In vivo Sonographic Characterization of The Achilles Tendons in Healthy Young Collegiate Athletes as a Function of Ankle Position

This study aims to describe the normative Achilles tendon properties in a collegiate subject cohort. Achilles tendon evaluations in 65 asymptomatic college-level athletes by ultrasound B mode on two tendon positions (neutral state and active maximum dorsiflexion). Correlation was made to BMI, tibial/foot length, maximal calf circumference, type of sports, resting/maximal dorsiflexion-plantar flexion angles among other factors. The mean Achilles tendon length was found to be 14.9 cm, mean transverse dimension of 1.38 cm, thickness of 0.49 cm and cross-sectional area of 0.61 cm² in the relaxed state. Males had greater tendon length than the female athletes (15.5 (M) vs 14.3cm (F) in the relaxed position and 16.1 (M) vs 15.2cm (F) in the stretched position), tendon width (1.4 vs 1.3 cm), tendon thickness (0.51 vs 0.46 cm), tendon cross-sectional area (0.65 vs 0.57 cm²) and foot length (27.6 cm vs 26.6 cm). The Achilles tendon parameters such as length in the relaxed state had a statistically significant correlation with the height, weight, and foot length, while the tendon length in the dorsiflexed-stretched position had a statistically significant relationship to foot length, tibia length, calf circumference and range of motion (both in maximum dorsiflexion and plantar flexion positions; p < .05 for all comparison). Differences in the correlation between the Achilles tendon parameters and body habitus was recorded as a function of ankle position. Tendon dimensions and cross-sectional areas were larger in male vs female athletes. Calf circumferences and Achilles tendon resting angle were outlined. No significant difference was found in the Achilles tendon dimensions regardless of the leg dominance with similar range of motion regardless of athlete gender.     

Association Between Knee Osteoarthritis and Functional Changes in Ankle Joint and Achilles Tendon

Increasing evidence has shown that biomechanical forces often drive the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Attention should be given to the changes in adjacent joints and their relation to knee OA. The purpose of the present study was to examine the changes in Achilles tendon thickness of individuals with knee OA and to evaluate the correlation between Achilles tendon thickness and knee OA severity in a case-control prospective observational study. A total of 93 participants with no previous ankle injuries were recruited. Of the 93 participants, 63 had knee OA of the medial compartment and 30 served as controls. The subjects underwent a clinical examination that included measurements of weight, height, Achilles tendon thickness, and 1-leg heel rise. The subjects also underwent a computerized gait test and completed the Hebrew version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index and 36-item short-form (SF-36) health survey. Significant difference was found in Achilles tendon thickness between the subjects with knee OA and the healthy controls (17.1 ± 3.4 versus 15.1 ± 3.1; p = .009). Significant differences were also found between the 2 groups in the 1-leg heel rise test, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores, SF-36 scores, and all gait measures. Significant correlations were found between the Achilles tendon thickness and the following measures: weight (r = 0.46), body mass index (r = 0.55), Kellgren and Lawrence OA severity grade (r = 0.25), 1-leg heel rises (r = ?0.50), and SF-36 score (r = ?0.25). Subjects with knee OA presented with a thicker Achilles tendon compared with the healthy controls. Furthermore, a significant correlation between Achilles tendon thickness and knee OA severity was found. A comprehensive assessment of the Achilles tendon and ankle joint should be a part of the knee OA evaluation process.     

Calcaneal positioning in equinus immobilization of the ankle joint: A comparison of common orthoses used in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures

