Enhancement of Achilles tendon repair mediated by matrix metalloproteinase inhibition via systemic administration of doxycycline

Collagenases or matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to play an important role in the matrix degradation cascade associated with Achilles tendon rupture and disease. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of daily administration of doxycycline (Doxy) through oral gavage on MMP activity and on the repair quality of Achilles tendons in vivo. Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon transection resulted in increasing MMP‐8 activity from 2 to 6 weeks post‐injury, with peak increases in activity occurring at 4 weeks post‐injury. Doxy adiministration at clinically relevant serum concentrations was found to significantly inhibit MMP activity after continuous treatment for 4 weeks, but not for continuous administration for shorter durations (96 h or 2 weeks). Extended doxy administration was also associated with improved collagen fibril organization, and enhanced biomechanical properties (stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, maximum load to failure, and elastic toughness). Our findings indicate that a temporal delay exists between Achilles tendon transection and associated increases in MMP‐8 activity in situ. Our findings suggest that inhibition of MMP‐8 at its peak activity levels ameliorates fibrosis development and improves biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:500–506, 2014.     

Conservative Treatment of Fresh Subcutaneous Rupture of the Achilles Tendon

Twelve patients with rupture of the Achilles tendon were successfully treated with immobilization in plaster for 8 weeks and with raised shoe-heels for 4 weeks. The results are discussed in the light of earlier literature on surgical versus conservative treatment.     

Achilles tendon pathology: the role of ultrasonography

Abstract Today the Achilles tendinopathies can be diagnosed early by means of sonography, which is non invasive, easy to perform, pratically ubiquitous, economic, precise, repeatable, specific and sensitive. The purpose of this retrospective study was to verify the usefulness of sonography in the diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathies in 158 cases (105 patients). The sonograms revealed 67 cases of tendinosis with peritendinitis, 40 cases of peritendinitis and 30 cases of tendinosis; 21 Achilles tendons with achillodynia had normal sonograms. The results confirm that sonography is a rapid, safe and accurate means of verifying the extension and location of tendinous lesions, as well as the severity of intratendinous degeneration. During the acute phase of inflammatory Achilles tendinopathy, sonography reveals early peritendinous alterations; in chronic forms with intratendinous degeneration, it shows the loss of the normal anatomy of the tendon, which increases in volume, takes on a spindle-like and rounded appearance, and loses its normal oval shape in transversal sections. Sonography also consents to follow the evolution of tendinopathies during treatment, allowing the therapy to be modified in the absence of improvement and providing instrumental confirmation of treatment.     

ACHILLON微创治疗新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂的疗效观察

目的通过对治疗效果和并发症的观察,介绍并评价采用ACHILLON微创治疗急性闭合性跟腱断裂的临床效果。方法2009年6月至2010年6月间治疗跟腱断裂的患者13名,微创暴露跟腱断端,清除断端的瘢痕和血凝块,梳理对合两断端,采用ACHILLON吻合跟腱。术后常规随访,随访时间5～7个月,平均6个月。应用Arner—Lindholm疗效评定标准对术后效果进行评定。结果对所有13例患者按Arner—Lindholm疗效评定标准进行评定,其中优11例,良2例。无感染发生。术后MRI显示,全部患者的跟腱得到了良好修复,跟腱断端连续性好,瘢痕小。结论采用ACHILLON微创修复急性闭合性跟腱断裂可有效保护跟腱血运,具有创伤小、术后并发症少的优点。     

Platelet-Rich Plasma in acute Achilles tendon ruptures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPlatelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is known to exert multi-directional biological effects favouring tendon healing. However, conclusions drawn by numerous studies on its clinical efficacy for acute Achilles tendon rupture are limited. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this and to compare to those without PRP treatment.MethodsThe Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, Pubmed, Medline and Embase were used and assessed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria with the following search terms: (‘plasma’ OR ‘platelet-rich’ OR ‘platelet-rich plasma’ or ‘PRP’) AND (‘Achilles tendon rupture/tear’ OR ‘calcaneal tendon rupture/tear’ OR ‘tendo calcaneus rupture/tear’). Data pertaining to biomechanical outcomes (heel endurance test, isokinetic strength, calf-circumference and range of motion), patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and incidence of re-ruptures were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed for same outcomes measured in at least three studies. Pooled outcome data were analysed by random- and fixed-effects models.ResultsAfter abstract and full-text screening, 6 studies were included. In total there were 510 patients of which 256 had local PRP injection and 254 without. The average age was 41.6 years, mean time from injury to treatment 5.9 days and mean follow-up at 61 weeks. Biomechanically, there was similar heel endurance, isokinetic strength, calf circumference and range of motion between both groups. In general, there were no differences in patient reported outcomes from all scoring systems used in the studies. Both groups returned to their pre-injured level at a similar time and there were no differences on the incidence of re-rupture (OR 1.13, 95% CI, 0.46–2.80, p = 0.79).ConclusionPRP injections for acute Achilles tendon ruptures do not improve medium to long-term biomechanical and clinical outcomes. However, future studies incorporating the ideal application and biological composition of PRP are required to investigate its true clinical efficacy.     

