a motor vehicle accident. The fractures were treated by open reduction internal fixation but the patellar tendon rupture was missed and the diagnosis was delayed by 7 months. Patella was migrated proximally. It was moved distally to the original location and neglected patellar tendon rupture treated successfully with modified Ecker technique. Neither preoperative traction nor additional intraoperative procedures were performed to relocate the patella to its anatomic position in the extended knee and good functional result was achieved with intensive rehabilitation.     

腓肠肌腱膜皮瓣修复治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂

<正>2005年1月~2013年1月,我科采用腓肠肌腱膜皮瓣翻转修补术治疗26例陈旧性跟腱断裂患者,报道如下。1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组26例,男22例,女4例,年龄18~45岁。患者均有提踵无力及跛行,其中Thompson试验阳性24例。跟腱断裂位置均靠近中段,缺损长3~7 cm。均为陈旧性跟腱断裂,受伤至手术时间5~12周。1.2手术方法连续硬膜外麻醉。跟腱稍偏外侧缘切口入路,显露断裂跟腱及腓肠肌下端。完整切除跟腱坏死瘢痕组织,用可吸收0号爱惜康缝线于断端近侧以上约0.5 cm处水平褥式缝合,从     

富血小板血浆对大鼠跟腱断裂早期愈合的影响

目的富血小板血浆(platelet-rich plasma,PRP)具有促进损伤组织修复作用。通过观察PRP局部注射对大鼠跟腱断裂早期愈合的影响,为临床应用提供实验依据。方法 SPF级SD大鼠46只,雌雄不限,体重190～240 g。取10只大鼠心脏动脉血制备PRP及贫血小板血浆(platelet-poor plasma,PPP);其余36只随机分为3组(n=12),分别为空白对照组、PPP组及PRP组。大鼠制备双侧跟腱断裂模型后,PPP组和PRP组跟腱周围局部对应注射PPP及PRP,每侧100μL,每周1次至处死;空白对照组不作处理。术后观察大鼠一般情况,于1、2、3、4周取双侧跟腱,行大体、组织学及免疫组织化学染色观察,测量新生跟腱Ⅰ型胶原纤维含量;并于4周行生物力学测试。结果大鼠均存活至实验完成。随着时间延长,各组大鼠跟腱水肿逐渐减退,滑动性逐渐改善;术后3周内各组跟腱粘连逐渐加重,4周时减轻,1、4周时各组跟腱粘连程度分级差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后1周PRP组炎性细胞浸润、毛细血管及胶原纤维增殖较空白对照组、PPP组明显,之后炎性反应及毛细血管生成逐渐减少。各时间点各组均可见Ⅰ型胶原纤维阳性表达,术后1、2、3周PRP组Ⅰ型胶原纤维阳性密度值多于空白对照组和PPP组(P<0.05),4周时3组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。生物力学测试:术后4周3组跟腱最大滑动距离比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);PRP组跟腱弹性模量及最大抗拉力明显高于空白对照组及PPP组(P<0.05)。结论大鼠跟腱断裂早期于断端周围注射PRP能促进跟腱愈合。     

改良Bosworth法联合应用可吸收防粘连膜治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的探讨改良Bosworth术联合应用可吸收防粘连膜治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的效果。方法14例陈旧性跟腱断裂病例采用改良Bosworth法重建后,可吸收防粘连膜包绕肌腱的术式予以治疗。跟腱缺损范围3．6～10cm,平均6.3cm。结果平均随访29个月。按Arner-Lindholm疗效评定标准评估,优12例,良2例。结论改良Bosworth法联合应用可吸收防粘连膜治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂临床疗效满意,具有良好的应用前景。     

Tendon allograft for treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture: A systematic review

BackgroundTo summarize available evidence and determine if tendon allograft is an effective treatment for chronic Achilles tendon rupture.MethodsA search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Database from 1960 to April 2017 to identify relevant articles. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify all eligible articles.ResultsTotal 186 articles were identified through our systematic search. Of these, 9 publications met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were case reports; three were case series; and one were expert opinion. Of a total 35 patients, 34 underwent Achilles tendon allograft repair and 1 peroneus brevis tendon allograft reconstruction. All patients experienced good clinical and functional results, but most reports used non-validated outcome measures.ConclusionsThe evidence suggests that tendon allograft offers favorable outcomes in patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture. However, randomized controlled trials which use validated functional outcome measures are required to determine effectiveness of this intervention.Level of evidence: Level V, systematic review of Level IV and V studies.