Orthoses are an important part of both conservative and operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture as they can be used to position the foot in equinus and protect the torn tendon from strain in the healing phase. The aim of the study was to test four different orthoses ability to position the foot in equinus. The study was performed as a cross-sectional study. 15 healthy study participants underwent radiographic examination with 11 true lateral radiographs of the right ankle and foot, one with the ankle joint in neutral position; one of a circular equinus cast (CEC); three of an adjustable equinus boot (AEB) with the foot in 30°, 15°, and 0° of plantar flexion, respectively; three of a fixed angle orthosis with 1, 2, and 3 wedges with a plateau (WWP); and three of a fixed angle orthosis with 1, 2, and 3 wedges without plateau (WWOP). The primary outcome was the Achilles Relief Distance (ARD). Secondary outcomes were the tibiocalcaneal angle (TCA), the tibiotalar angle (TTA), and the tibio- 1st metatarsal angle (1MTP). All measurements were performed by a radiologist. The mean (SD) ARD was 11 mm (7) in CEC, 23 mm (6) with 3 WWP, 11 mm (5) with 3 WWOP, and 15 mm (5) using AEB in 30° of plantarflexion. The mean (SD) TCA was 86° (7,8) in CEC, 76° (7,3) with 3 WWP, 90° (6,9) with 3 WWOP, and 84° (6,6) using the AEB in 30° of plantarflexion. CEC, AEB, and WWOP showed statistically significantly larger plantarflexion than WWP. CEC, AEB and WWOP produced significantly greater plantarflexion compared to WWP.     

The effect of foot type on the Achilles tendon moment arm and biomechanics

BackgroundThe aim was to calculate the Achilles tendon moment arm in different degrees of plantarflexion for pes planus, pes cavus and normal arched feet.Methods99 patients (99 radiographs; 40 males, 59 females; mean age 49 years, SD 15) with a healthy ankle joint and a preoperative weightbearing lateral radiograph of the foot were included. Three groups (pes planus, pes cavus and normal-arched feet) with equal sample sizes (n = 33) were formed. On radiographs, the angle formed between a horizontal line and the line connecting the insertion of the Achilles tendon with the center of rotation of the ankle, was measured. The interrater reliabilities (ICC) of the angle alpha were compared on radiographs and on MRIs. Using the angle alpha, the Achilles tendon moment arm was calculated in different plantarflexion positions.ResultsThe ICC of alpha was higher on radiographs (0.84, [0.73–0.91]) than on MRIs (0.61, [0.27–0.81]). The average alpha was statistically significantly different (normal arched foot 31 degrees (°), pes planus 24°, pes cavus 36°, p = 0.021), resulting in a significant shorter Achilles tendon moment arm for pes cavus than for pes planus (p < 0.0001) and normal arched feet (p = 0.006) in neutral position.ConclusionThe data suggests that it is feasible to use radiographs to measure the Achilles tendon moment arm. The maximum Achilles tendon moment arm is reached at different angles of ankle flexion for pes cavus, pes planus and normal-arched feet. This has to be taken into consideration when planning surgeries.     

Interference Screw Fixation for Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer for Chronic Achilles Tendonopathy

Chronic Achilles tendinosis can be a challenging problem to the foot and ankle surgeon. Multiple surgical treatment options have been described for this condition including transfer of the Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) tendon for an incompetent Achilles tendon. Our technique describes FHL tendon transfer into the calcaneus to replace or supplement the Achilles tendon using a single posterior incision, a "short harvest" and interference screw fixation.     

The Achilles Tendon Length Measure and the Achilles Tendon Resting Angle show acceptable construct validity using the Copenhagen Achilles Length Measure as gold standard

BackgroundElongation of the Achilles tendon after rupture is a frequent complication. The Achilles Tendon Length Measure (ATLM) and the Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA) are indirect length measures using the resting angle of the ankle. Copenhagen Achilles Length Measure (CALM) is a direct ultrasound measure. The purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity of ATLM and ATRA using CALM as gold standard.MethodsAs the three measurements measure slightly different constructs and have different scales a direct comparison was not possible. Instead a mixed linear regression model was performed investigating the three models: CALM-ATRA, CALMATLM and ATRA-ATLM.Results130 patients were available for analysis. All three regression models demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.01) linear relationship and acceptable certainty of the estimates.ConclusionATRA and ATLM were found to have acceptable construct validity when using CALM as gold standard for assessing tendon elongation after an Achilles tendon rupture.     

