Collagen Ribbon Augmentation of Achilles Tendon Tears: A Biomechanical Evaluation

Early motion of a repaired Achilles tendon has been accepted to improve both clinical and biomechanical outcomes. It has been postulated that augmenting a primary Achilles tendon repair with a collagen ribbon will improve the repair construct's initial strength, thereby facilitating early motion. The purpose of the present study was to compare the failure load of Achilles tendon defects repaired with suture, with or without augmentation with a collagen ribbon. Ten matched pairs of cadaveric feet and tibiae underwent simulated Achilles tendon tear in the watershed area and were then repaired with 4-strand Krackow sutures only or were sutured and augmented with a box weave collagen ribbon xenograft. The specimens were prepared for testing by keeping the insertion of the Achilles to the calcaneus intact and dissecting the gastrocnemius at its origin, leaving the repair undisturbed. The mean load at failure for the augmented (suture plus collagen ribbon) specimens was 392.4 ± 74.9 N. In contrast, the mean load at failure for the suture-only (control) construct was 98.0 ± 17.6 N (p < .001). The augmented specimens demonstrated a greater mean strength of 4.1 ± 0.9 N (range 3.2 to 5.6). After cyclic loading, the mean gap across the Achilles repair was significantly smaller in the augmented group than in the control group (p = .006). We have concluded that box weave collagen ribbon augmentation of the primary suture Achilles tendon repairs can provide enhanced gap resistance and strength under cyclic loading and ramped tensile testing.     

A novel repair method for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with minimally invasive approach using button implant: A biomechanical study

BackgroundMinimally invasive Q3 repair has been proposed for acute Achilles tendon rupture with low rate of complications. However there are still controversies about optimal technique. In this study we aimed to describe Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell configuration as a new Achilles tendon repair technique and evaluate its biomechanical properties comparing with native tendon and Krackow technique.Methods27 ovine Achilles tendons were obtained and randomly placed into 3 groups with 9 specimens ineach. The Achilles tendons were repaired with Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell technique in group 1, Krackow suture technique in group 2 and group 3 was defined as the control group including native tendons. Unidirectional tensile loading to failure was performed at 25 mm/min. Biomechanicalproperties such as peak force to failure (N), stress at peak (MPa), elongation at failure, and Young'smodulus (GPa) was measured for each group. All groups were compared with each other using one-wayANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD multiple comparison test (a = 0.05).ResultsThe average peak force (N) to failure of group 1 and group 2 and control group was 415.6 ± 57.6, 268.1 ± 65.2 and 704.5 ± 85.8, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between native tendon and group 1 for the amount elongation at failure (p > 0.05).ConclusionsRegarding the results, we concluded that Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell technique provides stronger fixation than conventional techniques. It may allow early range of motion and can be easily applied in minimally invasive and percutaneous methods particularly for cases with poor quality tendon at the distal part of rupture.Level of evidenceLevel II, Biomechanical research study.     

Surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture

Background The mechanical properties of present-day percutaneous repairs of Achilles tendon ruptures are not known.

Material and methods Artificially-created ruptures in 24 human cadaveric Achilles tendons were repaired with an open Bunnell repair, a percutaneous calcaneal tunnel or a percutaneous bone-anchor repair. In the open technique no.1 PDS-II absorbable suture material was used, and in the percutaneous techniques either no.1 PDS-II or no.1 Panacryl absorbable suture material was used. The specimens were tested in a materials testing machine until failure occurred.

Results The common mode of failure was suture breakage in non-anchor repairs, and anchor pullout in anchor repairs. The average strength of the repairs varied from 166 N (SD 60) to 211 N (SD 30), with no differences between the techniques (p = 0.5).

Interpretation Taking costs into account, the percutaneous calcaneal tunnel technique and the open technique are the methods of choice.     

