The effect of triceps surae contracture force on plantar foot pressure distribution

BACKGROUND: Triceps surae contractures have been associated with foot and ankle pathology. Achilles tendon contractures have been shown to shift plantar foot pressure from the heel to the forefoot. The purpose of this study was to determine whether isolated gastrocnemius contractures had similar effects and to assess the effects of gastrocnemius or soleus contracture on midfoot plantar pressure. METHODS: Ten fresh frozen cadaver below-knee specimens were loaded to 79 pounds (350 N) plantar force with the foot unconstrained on a 10-degree dorsiflexed plate. Combinations of static gastrocnemius or soleus forces were applied in 3-lb increments and plantar pressure recordings were obtained for the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot regions. RESULTS: The percentage of plantar force borne by the forefoot and midfoot increased with triceps surae force, while that borne by the hindfoot decreased (p相似文献   

Gastrocnemius Recession as an Alternative to TendoAchillis Lengthening for Relief of Forefoot Pressure in a Patient with Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report and Description of a Technical Modification

The gastrocnemius recession is a popular surgical procedure for the treatment of equinus contracture. Lengthening the gastrocnemius tendon has been show to be an effective means of reducing pressure to the plantar forefoot by weakening the triceps surae complex. The more traditional method of weakening the triceps surae is a modification of Hoke's triple hemisection through the tendoAchillis. This technique unfortunately carries a serious risk of the development of a calcaneal gait. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate that the gastrocnemius recession is an effective and safe alternative to the traditional tendoAchillis lengthening. The authors also describe a minimally invasive technique that uses a pediatric speculum for a self-retrained retractor and portal for instrumentation and visualization.     

Outcome of patients after Achilles tendon lengthening for treatment of idiopathic toe walking

Fifteen children who were diagnosed with idiopathic toe walking that cannot be corrected by nonoperative treatment were assessed by clinical examination and computer-based gait analysis preoperatively and approximately 1 year after Achilles tendon lengthening. Passive dorsiflexion improved from a mean plantarflexion contracture of 8 degrees to dorsiflexion of 12 degrees after surgery. Ankle kinematics normalized, with mean ankle dorsiflexion in stance improving from -8 to 12 degrees and maximum swing phase dorsiflexion improving from -20 to 2 degrees. Peak ankle power generation increased from 2.05 to 2.37 W/kg but did not reach values of population norms. No patient demonstrated clinically relevant triceps surae weakness or a calcaneal gait pattern. Seven patients had a stance phase knee hyperextension preoperatively, and 6 of these corrected after surgery. Achilles tendon lengthening improves ankle kinematics without compromising triceps surae strength; however, plantarflexion power does not reach normal levels at 1 year after surgery.     

微创跟腱延长术联合系统康复治疗跟腱挛缩畸形

目的:分析微创跟腱延长术联合系统康复治疗跟腱挛缩患者的疗效和可行性。方法:2002年1月至2010年12月选择性地采用微创跟腱延长术联合系统康复治疗跟腱挛缩27例(31足),男11例,女16例;年龄3～65岁,平均35.5岁;右足13例,左足10例,双足4例;病程1～5年,平均2.3年。挛缩原因:胫骨骨折髓内钉治疗术后7足,小腿骨筋膜室综合征后遗症11足,先天性马蹄内翻足13足(双足4例)。手术前患者行走跛行,足跟落地困难,跖屈畸形成15°～50°,平均35.5°。术前股四头肌肌力Ⅴ级27足,Ⅳ级4足;小腿三头肌肌力Ⅴ级24足,Ⅳ级7足。结果:27例全部随访,时间6～24个月,平均11.3个月。按照Arner-Lindholm疗效标准进行踝关节功能评定:优29足,良2足。随访期间未发现跟腱挛缩复发,断裂,感染等并发症。结论:微创跟腱延长术联合系统康复治疗跟腱挛缩操作简单、并发症少、复发率低,有利于患者彻底康复。股四头肌肌力或者小腿三头肌肌力经过术前康复治疗仍然低于Ⅲ级的患者不选择该手术。     