Comparison of Four Methods for Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Lengthening: A Cadaveric Study

Percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening can result in Achilles tendon rupture. This complication has been controversially linked to torsion effects in the Achilles tendon. Routine percutaneous triple-hemisection techniques (group A), rotary triple-hemisection (group B), distal double-hemisection (group C), and proximal double-hemisection (group D) were compared in cadaveric specimens to provide insights into the mechanism of uneven incision lengthening and inadvertent Achilles tendon rupture. The degree of Achilles tendon torsion on various planes was measured in 20 lower limb pairs from fresh cadavers. The increase in postoperative maximum ankle joint dorsiflexion degree and the length of the lengthened Achilles tendon were greater in group B (p < .05) and group C (p < .05) compared with the routine percutaneous triple-hemisection technique (group A). The width of the tensile gap of the distal incision was significantly greater in group B (p < .05) and group C (p < .05) compared with that in group A. Rotary triple-hemisection was shown to eliminate the effect of Achilles tendon torsion on percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening. Because proximal double-hemisection is performed away from the distal Achilles tendon where the fibers rotate sharply, the technique results in more even extension of the incisions and achieves a greater increase in the maximum degree of ankle joint dorsiflexion. Uneven incision lengthening was observed with the routine percutaneous triple-hemisection and distal double-hemisection techniques. Achilles tendon torsion affected the surgical outcomes. Rotary triple-hemisection and proximal double-hemisection techniques resulted in more even extension of the incisions and achieved a greater increase in the degree of maximum ankle joint dorsiflexion.     

Effect of muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration on mid-term clinical,and functional outcomes after Achilles tendon repair

ObjectivesMuscle atrophy is one of the most common problems after Achilles tendon repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gastrosoleus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration on clinical, and functional outcomes after Achilles tendon repair.Material and methodsA total of 46 patients (mean age = 39.3 ± 7.4 years) who underwent open Achilles tendon repair were included in the study. During the clinical evaluation of muscle atrophy, ipsilateral and contralateral calf circumference (CC), maximum heel rise (HR), and ankle range of motion measurements were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed via The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and the Leppilahti score. Muscle volume (MV), cross-sectional area (CSA), and percent of fatty infiltration (FI) were measured via magnetic image resonance.ResultsThe functional outcome scores were excellent: ATRS = 98.1 ± 2.2; AOFAS = 97.3 ± 4.1; Leppilahti score = 95.8 ± 5.1. There were significant differences detected between injured and non-injured legs regarding CC, HR, MV, CSA, and FI. Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between CSA and MV loss with all functional outcome scores. FI was correlated with only the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score.ConclusionsSignificant muscle atrophy was measured after a mean follow-up period of 7.4 (range 2.0–12.6) years post-surgery and negatively correlated with clinical outcomes. CC is an easy and cost-effective measurement method to predict MV during the follow-up of Achilles tendon repairs.     

Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Using the Krackow and Tendon-Bundle Techniques

Background Acute Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury of the lower extremities;however,optimal treatment options are not yet available.This study aimed to investigate the surgical method and clinical effect of the Krackow and tendon-bundle techniques for managing acute Achilles tendon rupture.Methods This retrospective case series study analyzed 17 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture at the Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from December 2012 to January 2020.There were 16 men and one woman,aged 27–45 years,with an average of 39.6 years.Thirteen patients were injured while playing basketball or badminton,and 4 patients were injured while participating in a football match or other sports.All injuries were repaired using the Krackow and tendon-bundle techniques.Postoperative evaluation indicators included active range of motion during ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion,height of single foot heel lifting,Amer-Lindholm Achilles tendon function score,and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)score.Results The patients were followed-up for 6–45 months(average,18.9 months).There was no re-rupture of the Achilles tendon,wound infection,or sural nerve injury.At the final follow-up,the affected and contralateral sides exhibited plantar flexion of 42.1±4.4°and 43.8±2.8°,dorsiflexion of 15.8±2.9°and 16.6±2.9°,respectively,and one foot exhibited a heel lifting height of 7.2±1.0 cm and 7.5±0.9 cm,respectively.There was no significant difference between the affected and contralateral sides(P>0.05).At the final follow-up,the Amer-Lindholm Achilles tendon function score was excellent in 94.1%(16/17)of the patients and good in 5.9%(1/17)of the patients.The AOFAS scores ranged from 90 to 100,with an average of 96.4±3.7.Conclusion Krackow and tendon-bundle techniques can improve the strength of the suture used for the Achilles tendon repair and ensure good matching for broken ends,and thus it is an effective repair method for closed Achilles tendon injury.     