Comparison between tenocutaneous suture and Kessler suture techniques in treating acute closed Achilles tendon rupture

BackgroundTo compare the effectiveness of tenocutaneous suture and conventional Kessler suture techniques in treating acute closed Achilles tendon rupture.MethodsA total of 33 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture who were admitted to our hospital from February 1998 to December 2008 underwent repair with either a tenocutaneous suture or Kessler suture technique. All patients were followed up for 1–5 years (mean, 3 years).ResultsAccording to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle–hindfoot scale, the excellence rate was 91% in the Kessler suture group and 98% in the tenocutaneous suture group, with a significant difference between groups.ConclusionOur tenocutaneous suture technique is an effective method for treating Achilles tendon rupture. It has certain advantages compared with the conventional incision method and is worthy of wide clinical application.     

Rates of complications in Achilles tendon rupture repair using absorbable and nonabsorbable suture material; A systematic review

BackgroundThe impact of suture type on tensile strength, re-rupture rates and infection risk in Achilles tendon rupture repair is not been well established. The aim of this review is to evaluate existing literature on the associated risk of postoperative infection with absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials in Achilles tendon rupture repair.MethodsA systematic review of search databases PubMed; Google Scholar; and OVID Medline was made to identify studies related to complications associated with Achilles tendon rupture repair. PRISMA guidelines were utilised for this review. Meta-analysis was used to compare rupture rates and infections following rupture repair.Results12 studies with a total of 460 patients, 230 in both nonabsorbable and absorbable suture groups were included for analysis. Risk of wound complications was significantly higher in patients with non-absorbable sutures (p < 0.001).ConclusionNonabsorbable braided sutures is associated with the highest risk of postoperative wound complications following Achilles tendon rupture repair.     

Mechanical evaluation of different techniques for Achilles tendon repair

Introduction One aim of the surgical treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is to obtain a maximum primary stability of the sutured tendon. Therefore, we investigated the primary stability of sutured human Achilles tendons depending on different applied techniques. Methods The strength of 60 repaired cadaveric human Achilles tendons was tested depending on either the suture technique (Bunnell or Kessler), the suture material (PDS-thread or PDS-cord) or an additional plantaris tendon augmentation (PDS-thread with or without augmentation). Following anatomic reconstruction the repaired specimens were loaded to failure. Results The use of Bunnell's technique resulted in a stronger primary suture stability compared to Kessler's technique. Sutures carried out with a PDS-thread were of lower strength than those accomplished with a PDS-cord (Bunnell: thread 139 N ± 29.8; cord 291 N ± 55.2/Kessler: thread 137 N ± 37.3; cord 180 N ± 41.1). Sutures performed according to Bunnell's technique with a PDS-thread and an additional autologous plantaris tendon augmentation reached the highest primary stability (326 N ± 124.9). Conclusions The findings identify the Achilles tendon suture with a PDS-cord according to Bunnell's technique as a mechanically strong method. A plantaris tendon augmentation in addition to a PDS-thread can even add more stability to the Achilles tendon suture.     

Is Dual Semitendinosus Allograft Stronger Than Turndown for Achilles Tendon Reconstruction? An In Vitro Analysis

Background

Large Achilles tendon defects pose a treatment challenge. The standard treatment with a turndown flap requires a large extensile incision, puts the sural nerve at risk, and demands slow, careful rehabilitation. Dual allograft semitendinosus reconstruction is a new clinical alternative that has the theoretical advantages of a smaller incision, less dissection, and a stronger construct that may allow for faster rehabilitation.

Questions/Purposes

In a cadaver biomechanical model, we compared the dual allograft semitendinosus reconstruction with the myofascial turndown in terms of (1) mechanical strength and resistance to deformation and (2) failure mechanisms in reconstruction of large segmental Achilles defects.