Strength of Plantar Flexion and Function After Resection of Various Parts of the Triceps Surae Muscle

Nine patients who had undergone resection of various well defined parts of the triceps surae muscle because of tumour were examined. The function was estimated from the patient's history and the muscle strength was measured statically and dynamically using a Cybex II dynamometer. Two patients reported slight symptoms. The loss of strength was less than one might expect from theoretical calculations. The strength of die operated limb showed a particular pattern depending on the part resected. From this pattern it was concluded that the soleus is more active when the foot is dorsLBexed and the gastrocnemius more active when the foot is in plantar flexion, and that the gastrocnemius is most important in quick movements of the foot.     

Function of the triceps surae muscle group in low and high arched feet: An exploratory study

The Achilles tendon has been shown to be comprised of segmental components of tendon arising from the triceps surae muscle group. Motion of the foot joints in low and high arched feet may induce a change in behaviour of the triceps surae muscle group due to altered strain on the tendon.Surface electromyogram of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle from 12 subjects (with 6 low arched and 6 high arched feet) (1:1) was recorded whilst walking at a self selected speed along a 10 m walkway.The results showed a high variability in muscle activity between groups with patterns emerging within groups. Soleus was more active in 50% of the low arch feet at forefoot loading and there was a crescendo of activity towards heel lift in 58% of all subjects. This observed variability between groups and foot types emphasises the need for further work on individual anatomical variation and foot function to help in the understanding and management of Achilles tendon pathologies and triceps surae dysfunction.     

Dorsal bunion after clubfoot surgery: outcome of reverse Jones procedure

BACKGROUND: The dorsal bunion deformity consists of the elevation of first metatarsal head, plantar flexion contracture at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and dorsiflexion contracture of the tarsometatarsal joint. A reverse Jones procedure with transfer of the flexor hallucis longus to the metatarsal head has been an effective method in correcting this deformity. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 27 patients with 33 feet who had reverse Jones procedure with or without metatarsal osteotomy between 1983 and 2002. All patients had previous soft tissue releases for clubfoot deformity. Clinical reviews included muscle function test and radiographic evaluation before and after procedures. We used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for functional outcome results. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 4.96 years. There were 21 boys and 6 girls. Average age at time of procedure was 13.7 years. With the reverse Jones procedure, there were 18 first metatarsal osteotomies and 12 split anterior tibial tendon transfers. Before surgery, decreased muscle strength in triceps surae (73%), tibialis posterior (76%), peroneus longus (67%), and extensor hallucis longus (76%) was noted. Patients (84.9%) had normal tibialis anterior and flexor hallucis longus power. In radiographic evaluations, the operation resulted in decreased elevation of the first metatarsal by measuring the metatarsal-horizontal angle. The lateral metatarsophalangeal angle improved from 23 degrees plantar flexion to 1 degree in dorsiflexion. The average global American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score was 70 preoperatively and 92 postoperatively with improvement of subscores in pain, activity, footwear, range of motion, callus, and alignment. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal bunion is a recognized long-term complication after clubfoot surgery. The causes of the deformity are weakness of Achilles tendon, overpowering of flexor hallucis longus, and strong anterior tibial tendon with weakness of peroneus longus. The reverse Jones procedure improved the condition in this series and provided a long-lasting and effective correction of the dorsal bunion deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.     

