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.     

Treatment of lateral ankle sprain with platelet-rich plasma: A randomized clinical study

BackgroundWe aimed to clinically evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain treated with rigid immobilization.MethodsPatients with first-time grade II lateral ankle sprain clinically diagnosed were evaluated (n = 21). A rigid immobilization was placed in all patients for ten days; previously, an application of PRP over the anterior talofibular ligament was performed in patients from the experimental group. The Visual Analogue Scale, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index were applied at 3, 5, 8 and 24 weeks of follow-up period.ResultsThe experimental group presented the highest reduction in pain and better functional scores than the control group at 8 weeks. At the end of follow-up period the results of both groups were similar.ConclusionsA similar evolution was observed in patients treated with rigid immobilization with or without PRP after 24 weeks.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov with ID NCT02609308.     

Prognostic factors of acute ankle sprain: Need for ultrasonography to predict prognosis

BackgroundAnkle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. To guide management decisions, a clear insight into the relevant subgroups of patients with a potentially better or worse prognosis is important. This study aimed to evaluate injury severity, using ultrasonography (US), as a prognostic factor of acute ankle sprain and other possible factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), level of job activity, and level of sports activity.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 28 patients with acute ankle sprain who reported at initial examination with an acutely twisted ankle. All patients had received a standard physical examination, radiography and standard ultrasound, to diagnose specific ligament injuries and their ankle sprain had been treated using standard conservative management. Various data including age, sex, BMI, level of sports activity, level of daily job activity, and final functional score (Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores, FAOS) were obtained. Mean comparison and correlations were used to assess risk factors. Risk factors associated with functional outcomes were evaluated using a multiple linear regression test.ResultsAt final follow-up as 1 year after injury, FAOS differed significantly for injury severity, age, and BMI. There were no significant differences in sex, job activity, and exercise levels. The factor most affecting FAOS for both pain (FAOS-Pain) and symptoms (FAOS-Sx) was the number of completely torn ligaments. Age was the most important factor affecting the FAOS-Daily Living Activity (ADL). BMI was the most important factor for sports activity level (FAOS-Sports). Age and the number of completely torn ligaments were both important to FAOS-Sports and quality of life (FAOS-QOL).ConclusionThe severity of injury, defined using US, was a prognostic factor for long-term outcome following acute ankle sprain. Therefore, US imaging of acute ankle ligament injury may be important to predict prognosis of acute ankle sprain.     

Efficacy of celecoxib versus ibuprofen in the treatment of acute pain: a multicenter,double-blind,randomized controlled trial in acute ankle sprain

Ankle sprain is a common acute soft-tissue injury that often results in pain, inflammation, and ecchymosis. In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized parallel-group study, 445 adult patients received celecoxib 400 mg/day, ibuprofen 2,400 mg/day, or placebo for 10 days. Patients had experienced grade 1 or 2 ankle sprains within 48 hours and had moderate to severe ankle pain. Patient's Global Assessment of Ankle Injury responses, given on days 4 and 8, showed that the celecoxib group improved significantly more than the placebo group did, with 67% of the celecoxib group versus 55% of the placebo group improving at day 4 (P < .05). Patient's Assessment of Ankle Pain Visual Analog Scale on Weight Bearing responses, also given on days 4 and 8, showed that celecoxib was as efficacious in the treatment of ankle sprain as the maximum therapeutic dosage of ibuprofen and that, compared with placebo, it reduced pain significantly more (P < .05). The celecoxib group recovered and returned to function earlier (after 5 days) than did either the placebo group (8 days) or the ibuprofen group (6 days); the celecoxib-placebo difference was significant. Celecoxib, a cyclo-oxygenase-2-specific inhibitor with platelet-function-sparing properties, may be useful as a multimodal adjuvant in the treatment of ankle sprain.     