Methods

An 8-cm segmental Achilles defect was created in 18 cadaveric lower extremities, nine matched pairs without defect or previous surgery (mean age, 78.4 years; range, 60–97 years; three female and six male pairs). Femoral neck densitometry to determine bone mineral density found that all specimens except two were osteopenic or osteoporotic. Specimens in each pair were assigned to allograft or turndown reconstruction. The constructs were mounted on a load frame and differential variable reluctance transducers were applied to measure deformation. Specimens were preconditioned and then loaded axially. Tensile force and proximal and distal construct deformation were measured at clinical failure, defined as 10 mm of displacement, and at ultimate failure, defined as failure of the reconstruction. Failure mechanism was recorded.

Results

Tensile strength at time zero was higher in the allograft versus the turndown construct at clinical failure (156.9 ± 29.7 N versus 107.2 ± 20.0 N, respectively; mean difference, −49.7 N; 95% CI, −66.3 to −33.0 N; p < 0.001) and at ultimate failure (290.9 ± 83.2 N versus 140.7 ± 43.5 N, respectively; mean difference, −150.2 N; 95% CI, −202.9 to −97.6 N; p < 0.001). Distal construct deformation was lower in the turndown versus the allograft construct at clinical failure (1.6 ± 1.0 mm versus 4.7 ± 0.7 mm medially and 2.2 ± 1.0 mm versus 4.8 ± 1.1 mm laterally; p < 0.001). Semitendinosus allograft failure occurred via calcaneal bone bridge fracture in eight of nine specimens. All myofascial turndowns failed via suture pullout through the fascial tissue at its insertion.

Conclusion

In this comparative biomechanical study, dual semitendinosus allograft reconstruction showed greater tensile strength and construct deformation compared with myofascial turndown in a cadaveric model of large Achilles tendon defects.

Clinical Relevance

Further study of dual semitendinosus allograft for treatment of severe Achilles tendon defects with cyclic loading and investigation of clinical results will better elucidate the clinical utility and indications for this technique.

     

Gap formation after single lateral row versus dual-row suture bridge cuff repair: An ovine biomechanical model

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to compare two types of suture bridging constructs; a laterally based bridging single row (SR) construct and a classic dual row (DR) suture bridge construct. The hypothesis is that the DR construct will demonstrate superior biomechanical properties.MethodsSix matched pairs of sheep infraspinatus tendon tears repaired with these two different types of suture bridging techniques were tested for gap formation, ultimate failure load and mode of failure. The specimens were pre-cycled for 10 cycles before they were subjected to a constant pre-load of 10N. The specimens were then subjected to cyclic loading at a speed of 8.33 mm/s. The test was stopped after every 500 cycles for a total of 3000 cycles.ResultsMean gap formation after 3000 cycles was lower in the DR group (0.81 ± 0.2 mm versus 2.44 ± 0.27 mm; p = 0.002). Mean change in gap (with every 500 cycles) was also lesser for the DR group after 1500 cycles. DR repairs failed at a higher load (523.4 ± 80.4 N) compared to the SR repairs (452.3 ± 66.3 N) but this did not reach significance. All repairs failed with sutures pulling through the tendon during load to failure testing.ConclusionsGap formation is significantly lower with a dual row suture bridge construct than a laterally based bridging single row construct.Level of evidenceBiomechanical study.     

The failure mode of two reabsorbable fixation systems: Swivelock with Fibertape versus Bio-Corkscrew with Fiberwire in bovine rotator cuff

BackgroundDespite technical advances in rotator cuff surgery, recurrent or persistent defects in the repaired tendon continue to occur. The improved strength of sutures and suture anchors has shown that the most common site of failure is the suture–tendon interface. The purpose of this study was to compare two different types of repair under both cyclic and load-to-failure conditions. The hypothesis is that the use of a fixation system with knotless anchor and taped suture results in better biomechanical performance, under both cyclic and load-to-failure conditions.MethodsThirty bovine shoulder specimens were randomly assigned to two group tests: the Swivelock 5-mm anchor with Fibertape (Group A) and the Bio-Corkscrew 5 mm with Fiberwire (Group B). We simulated the reconstruction of a rotator cuff tear with a single-row technique, performing a tenodesis with types A and B fixation. Each specimen underwent cyclic testing from 5 to 30 N for 30 cycles, followed by load-to-failure testing, in order to calculate the ultimate failure load (UFL).ResultsLoad-to-failure tests revealed a significantly higher UFL in Group A than in Group B. Wire fixing failed at the anchor loop whereas tape fixing failed at the sutures, suture–tendon interface, and anchors. Cyclic testing revealed no significantly greater slippage between the two groups. Stiffness values were not statistically significantly different. In all cases, tendons remained intact until the end of the cyclic testing.ConclusionsThe tape structure is biomechanically stronger than the wire structure.     