Comprehensive outcomes of surgically treated idiopathic toe walkers

The treatment of idiopathic toe walking in children can include surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex after conservative options have been ineffective. Previous outcome reports of surgery for idiopathic toe walkers have largely been limited to assessing the sagittal plane motion of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion with minimal quantitative preoperative and postoperative analysis. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the outcome of idiopathic toe walkers that had been treated surgically. Fourteen children seen in our motion analysis laboratory that underwent gastrocnemius or tendo-Achilles lengthening for idiopathic toe walking were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperatively, this group had significantly greater anterior pelvic tilt than normal, decreased peak knee flexion in swing, greater external foot progression, and the expected increased plantar flexion (P < 0.01). Postoperatively, anterior pelvic tilt decreased by a mean of about 4 degrees (P < 0.01), only for the group that had tendo-Achilles lengthening because the gastrocnemius group was close to normal preoperatively, and peak knee flexion normalized. The foot progression angle of this group did not change from preoperative values and remained significantly more external than normal, although dorsiflexion in stance significantly improved after surgery (indicating the goal of the surgery was achieved). Increased external foot progression in idiopathic toe walkers is apparently due to increased external tibial torsion and/or external hip rotation but was unaffected by gastrocnemius/soleus surgical lengthening. Significant improvement occurred on an overall index of gait variables, indicating surgery can be an effective treatment of idiopathic toe walkers.     

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome causing lacerations in tendons and muscles

A case of a 20 year old patient with an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is described, in which a rupture of the Achilles tendon is repaired by a segmental tendon homograft. The function of the triceps surae returned to normal gradually and the plantar flexion was even weaker after 2 years. The technique and importance of the special radiography of the soft tissue is discussed with regard to the clinical diagnosis. Radiographs, histomorphologic and histologic results illustrate the course of the healing.     

Dynamic loading of the plantar aponeurosis in walking

BACKGROUND: The plantar aponeurosis is known to be a major contributor to arch support, but its role in transferring Achilles tendon loads to the forefoot remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to increase our understanding of the function of the plantar aponeurosis during gait. We specifically examined the plantar aponeurosis force pattern and its relationship to Achilles tendon forces during simulations of the stance phase of gait in a cadaver model. METHODS: Walking simulations were performed with seven cadaver feet. The movements of the foot and the ground reaction forces during the stance phase were reproduced by prescribing the kinematics of the proximal part of the tibia and applying forces to the tendons of extrinsic foot muscles. A fiberoptic cable was passed through the plantar aponeurosis perpendicular to its loading axis, and raw fiberoptic transducer output, tendon forces applied by the experimental setup, and ground reaction forces were simultaneously recorded during each simulation. A post-experiment calibration related fiberoptic output to plantar aponeurosis force, and linear regression analysis was used to characterize the relationship between Achilles tendon force and plantar aponeurosis tension. RESULTS: Plantar aponeurosis forces gradually increased during stance and peaked in late stance. Maximum tension averaged 96% +/- 36% of body weight. There was a good correlation between plantar aponeurosis tension and Achilles tendon force (r = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: The plantar aponeurosis transmits large forces between the hindfoot and forefoot during the stance phase of gait. The varying pattern of plantar aponeurosis force and its relationship to Achilles tendon force demonstrates the importance of analyzing the function of the plantar aponeurosis throughout the stance phase of the gait cycle rather than in a static standing position. Clinical Relevance: The plantar aponeurosis plays an important role in transmitting Achilles tendon forces to the forefoot in the latter part of the stance phase of walking. Surgical procedures that require the release of this structure may disturb this mechanism and thus compromise efficient propulsion.     

Treatment of chronic achilles tendinopathy and ruptures with flexor hallucis tendon transfer: clinical outcome and MRI findings

BACKGROUND: In patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, augmentation with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer can be performed to improve pain and functional limitations. There are no reports of postoperative imaging for evaluating tendon integration, inflammatory alterations or degeneration of the FHL muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative MR imaging based on clinical outcome and isokinetic strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 13 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (10 ruptures) underwent augmentation with FHL transfer. Clinical parameters, isokinetic strength and outcome measurements (AOFAS, SF-36) were evaluated at an average followup of 46.5 months. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of postoperative MRI were conducted using the non-operated side for comparison. RESULTS: All patients had a significant reduction of pain. The operated side had a torque deficit of 35% for plantar flexion. Ten patients returned to their former level of activity. MRI showed a complete integration of the FHL tendon in six patients. Fatty atrophy in the triceps surae was found in ten patients. The FHL was free of degeneration in all patients. Hypertrophy of the FHL of more than 15% was observed in eight patients. CONCLUSION: Augmentation with FHL transfer is a valuable option in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with and without rupture. Our results demonstrate high patient satisfaction without donor site morbidity. The FHL tendon is well integrated into the Achilles tendon. Hypertrophy of the FHL muscle suggests functional incorporation into plantar flexion. The primary benefit of the operation is pain relief and increased muscle strength.     