足踝部肌腱损伤的MSCT诊断

目的:探讨足踝部肌腱损伤的MSCT诊断价值,提高对足踝部肌腱损伤的认识,避免漏诊。方法:回顾分析自2009年1月至2010年12月临床疑诊足踝部肌腱损伤的32例患者,其中男24例,女8例;年龄23～68岁,平均43岁;外伤后局部均出现疼痛、压痛、软组织肿胀及功能障碍或伴有骨折。所有病例经手术、MRI、双侧对照或随访证实。外伤后7d内完成MSCT检查,2名高年资CT诊断医师在不知结果的情况下分别评估肌腱的异常,意见不一致时协商确定。结果:失访5例,纳入研究27例,最终证实肌腱损伤23例(31处),4例未见异常。按肌腱数(总243条)计算,CT共诊断35处异常,其中误诊4处,CT诊断敏感性、特异性和准确率分别为88.8%(31/35)、98.1%(208/212)和98.4%(239/243)。其中肌腱脱位11处,表现为肌腱部分或全部离开肌腱沟;肌腱卡压13处,横断面显示肌腱1/2及以上横断面嵌插于骨折缝内,7处VR显示肌腱位于骨折缝内,走形迂曲,6处表现为骨折缝较宽,肌腱仍可显示但与骨折缝关系密切(2处误诊);骨片嵌插4处,横断面表现为骨片部分位于肌腱内,VR显示骨片嵌入肌腱,局部较模糊(1处误诊);肌腱完全断裂4处,横断面表现为断裂处肌腱缺如或伴有周围脂肪间隙模糊,VR显示肌腱连续性中断,长轴方向上肌腱短缩(1处误诊);肌腱损伤3处,横断面表现为肌腱增粗,密度减低,边界不清,周围脂肪间隙模糊,VR显示肌腱增粗,密度减低,结构模糊。结论:足踝部MSCT检查(薄层横断面结合VR评价)能很好地诊断肌腱脱位、肌腱卡压、骨片嵌插、肌腱完全断裂、肌腱损伤等外伤性病变,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

Peroneal tendon tears: a retrospective review.

Tears of the peroneal tendons are not uncommon but remain an underappreciated source of chronic lateral ankle pain. The purpose of this study was to identify the typical patient profile and nature of the injury, to analyze the course of treatment, and to determine the prevalence of complications seen with surgical repair. Forty patients with chronic pain over the peroneal tendons from the Foot and Ankle Institute at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital underwent peroneal tendon repair. During a 3-year period, a retrospective review was performed by evaluating medical records, surgical reports, and radiographs. The average patient age was 42 years (range, 13 to 64 years). The most common cause was an ankle sprain or other traumatic injury (58%). Peroneus brevis tears (35 patients; 88%), peroneus longus tears (5 patients; 13%), combined peroneus brevis and longus tears (15 patients; 37%), low-lying peroneus muscle belly (13 patients; 33%), lateral ankle ligamentous disruptions (13 patients; 33%), and peroneal subluxation (8 patients; 20%) were identified during surgery. The average follow-up was 13 months (range, 9 to 40 months). Ninety-eight percent of the patients were able to return to full activities without pain at final follow-up. The minor complication rate (transient symptoms) was 20%. Clinically significant (major) complications (continued symptoms or revisionary surgery) occurred in 10% of patients. This study indicates that lateral ankle ligamentous incompetence, combined peroneal brevis and longus tears, and low-lying peroneus muscle belly commonly coexist in patients with peroneal tendon injuries. Appropriate surgical intervention of peroneal tendon tears and their coexisting pathology yields successful and predictable results with few clinically significant complications.     