Biomechanical comparison of the primary stability of suturing Achilles tendon rupture: a cadaver study of Bunnell and Kessler techniques under cyclic loading conditions

Introduction  Biomechanical studies investigating suture techniques for Achilles tendon repair used single load to failure tests in order to evaluate the maximal load capacity of the repaired construct. During early rehabilitation the repair is repetitively loaded such as exercise or daily living activities like walking. Cyclic loading seems to duplicate the physiological loading conditions more closely than single cycle failure tests. Aim of this study was to test the most commonly used Achilles tendon repair techniques (Bunnell and Kessler repair) under cyclic loading conditions. Materials and methods  Following tenotomy fresh human cadaveric tendons were sutured either with the Bunnell or Kessler technique. After repair, cyclic loading tests were performed with a uniaxial biomechanical testing machine Lloyd LR-5K Plus. Both groups were sutured with 0.7 mm PDS. Results  Except at maximum load we could not find significant differences between tendons sutured by Bunnell and Kessler techniques. During the cyclic testing there were no differences between both groups with respect to displacement. This applies also to the stiffness of the constructs, which we defined from the load to failure measurements. The failure modes in both groups differed; the tendons repaired by Kessler technique were cut by the tendons and in the Bunnell group the suture material tore in each specimen tested. Conclusion  In our study Bunnell and Kessler techniques showed similar biomechanical properties using the same suture material. The typical failure mode of the Bunnell technique shows potential to optimise biomechanical behavior by using stronger suture material.     

Strength of Different Krackow Stitch Configurations Using High-strength Suture

The purpose of the present study concerning high-strength sutures was to determine whether increasing the number of locking loops with different size sutures or decreasing the suture size with increased suture strands would have any influence on the strength of Achilles tendon repair. A total of 32 fresh bovine Achilles tendon specimens were randomly assigned to 4 groups. For 3 of the groups, 1 suture was used (no. 2 or no. 5 FiberWire? with 2 or 4 Krackow locking loops). For the fourth group, 2 sutures (2-0 FiberWire?) with 2 locking loops were used. After repair, the study groups underwent cyclic loading (0 to 200 N, 200 cycles) and then underwent tension to failure in a testing machine. Cyclic elongation, peak to peak displacement, ultimate load, stiffness, and failure mode were recorded for each specimen. The tendon width and thickness were measured in all specimens. The mean width, thickness, cyclic displacement, load to failure, and pull-out stiffness showed no differences among the 4 groups. The cyclic peak to peak displacements (0.01 ± 0.01 mm) were smallest with the no. 5 suture with 4 locking loops (p < .05), with no failure during cyclic loading, unlike in the other groups. In the group with 2-0 suture with 4 strands and 2 locking loops, 6 failed during cyclic loading. The number of locking loops used might have had an influence on the strength of the Krackow suture configuration using the larger diameter, high-strength sutures. However, decreasing the suture diameter, with a simultaneous increase in the number of strands, failed to improve the initial strength of the repair.     