Comparison of Postinjection Protocols After Intratendinous Achilles Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: A Cadaveric Study

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the distribution of intratendinous injected platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after 15 minutes of prone resting versus immediate manipulation simulating weightbearing. Ten cadaveric lower limbs were injected under ultrasound guidance with PRP dyed with India blue ink. The dyed PRP was injected into the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon, after which 5 specimens were placed in the prone position for 15 minutes (simulating rest) and the remaining 5 specimens were manipulated through 100 cycles of ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (simulating walking). Thereafter, the specimens were dissected, and the distribution of the India blue dye was ascertained. In the simulated rest group, every specimen showed dyed PRP in the Achilles tendon and in the space between the paratenon and tendon. The median craniocaudal spread of the PRP was 140 (range 125 to 190) mm. In 4 of the simulated rest tendons (80%), the distribution of PRP extended across the entire transverse plane width of the tendon. In the simulated motion group, every specimen showed dyed PRP extending across the entire transverse plane width of the tendon and in the space between the paratenon and tendon. The median craniocaudal spread was 135 (range 115 to 117) mm. No statistically significant difference was found in the amount of craniocaudal spread between the simulated motion and rest groups. In conclusion, it does not appear to matter whether the ankle has been moved through its range of motion or maintained stationary during the first 15 minutes after PRP injection into the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon. The precise meaning of this information in the clinical realm remains to be discerned.     

腓骨长肌腱移位修复闭合性跟腱断裂

目的探讨腓骨长肌腱移位修复闭合性跟腱断裂的应用解剖、生物力学和手术方法。方法在50侧动脉灌注红色乳胶的成人下肢标本上,观察腓骨长肌腱形态及血液供应,并进行肌腱拉伸破坏实验。设计腓骨长肌腱移位重建跟腱的术式,2001年3月~2004年7月临床应用10例闭合性跟腱断裂的患者,其中男7例,女3例;年龄32~54岁。跳跃伤6例,砸伤2例,踏空伤及自发伤各1例。新鲜伤7例,受伤至手术时间6h~7d;陈旧伤3例,受伤至手术时间21d~3个月。其中完全性断裂8例,不完全性断裂2例。结果腓骨长肌起于胫骨近端及腓骨头,止于第1跖骨基底及骰骨内侧表面,肌腱长13.5±2.5cm;起始部宽0.9±0.2cm,厚0.3±0.1cm;外踝尖平面宽0.7±0.1cm,厚0.4±0.1cm;骰骨头平面宽0.7±0.1cm,厚0.3±0.1cm。有多个血供来源。肌腱拉伸破坏实验示最大拉力:跟腱、腓骨长肌腱、腓骨短肌腱及胫骨后肌腱分别为2292.4±617.3、1020.4±175.4、752.0±165.4及938.2±216.7N。临床应用10例术后切口均期愈合;获随访18~24个月,无再断裂发生,无皮肤坏死等手术并发症。按照AmerLind-holm评定标准优7例,良3例,跟腱功能恢复良好。结论对于闭合性跟腱断裂,腓骨长肌腱移位修复跟腱是一种方法简便,疗效满意的手术方法。     

Reliability of Achilles Tendon Resting Angle and Calf Circumference measurement techniques

BackgroundThe resting angle of the ankle joint may be altered following apparently successful management of Achilles tendon rupture. The reliability of the Achilles Tendon Resting Angle and Calf Circumference measurements was determined.MethodsThree test–retest measurements for reliability assessment were performed on 16 healthy subjects: 10 males and 6 females.ResultsThe mean left Achilles Tendon Resting Angle was mean 50.1° (range [26–61]), ICC 0.92 (CI [0.83–0.97]), SEM 2.4°. The mean right Achilles tendon resting angle was mean 49.9° (range [26–60]), ICC 0.91 (CI [0.80–0.96]), SEM 2.6°. The mean left calf circumference was mean 38.5 cm (range [33.3–44.2]), ICC 0.97 (CI [0.94–0.98]), SEM 0.6 cm, and the mean right calf circumference was mean 38.4 cm (range [33.3–43.6]), ICC 0.97 (CI [0.94–0.99]), SEM 0.5 cm.ConclusionsThe Achilles Tendon Resting Angle and Calf Circumference at 15 cm from the antero-medial joint line had excellent test–retest reliability. These are simple, quick and inexpensive measurements, which have the potential to correlate with tendon elongation and functional outcome. The Achilles tendon resting angle may be used as a guide to tendon length during intra-operative repair and rehabilitation     