The presence of persistent symptoms 12 months following a first lateral ankle sprain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundA lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population. It is uncertain what percentage of these patients develop persisting symptoms including pain, recurrent sprains and subjective instability. This systematic review was conducted to assess the presence and duration of persistent symptoms after a first LAS.MethodsA systematic review of the Medline, Web of Sciences, Embase, CINAHL and Pedro databases was performed to identify peer-reviewed articles concerning the occurrence and duration of remaining symptoms after a first LAS. Inclusion criteria focused on selection of patients without previous ankle injuries and study quality. One of the following outcomes had to be described: subjective instability, resprains, remaining symptoms.ResultsIn total, 15 studies were included. The occurrence of patients with subjective instability decreased from 37.9% (95%CI [6.0–69.7]) at 3 months to 16.1% (95%CI [7.8–24.3]) at 6 months and 8.1% (95%CI [3.3–13.3]) at 12 months. The occurrence of patients with a recurrent LAS was 15.8% (95%CI [6.3–25.3]) at 12 months. The occurrence of patients with residual pain decreased from 48.6% (95%CI [23.6–73.5]) at 3 months, to 21.5% (95%CI [2.8–40.2]) at 6 months and 6.7% (95%CI [3.2–10.1]) at 12 months.ConclusionThis study offers new insights in the presence of remaining symptoms after a first LAS and the development of chronic ankle instability. Twelve months following an initial LAS, a significant number of patients may still have symptoms. The incidence of subjective instability, and pain, continues to decrease until 12 months post-injury. This new information may suggest that a longer period of non-operative treatment may be warranted before recommending surgical intervention in patients with a first LAS.     

The management of concomitant tears of the peroneus longus and brevis tendons

BACKGROUND: Concomitant chronic tears of both peroneal tendons rarely are reported. We present our experience in treating these injuries and suggest an algorithm for surgical treatment, determined by the presence of a functioning tendon or tendons, mobility of the remaining peroneal musculature, ankle stability, and position of the heel. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients (29 feet) were followed postoperatively for a mean of 4.6 (range 1.5 to 8) years. The mean age was 36 (range 19 to 54) years, and all patients had chronic ankle pain with or without instability and with combinations of complete, partial, or longitudinal tears of both tendons. Of the 28 patients, six had hindfoot varus and three had cavovarus. Eight patients had mechanical ankle instability, but there was no correlation between instability and the presence of hindfoot varus. RESULTS: The mean postoperative American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society ankle score was 82 (range 20 to 100) points, and 91% of patients achieved normal or moderate peroneal muscle strength. Ankle instability was successfully corrected in all patients and progressive worsening of varus deformity was prevented. CONCLUSION: The presence of chronic peroneal tendon subluxation or dislocation, chronic ankle instability, or hindfoot varus deformity, in association with retrofibular pain and swelling, should alert the surgeon to the possibility of a tear of the peroneal tendons and is an indication for surgical intervention. At the time of tendon repair, every effort should be made to treat the primary or contributing causes of the tear. Our results suggest that patients with symptomatic concomitant peroneus longus and brevis tendon tears are likely to experience substantial improvement in function if operative treatment is adequate.     

Bilateral atraumatic sequential rupture of tibialis anterior tendons

Tibialis anterior tendon ruptures are rare but debilitating injuries. A high index of suspicion is warranted in patients presenting with atraumatic anterior ankle pain, especially in conjunction with diabetes or inflammatory disease. The authors present a case report of bilateral sequential rupture of tibialis anterior tendons, a discussion of management, and a review of the literature.     

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 ...     

Ankle instability and impingement

Ankle instability and ankle impingement are well-known complications of an ankle sprain. Both diagnosis are made primarily by history and physical examination. Ankle instability may resolve with physical therapy, but can require surgical reconstruction. Anatomic reconstruction is preferred whenever possible. Ankle impingement usually requires surgical treatment. Anterior soft tissue impingement and mild bony impingement confined to the tibia can be treated arthroscopically, whereas more severe anterior bony impingement and any form of posterior impingement require an open procedure. Ankle ligament reconstruction and surgical treatment of ankle impingement are reliably effective procedures.     