Endoscopic-assisted repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture with Krackow suture: An anatomic study

PurposeTo study the feasibility of applying Krackow locking stitches in the endoscopic-assisted repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture and the possible complications encountered.Type of studyAnatomic study.MethodsTwelve Achilles tendons in six cadavers were cut at 6 cm from its insertion and endoscopic-assisted repair of Achilles tendon was performed. These legs were then cut open in midline to study (i) the locking stitches formed and (ii) the relation of the sural nerve to the locking stitches.ResultWith endoscopic-assisted technique, Krackow-type locking stitches can be formed in eight legs. In four legs, the stitches fell into the ruptured gap and lie deep to the tendon. The tendon rupture end was grasped by the suture rather than forming a Krackow-type locking stitch when the suture was tightened. There was no sural nerve laceration noted. However, in two legs, the sural nerves were found trapped in the sutures at around the proximal portal.ConclusionsKrackow locking stitches can be formed by the minimally invasive technique. However, there are risks of stitches falling into the ruptured gap and lie deep to the tendon and risk of sural nerve entrapment at the proximal medial portal. The original technique is not suitable for clinical application. Modification of the technique by grasping the tendon end with Allis tissue forceps before passing the suture may prevent the suture from falling into the ruptured tendon gap.     

Biomechanical comparison of new Achilles tendon rupture repair technique the “Giftbox” versus the Krackow technique in New Zealand white rabbits: An experimental animal study

IntroductionTo compare the strength between the Achilles tendons repaired with the “Giftbox” and the Krackow techniques in New Zealand white rabbits post six weeks of tendon healing.Materials and MethodsEight rabbits were randomized into Giftbox and Krackow groups. Tenotomy was performed on the Achilles tendon of one side of the lower limb and repaired with the respective techniques. The contralateral limb served as control. Subjects were euthanized six weeks post-operative, and both repaired and control Achilles tendons were harvested for biomechanical tensile test.ResultsThe means of maximum load to rupture and tenacity in the Giftbox group (156.89 ± 38.49 N and 159.98 ± 39.25 gf/tex) were significantly different than Krackow's (103.55 ± 27.48 N and 104.91 ± 26.96 gf/tex, both p = 0.043).ConclusionThe tendons repaired with Giftbox technique were biomechanically stronger than those repaired with Krackow technique after six weeks of tendon healing.     

趾长屈肌腱和长屈肌腱移位修复陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的：探讨趾长屈肌腱、[足母]长屈肌腱移位修复陈旧性跟腱断裂的手术方法和疗效。方法：13例陈旧性跟腱断裂患者,男9例,女4例;年龄32～69岁,平均41岁;左侧8例,右5例;受伤至手术时间3～8个月,平均4.5个月。13例患者均有明确外伤史,均为闭合性损伤跟腱断裂。采用趾长屈肌腱移位修复陈旧性跟腱断裂5例,行[足母]长屈肌腱移位修复陈旧性跟腱断裂8例。结果：13例随访时间11个月～4.5年,平均2年,伤口无感染,跟腱无再断裂,踝关节活动基本正常,足背屈跖屈功能良好,未发生锤状趾畸形。按Arner-Lindholm疗效评定标准评定,优9例（[足母]长屈肌腱移位修复6例,趾长屈肌腱移位修复3例）,良3例（[足母]长屈肌腱移位修复2例,趾长屈肌腱移位修复1例）,差1例（趾长屈肌腱移位修复）。结论：采用趾长屈肌腱、[足母]长屈肌腱移位修复陈旧性跟腱断裂的手术方法,可获得良好的疗效,是较理想的治疗方法。而采用长屈肌腱移位修复陈旧性跟腱断裂更趋近于合理。     

Biomechanical Comparison of Tape Versus Suture in Simulated Achilles Tendon Midsubstance Rupture