Variants of plastic surgery using the flaps in the area of the Achilles tendon

Operations were performed on 10 patients with persistent ulcers of the scars in the zone of Achilles tendon. Plasty with L-shaped whole thickness flap raised from the area of the external surface of the foot, ankle and lower third of the shin with a proximal pedicle was fulfilled in 9 patients after a radical dissection of ulcerated scars. In one patient plasty was fulfilled by translocation of a two-pedicle flap. Different variants of operations and results of treatment are described. A conclusion is made that scarry-trophic ulcers in the zone of Achilles tendon can be successfully treated by plasty with a whole thickness flap raised in the area of the lower third of the shin, external ankle and the lateral surface of the foot.     

Early Protected Weightbearing for Acute Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon: Do Commonly Used Orthoses Produce the Required Equinus?

Conservative “functional” management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures has become increasingly popular. Critical to this is the use of the walking orthosis, which positions the ankle in equinus to allow for early weightbearing. Our aim was to test whether 2 common orthoses achieved a satisfactory equinus position. A total of 11 sequentially treated Achilles tendon ruptures were assigned to either a fixed angle walking boot with wedges (FAWW) or an adjustable external equinus-corrected brace (EEB). The lateral radiographs of the cast immobilized tendons showed a mean tibiotalar angle (TTA) of 56° (range 54° to 57°) and a mean tibio-first metatarsal angle (1MTA) of 74° (range 62° to 85°). The FAWW resulted in a mean TTA of 28° (range 15° to 35°) and 1MTA of 37° (range 30° to 45°). The EEB resulted in a TTA of 48° (range 43° to 45°) and 1MTA of 54° (range 47° to 57°). Ankle equinus was significantly greater with the EEB than with the FAWW (p < .05) and similar to that with an equinus cast. The use of wedges produced an equinus appearance through the midfoot but not at the ankle. We express caution in the use of the FAWW because it is unlikely to achieve sufficient ankle equinus to shorten the Achilles tendon.     

The effect of achilles tendon lengthening on ankle dorsiflexion: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND: Tendon lengthening is an important cause of morbidity after Achilles tendon rupture. However, direct measurement of the tendon length is difficult. Ankle dorsiflexion has, therefore, been used as a surrogate measure on the assumption that it is the Achilles tendon that limits this movement. The aim of this investigation was to assess the relationship between Achilles tendon length and ankle dorsiflexion. The primary question was whether or not the Achilles tendon is the structure that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The secondary purpose was to quantify the relationship between Achilles tendon lengthening and dorsiflexion at the ankle joint. METHODS: Five cadaver specimens were dissected to expose the tendons and capsular tissue of the leg and hindfoot. Fixed bony reference points were used as markers for the measurements. In the first specimen, the Achilles tendon was intact and the other structures that may limit ankle dorsiflexion were sequentially divided. In the other specimens the Achilles tendon was lengthened by 1 cm intervals and the effect upon ankle dorsiflexion movement was recorded. RESULTS: Division of the other tendons and the capsular tissue around the ankle joint did not affect the range of ankle dorsiflexion. When the Achilles was divided the foot could be dorsiflexed until the talar neck impinged upon the anterior aspect of the distal tibia. There was a mean increase of 12 degrees of dorsiflexion for each centimeter increase in tendon length. CONCLUSION: The Achilles tendon is the anatomical structure that limits ankle dorsiflexion, even when the tendon is lengthened. There was a linear relationship between the length of the Achilles tendon and the range of ankle dorsiflexion in this cadaver model. Ankle dorsiflexion would appear to be a clinically useful indicator of tendon length.     