Peroneus longus tendon graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report and review of literature

IntroductionThe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most frequently injured structures of the knee joint. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) provides surgical restoration of the injured ACL using the placement of graft material. The choice of graft is principal in providing optimal knee stability after surgery. Peroneus longus tendon (PLT) is an autograft modality that offers unique benefits for ACL reconstruction cases.Presentation of caseWe present a case of ACL reconstruction surgery using PLT graft in a patient with a confirmed ACL rupture. Assessment of post-surgical pain, knee stability, and ankle function were performed to determine functional outcome and donor site morbidity. The follow-up results revealed favorable recovery and improvement in all objective parameters.DiscussionPost-operative biomechanical outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) score. The use of PLT in ACL reconstruction established an excellent potential for its satisfactory result and comparable to other graft modalities in widely used evidence-based findings.ConclusionPeroneus longus tendon may be considered the first-option graft in ACL reconstruction as it indicated the absence of significant post-operative morbidity.     

Relationship between calf muscle cross-sectional area and ankle fracture

BackgroundWhether calf muscles and peroneal muscles have a role in the occurrence of an ankle fractures remains unclear. This study aimed to quantify the calf muscle mass and peroneal muscle mass in patients with an ankle fracture and in controls, then to analyze them together with demographic factors to identify the effects of the regional muscles on the risk of developing ankle fracture.MethodsA total of 101 ankles with computed tomography (CT) images were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 51 ankles showed fractures (all unilateral) and 50 ankles, in controls who underwent CT for screening the other diseases, were clinically diagnosed with simple contusion. The cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the calf muscles and the peroneal muscles were measured at approximately 6 cm above the Achilles myotendinous junction in the axial plane of ankle CT. These parameters were compared between the two groups and analyzed with respect to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), laterality, and bone attenuations of the ankle.ResultsThe demographic factors, including bone attenuation of the ankle showed no significant association with ankle fracture. The ratio of the CSA of the peroneal muscle group to the CSA of the entire calf muscle group was smaller in patients with an fracture (0.12 ± 0.03) than in controls (0.14 ± 0.02) (p = 0.027). The odds ratio for the effect of the calf muscle CSA on the risk of developing ankle fractures was 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.69, p = 0.003), whereas that for the effect of peroneal muscle CSA on the risk of developing ankle fractures was 0.18 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.66, p = 0.010).ConclusionThe ratio of the peroneal muscle CSA to the entire calf muscle CSA was negatively related to the occurrence of ankle fractures in this study. Further prospective studies on whether peroneal muscle-strengthening exercise are effective in preventing ankle fractures may be needed.Level of evidenceIII, case-control study.     

Ankle instability as a prognostic factor associated with the recurrence of ankle sprain: A systematic review

DesignSystematic review using PRISMA guidelines.PurposeTo explore Relationship between ankle instability and ankle sprain recurrence in preventing recurrence of ankle sprains and to provide appropriate treatment.MethodsMEDLINE (the Cochrane Library) and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were explored using key words related to ankle instability and ankle sprains in for April 2022. According to the inclusion criteria, studies that 1) targeted patients with ankle sprains, 2) assessed ankle instability, and 3) investigated ankle sprain recurrence rates, were extracted. The author names, publication year, patient characteristics, comparison groups, intervention methods, and outcome data (ankle instability and recurrence) were extracted. A correlation analysis between recurrence rate and ankle instability was conducted. In addition, A meta-analysis was performed on the correlation coefficients within each article.ResultsEight studies were extracted from 149 studies. A correlation analysis was conducted on five studies and meta-analysis was on three studies with the same post-intervention follow-up period and the same assessment methods for ankle instability and recurrence rate. Strong positive correlations were found for the same follow-up periods (r = 0.95: 95%CI [0.62–0.99]; 3-month, r = 0.97: 95%CI [0.75–0.10]; 1 year, p < .05). The correlation became stronger as the follow-up period increased. Furthermore, the meta-analysis showed that ankle instability as well as the main symptoms of sprain, such as pain and swelling, tended to be positively correlated with the recurrent rate of ankle sprains. These results suggest that ankle instability is strongly related to recurrence, and the longer the time since onset, the stronger the relationship.ConclusionsAnkle instability was a prognostic factor associated with recurrence of ankle sprains in patients with ankle sprains. Therefore, ankle instability is one of important factor in preventing recurrence of ankle sprains.     