As sutures have progressed in strength, increasing evidence supports the suture tendon interface as the site where most tendon repairs fail. We hypothesized that suture tape would have a higher load to failure versus polyblend suture due to its larger surface area. Eleven matched pairs of cadaveric Achilles tendons were sutured with 2 mm wide braided ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene tape (Tape) or 2 mm wide braided ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene suture (Suture) using a Krackow repair method. All Achilles repair constructs were cyclically loaded, after which they were loaded to failure. Change in suture footprint height, clinical and ultimate load to failure, and location of failure was recorded. Clinical loads to failure for Tape and Suture were 290.4 ± 74.8 and 231.7 ± 70.4 Newtons, respectively (p= .01). Ultimate loads to failure for Tape and Suture were 352.9 ± 108.1 and 289.8 ± 53.7 Newtons, respectively (p = .11). Cyclic testing resulted in significant changes in footprint height for both Tape and Suture, but the 2 sutures did not differ in terms of the magnitude of change in footprint height (p = .52). The suture tendon interface was the most common site of failure for both Tape and Suture. Our results suggest that Tape may provide added repair strength in vivo for Achilles midsubstance rupture.     

Single-row Versus Double-row Repair of the Distal Achilles Tendon: A Biomechanical Comparison

Surgery for recalcitrant insertional Achilles tendinopathy often consists of partial or total release of the insertion site, debridement of the diseased portion of the tendon, calcaneal ostectomy, and reattachment of the Achilles to the calcaneus. Although single-row and double-row techniques exist for repair of the detached Achilles tendon, biomechanical data are lacking to support one technique over the other. Based on data extrapolated from the study of rotator cuff repairs, we hypothesized that a double-row construct would provide superior fixation strength over a single-row repair. Eighteen human cadaveric Achilles tendons (9 matched pairs) with attached calcanei were repaired with single-row or double-row techniques. Specimens were mounted in a servohydraulic materials testing machine, subjected to a preconditioning cycle, and loaded to failure. Failure was defined as suture breakage or pullout, midsubstance tendon rupture, or anchor pullout. Among the failures were 12 suture failures, 5 proximal-row anchor failures, and 1 distal-row anchor failure. No midsubstance tendon ruptures or testing apparatus failures were observed. There were no statistically significant differences in the peak load to failure between the single-row and double-row repairs (p = .46). Similarly, no significant differences were observed with regards to mean energy expenditure to failure (p = .069). The present study demonstrated no biomechanical advantages of the double-row repair over a single-row repair. Despite the lack of a clear biomechanical advantage, there may exist clinical advantages of a double-row repair, such as reduction in knot prominence and restoration of the Achilles footprint.     

Overlapping repair and epitenon healing are more stable biomechanically than side to side repair and endotenon healing in achilles tendon lengthening with Z plasty

BackgroundThe current study aimed to compare biomechanical stability and healing process of side-to-side repair with overlapping repair after Achilles tendon lengthening with Z-plasty.MethodsIn our study, 22 Sprague Dawley male rats were used. Side-to-side repairs were classified as group 1 and overlapping repairs as group 2. The left and right legs of seven rats were used to compare early group 1 and early group 2 biomechanical test results at day 0. Seven rats were used to compare late group 1 and late group 2 biomechanical test results at day 28. Both the right and left tendons were tested from the four rats examined in the biomechanically in the untreated control group. The last remaining four rats were used for histopathological evaluation of tendon repair, at 28-days from the index procedure.The ultimate load to failure was compared between groups.ResultsAt time 0, there were no measurable differences between group 1 (3.8 ± 1.4 N) and group 2 (3.7 ± 1.1 N), and both could endure less than one-tenth of the untreated control (49 ± 12). At 28 days, ultimate load to failure improved significantly in both group 1 (16.2 ± 3.5 N) and even more in group 2 (36 ± 8.1 N). While there was a significant difference between group 1 and group 2, neither were able to meet the untreated control (49 ± 12). Histopathological evaluation in the post-healing period showed that fibrosis, neovascularization, and inflammation increased in both groups.ConclusionThe overlapping suture technique and epitenon healing have more stability compared to side-to-side suture technique and endotenon healing. Human population trials may or may not exist, our study suggests it should be considered and further investigation needed before actual clinical application.     