Isolated recession of the gastrocnemius muscle: the Baumann procedure

BACKGROUND: The Baumann procedure consists of intramuscular lengthening (recession) of the gastrocnemius muscle in the deep interval between the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. The goal of the procedure is to increase ankle dorsiflexion when ankle movement is restricted by a contracted gastrocnemius muscle. Unlike the Vulpius procedure, the Baumann procedure truly isolates the lengthening site to the gastrocnemius muscle and does not lengthen the soleus muscle. The Baumann procedure has not previously been studied in cadaver specimens. METHODS: The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of 15 normal cadaver specimens had four sequential releases: a single gastrocnemius recession, a second gastrocnemius recession, a single soleus recession, and an Achilles tenotomy. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with a goniometer initially, after each muscle recession, and after the tenotomy. RESULTS: After the second gastrocnemius recession, the average increase in ankle dorsiflexion measured 14 degrees with the knee extended and 8 degrees with the knee flexed. CONCLUSIONS: The Baumann procedure treats equinus contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle by improving ankle joint dorsiflexion. The procedure is indicated when the results of the Silfverski?ld test are positive.     

Lengthening the Achilles tendon for the treatment of diabetic plantar forefoot ulceration

The accepted hallmarks of care for plantar forefoot ulceration are meticulous wound care, nutrition, management of infection, and non-weight bearing of the ulcerative area. Tendo-Achilles lengthening is crucial in healing these ulcerations when it is determined that the Achilles tendon is one of the main biomechanical stresses that led to the ulceration. The Silfverskiold test helps determine whether a percutaneous lengthening or gastrocnemius recession is called for. A gastrocnemius recession is the safer operation because it does not carry the postoperative risk of overlengthening or rupture, calcaneal gait, and subsequent plantar heel ulceration, but gastrocnemius recession carries a higher late recurrence rate of late plantar forefoot reulceration (16%). A more permanent result can be achieved with percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening, although one assumes the associated risk of overlengthening the tendo-Achilles, calcaneal gait, and the difficult-to-treat plantar calcaneal ulceration. It is crucial to address other biomechanical abnormalities that may have contributed to the specific plantar ulceration, such as hammer toe, prominent plantar metatarsal head, prominent sesamoids, and long metatarsal. In addition, the patient should be placed in proper footwear, which at the minimum includes orthoses but may include specialized accommodative shoe wear. Failure to include these adjunctive procedures to Achilles tendon lengthening may prevent healing or hasten ulcer recurrence. Future studies will be directed toward determining the roles of prophylactic Achilles tendon lengthening preventing equinovarus deformities, possible plantar foot ulceration, and Charcot collapse.     

Surgical treatment of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon using Z-shortening tendoplasty: Medium and long-term results

BackgroundNeglected or chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon result in either atrophy of the triceps sural muscle with retraction of the proximal and of the tendon, or scarring of the tendon in the elongated position. This leads do functional impairment of the patient and can cause major changes in walking pattern and chronic pain. The treatment is almost always surgical. Several techniques have been described: tendon transfer, auto- allo- or synthetic grafts.Material and methodsThe authors report a modified technique using a scar fibrosis shortening tendoplasty with a free graft from the aponeurosis of the triceps sural in 14 patients. In this work, we report the medium-and long-term results of this technique.Results12 of our patients were able to do single-leg toe rise, reflecting a functional restoration of the Achilles tendon. The post-operative AOFAS score was 86.96. No wound healing complications occurred.ConclusionThe free graft of the aponeurosis of the triceps surae combined with Z-shortening plasty in patients with chronich Achilles tendon rupture and healing in an elongated position is a reliable and reproducible technique.     

Spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon, which is associated with underlying systemic disease and concurrent oral corticosteroid therapy, is a relatively rare occurrence, with very few cases reported in the English medical literature to date. Patients with this affliction frequently present weeks to months after the rupture occurs because there is no succinct traumatic event. The neglected rupture renders surgical repair more difficult secondary to the retraction of the triceps surae muscle group and the concomitant increase in width of the defect that results. The authors present a case report of a patient with a neglected spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon who had been on oral corticosteroid therapy to treat the manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. A gastrocnemius recession was performed in a "V to Y" fashion to gain needed lengthening, and an end-to-end anastomosis was also performed. The plantaris tendon was then used to help reinforce the anastomosed site.     

腓肠肌腱膜翻转术在陈旧性跟腱断裂中的应用

目的探讨应用腓肠肌腱膜翻转法治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的疗效。方法对18例陈旧性跟腱断裂患者应用腓肠肌腱膜翻转术重建跟腱。术中于小腿中部腓肠肌腱膜-肌移行处切取一条长8～10 cm、宽3 cm带蒂腓肠肌筋膜瓣,其基底留在离断端上方约1.5～2 cm处,于蒂上方跟腱中心作一纵切口,把腱膜瓣从此切口中穿过,再反折向下,由跟腱两侧向浅面包绕跟腱远近端及其缺损。自跟骨结节撕脱者将跟骨结节咬成粗糙面,腱膜条拉紧,根据缺损长度修剪腱膜条远端,使之与跟骨结节相接触。然后用Bunnell抽出钢丝法将重建跟腱拉紧,使踝关节跖屈约20°。结果本组有3例切口延迟愈合,无皮肤及肌腱坏死、无深部感染及再断裂病例。所有患者平均随访26（24～40）个月,按Arner-Lindholm标准评定,优13例,良5例,临床疗效良好。结论腓肠肌腱膜翻转术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂具有手术操作简单、固定牢固、愈合率高、并发症少等优点,是一种较为理想的重建方法。     

The anatomy of the Achilles tendon

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. It is the conjoined tendon of the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles, and may have a small contribution from the plantaris. The muscles and the Achilles tendon are in the posterior, superficial compartment of the calf. Through the Achilles tendon, they are the main plantar flexors of the ankle. The Achilles tendon is subjected to the highest loads in the body, with tensile loads up to ten times body weight during running, jumping, hopping, and skipping. This article discusses the anatomy of the Achilles tendon.     

Calcaneal Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture: An Unusual Variant

Calcaneal tuberosity fractures involve the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus and may involve the insertion of the Achilles tendon. In this report, we describe an unusual presentation of a calcaneal avulsion fracture involving 2 displaced fragments in a male patient who did not seek treatment for 1 month after the original injury. The larger fragment contained the insertion of the Achilles tendon, and tendon lengthening was required in addition to fixation of the fracture fragments with cannulated lag screws and washers. After reduction and healing, the patient recovered fully without clinical weakness of the triceps surae.     

Repair of neglected Achilles tendon ruptures: procedures and functional results

Surgical repair of neglected Achilles tendon ruptures presents the challenge of restoring the function of the Achilles tendon complex while repairing the large defect that is created by the delay in appropriate treatment. We present our preferred technique for delayed repair and the results of six patients who were available for complete follow-up evaluation. The combined surgical technique includes: V-to-Y gastrocnemius recession or advancement, excision of the fibroadipose defect, end-to-end anastomosis, gastrocnemius aponeurotic flap to reinforce the anastomosis. Each of six patients were interviewed and examined clinically and by Cybex II isokinetic strength testing. All six patients have been able to return to their pre-injury activities. Cybex II isokinetic strength testing demonstrated peak torque deficiencies in plantar flexion ranging from 2.5%–22% as compared with the unaffected limb. The overall results of the technique described indicate that very satisfactory functioning of a neglected Achilles tendon rupture can be obtained.