The Value of Ultrasound in Acute Ankle Injury: Comparison With MR

Abstract Objective:   To assess the value of the ultrasound (US) in different grades of acute trauma by comparing with MR. Methods:   We analyzed 30 patients, of average age 33, with acute ankle trauma, without fracture on standard radiograms. One week after injury all patients were sent for US. We used linear probe 8–15 MHz. Ten days later, the patients were examined on MR. Results:   Anterior talofibular ligament was normal in 20.6% by US and in 20.3% by MR. Ligament lesion were found by ultrasound in 40%, proven in only 20.6% by MR. Ultrasound diagnosed 33,3% ruptured ligament, MR found 50% rupture of anterior talofibular ligament. In 80.3% cases the calcaneofibular ligament appeared to be intact with both methods. Ultrasound found stretch ligament in 10.6% cases and MR proved that in 10% cases. In other 6.6% cases, MR found complete rupture. Intraarticular effusion was found in 80.3% patients by US and in 86.6% by MR. Lesion of tendon of long peroneal muscle was found in 40.6% patients by both methods. Lesion of tendon of short peroneal muscle was found in 33.3% lesions and proved by MR in only 20.3% cases. In other patients findings were normal. US found 10% lesions of the tendon of anterior tibial muscle and MR found 10.3% lesions. US found 10.6% lesions of tendon of long halucis flexor and MR found 20%. Our results were statistically analyzed by cross-tabs, the Stuart-Maxwell test, Npar tests and the McNemar test. Conclusion:   US proved to be a good and reliable method for diagnosing Grade I and II of ankle sprain, but for proper evaluation of Grade III, MR is recommended.     

关节镜治疗踝关节不稳合并前内侧撞击综合征

目的:探讨关节镜治疗踝关节不稳合并前内侧撞击综合征的手术技巧及疗效.方法:回顾性分析2019年2月至2020年8月收治的13例踝关节不稳合并前内侧撞击综合征患者.男10例,女3例;年龄(40.0±15.1)岁;病程(44.1±33.2)个月.所有患者有明确扭伤史,MRI证实踝关节距腓前韧带损伤,踝关节背伸时存在前内侧疼...     

Role of Arthroscopy in Various Ankle Disorders

IntroductionAnkle arthroscopy has come a long way since it was thought, it is not feasible because of tight joint and anatomical characteristics of ankle joint. The same anatomical features like capsular attachment and safe accessory portals are used to access the whole joint even with a rigid arthroscope. Ankle distraction method was routinely used to access the anterior ankle. However, nowadays, anterior arthroscopy is done in dorsiflexion as this increases the anterior ankle joint volume, and thereby easy access to various anatomical structures. On the other hand, intermittent traction is used to access the posterior ankle. Initially used as a diagnostic tool, ankle arthroscopy is now used extensively as a therapeutic and reconstruction tool. New evidence is published for all inside ligament reconstructions, effective management of impingement syndromes, and osteochondral lesions. The indications are being extended to fracture management and arthrodesis.MethodologyThis narrative review was performed following a literature search in the Pubmed database and Medline using the following keywords: ankle arthroscopy, portals, ankle OCD, functional outcome. Related articles were then reviewed.ConclusionComplications rate is reduced with a better understanding of the relative anatomy of surrounding neurovascular structures and tendons with regard to the position of ankle joint. This review on ankle arthroscopy focuses on anatomy, indications, and complications. Ankle arthroscopy is a safe and elegant tool as any other joint arthroscopy.     

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.