Biomechanical Study of a Multifilament Stainless Steel Cable Crimp System Versus a Multistrand Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Polyester Suture Krackow Technique for Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair

Currently, Achilles tendon rupture repair is surgically addressed with an open or minimally invasive approach using a heavy, nonabsorbable suture in a locking stitch configuration. However, these sutures have low stiffness and a propensity to stretch, which can result in gapping at the repair site. Our study compares a new multifilament stainless steel cable-crimp repair method to a standard Krackow repair using multistrand, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene polyester sutures. Eight matched pairs of cadavers were randomly assigned for Achilles tendon repair using either Krackow technique with polyethylene polyester sutures or the multifilament stainless steel cable-crimp technique. Each repair was cyclically loaded from 10 to 50 N for 100 loading cycles, followed by a linear increase in load until complete failure of the repair. During cyclic loading, 4 of the 8 Krackow polyethylene polyester suture repairs failed, whereas none of the multifilament stainless steel cable crimp repairs failed. Load to failure was greater for the multifilament stainless steel cable crimp repairs (321.03 ± 118.71 N) than for the Krackow polyethylene polyester suture repairs (132.47 ± 103.39 N, p = .0078). The ultimate tensile strength of the multifilament stainless steel cable crimp repairs was also greater than that of the Krackow polyethylene polyester suture repairs (485.69 ± 47.93 N vs 378.71 ± 107.23 N, respectively, p = .12). The mode of failure was by suture breakage at the crimp for all cable-crimp repairs and by suture breakage at the knot, within the tendon, or suture pullout for the polyethylene polyester suture repairs. The multifilament stainless steel cable crimp construct may be a better alternative for Achilles tendon rupture repairs.     

带线锚钉联合V－Y腱成形术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的:探讨带线锚钉联合V-Y腱成形术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的临床疗效。方法:2014年5月至2018年3月采用带线锚钉联合V-Y腱成形术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂患者26例,男18例,女8例;年龄19～56(36.0±11.7)岁;病程42～62(49.0±5.3) d;跟腱短缩2～7(4.0±1.6) cm。观察术后并发症情况,手术前后采用美国足踝外科协会踝与后足评分(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Soviety,AOFAS)进行临床疗效评价。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间8～18(12.0±2.5)个月。术后无跟腱再断裂。术后3个月AOFAS评分(93.37±3.48)分较术前(57.26±5.06)分明显提高(t=9.564,P0.05),其中优14例,良11例,差1例。结论:带线锚钉联合V-Y腱成形术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂,跟腱固定强度可靠,可明显改善患者的疼痛、行走功能,提高患者生活质量,功能恢复良好。     

Assessment of the Resistance of Several Suture Techniques in Human Cadaver Achilles Tendons

Many treatments are available for acute Achilles tendon ruptures, conservative and surgical, with none superior to another. For surgical treatment, one can use various techniques. Recent studies have shown that double stitches are superior to simple sutures. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to determine the suture technique that is the most resistant to rupture. We performed an experimental anatomic study with 27 fresh-frozen human cadaveric Achilles tendons obtained through the body donation program of the University of Barcelona, testing the maximum strength. We simulated a rupture by performing resection in the middle portion of the tendon, 4 cm proximal to the calcaneus insertion. We then evaluated the double Kessler, double Bunnell, Krackow, and percutaneous Ma and Griffith technique. We used absorbable suture (polydioxanone no. 1) with all the techniques. Traction was performed using a machine that pulls the tendon at 10 to 100 N in 1000 repetitive cycles. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ² test and analysis of variance, with the 95% confidence intervals (p < .05). All repairs failed at the site of the suture knots, with none pulling out through the substance of the tendon. We found no significant differences among the different open suture techniques (p > .05). The Krackow suture presented with superior resistance, with a rupture rate 16.70% but with a mean elongation of 7.11 mm. The double Bunnell suture had the same rupture rate as the Krakow suture (16.70%) but with an inferior mean elongation of 4.53 mm. The Krackow and Bunnell suture were superior in endurance, strength of failure, and primary stability compared with the other suture types. However, the former presented with greater tendon elongation, although the difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, according to our findings and the published data, we recommend double Bunnell sutures for the surgical treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.