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。     

双小切口手术修复急性闭合性跟腱断裂

目的:评价手术治疗急性闭合性跟腱断裂的切口新方案.方法:自2009年1月至2014年1月采用保留跟腱断端皮桥、2个微创切口手术治疗急性跟腱断裂21例,男16例,女5例;年龄21~57岁,平均44.3岁.观察术后并发症,测量术后1年踝关节运动范围、双侧小腿最大周径、跟腱断裂平面周径、恢复工作及伤前体育活动的时间,采用美国足与踝关节协会(AOFAS)踝与后足功能评分方法进行评分.结果:21例均获随访,时间6~36个月,平均14个月.切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无皮肤坏死、切口感染、深静脉血栓、再断裂等并发症,腓肠神经支配区皮肤感觉正常.术后1年AOFAS评分94.3±5.5较术前65.1±6.9提高(t=7.672,P=0.013);患足踝关节活动范围(55.4±6.5)°与健足(56.3±3.7)°差异无统计学意义(t=0.872,P=0.325).21例均恢复伤前工作与学习,恢复工作时间平均10周(6~15周);15例恢复伤前体育活动,恢复伤前体育活动时间平均21周(18~24周).小腿最大周径伤侧较对侧平均减少0.45 cm(0.3~0.8 cm),跟腱断裂平面周径伤侧较对侧平均增粗0.4 cm(0.2~0.7 cm).结论:采用2个微创切口技术保存跟腱及其断端皮桥区软组织血液供应,并发症少.     

新式跟腱延长术治疗儿童马蹄足

目的 介绍一种新式跟腱延长术治疗儿童马蹄足的手术方法和要点,并观察术后疗效.方法 对2002年1月至2007年12月收治的19例(23足)儿童马蹄足患者采用跟腱矢状位3份切断交错滑移的方法进行跟腱延长,术后小腿石膏固定踝关节于背伸90°位2周,2周后开始全负重功能锻炼.于术前、术后短期及术后中期随访测量患足背伸角度,并行Corry修正步态医师等级量表评分(PRS).结果 本组17例(20足)获得随访,时间为1～5年(平均3.5年).结果 显示患者均能在2周后全部负重功能锻炼、患足踝关节角度从术前平均116.1°±15.0°下降到术后短期随访时的68.5°±9.6°及中期随访时的71.3°±8.5°,术前与术后比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).PRS中的膝反曲、足着地方式、总体改变指标术前与术后比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),蹲伏差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).本组患者未出现跟腱断裂、跟行足等并发症.结论 新式跟腱延长术能增进跟腱的强度、满足延长长度、达到早期功能锻炼的目的并促进功能快速恢复,是一种有效的跟腱延长术式.     

Imaging of the Achilles tendon

The Achilles tendon is the most commonly injured tendon in the foot and ankle; injuries commonly are related to sports/athletic activities. Imaging modalities that are used most commonly in the diagnostic assessment of the Achilles tendon include conventional radiography, ultrasonography, and MRI. This article reviews the normal and pathologic imaging features of the Achilles tendon, and highlights the potential usefulness and limitations of various imaging techniques in the noninvasive assessment of the tendon and the potential impact of imaging findings on clinical patient care.     

Is Calcaneal Inclination Higher in Patients with Insertional Achilles Tendinosis? A Case-controlled,Cross-sectional Study

Insertional Achilles tendinosis is a condition where a patient complains of isolated pain at the Achilles tendon insertion site due to intratendinous degeneration. It has been suggested that this condition is associated with cavus foot deformity. However, to our knowledge, there is no study that has confirmed this observation. We carried out a cross-sectional, case-controlled study to explore the association of increased calcaneal inclination—a surgically important characteristic of cavus foot deformity—with insertional Achilles tendinosis. Patients with Achilles tendinosis and matched controls without the pathology were compared. Although a statistically significant difference was detected in calcaneal inclination angle between these 2 groups (p = .038), we felt that the difference was not clinically significant (calcaneal inclination angle = 20.9 vs. 18.9, respectively). Within the limitations of the study, we conclude that there is no clinically significant difference in calcaneal inclination between those with or without insertional Achilles tendinosis.