应用(足母) 长屈肌腱加用跖肌腱加固重建陈旧性跟腱断裂

1999年6月-2004年3月采用长屈肌腱(FHL)加用跖肌腱加固治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂13例,现报告如下。1临床资料本组13例,男10例,女3例;年龄23~57岁,平均37·4岁;左侧8例,右侧5例;病程28~147d,平均78d。致伤原因:运动伤11例,切割伤2例。4例经手术修复后再断裂。伤后未处理1例。临床表现:13例均主诉踝跖屈提踵无力,其中8例足跟痛,跛行。体检:跟腱断裂处凹陷,Thompsom试验9例阳性,3例可疑,1例阴性。对可疑者行MRI检查。2手术方法手术采用硬膜外麻醉,俯卧,在气压止血带下进行。沿跟腱内侧S形切口,显露跟腱断端及跖肌腱。术中见残端均为瘢痕组织,充…     

应用(足母)长屈肌腱加用跖肌腱加固重建陈旧性跟腱断裂

1999年6月-2004年3月采用（足母）长屈肌腱（FHL）加用跖肌腱加固治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂13例,现报告如下。     

闭合性跟腱断裂微创腱皮缝合的远期疗效观察

[目的]通过对长期疗效和可能并发症的观察,介绍并评价微创腱皮缝合术治疗急性闭合性跟腱断裂的临床效果。[方法]自1996年1月～2005年4月间,随机选取跟腱断裂的患者28名,经术前查体和MRI证实,均为新鲜完全性闭合性跟腱断裂。首先微创暴露跟腱断端,清除断端的瘢痕和血凝块,梳理对合两断端,在皮外经跟腱断端以远健康部位做减张缝合。患者常规术后随访,平均随访4年（1～7年）。随访包括常规的临床评价和术后MRI检查,并应用Arner-Lindholm疗效评定标准对术后效果进行评定。其中2例未能按时随访。[结果]对所有26例患者,按Arner-Lindholm疗效评定标准进行评定,其中优19例,良6例,差1例,优良率为97%,无感染发生,再断裂1例,为长期局部类固醇封闭患者。术后MRI显示,全部患者的跟腱得到了良好的修复,跟腱断端连续性好,疤痕小。[结论]通过长期随访,微创腱皮缝合是一种修复急性闭合性跟腱断裂较好的方法,具有创伤小,有效保护跟腱血运,术后并发症少的优点。     

TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法修补陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的 探讨TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法修补陈旧性跟腱断裂的临床疗效.方法 采用TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法修补陈旧性跟腱断裂患者11例,术中用改良Kessler法对位缝合跟腱断端,再用2枚TwinFix带线锚钉辅助固定断裂跟腱.术后予患侧下肢屈膝90°、踝跖屈30°位长腿石膏托固定,3周后改踝跖屈石膏托固定.结果 11例均获随访,时间3～18个月.患者均未发生切口延期愈合、感染、皮肤坏死和跟腱再断裂等并发症.采用Arner-Lindholm评分标准评价疗效:优7例,良3例,差1例.结论 TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法手术操作简便,是修补陈旧性跟腱断裂的有效方法.     

跟腱断裂术后并发症的预防及原因分析

目的对跟腱断裂术后并发症的原因、治疗及预防措施进行分析总结,指导临床,以期做到从术前即开始预防跟腱断裂术后并发症。方法我院2006年2月至2009年12月手术治疗跟腱断裂患者82例,其中男56例,女13例,年龄25～63岁,均采用跟腱内侧纵行切口,kessler方法缝合。结果本组69例获得随访,随访时间11～37个月,平均25.6个月。按A rnerL indho lm评分标准评定,优56例,良11例,差2例,优良率为97.1%。术后切口愈合不良5例,切口感染2例,跟腱再断裂2例。结论跟腱断裂手术疗效取决于准确的早期诊断、正确而且微创的手术操作和规范的康复训练。     

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

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

跟腱旁小切口克氏针内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折

目的探讨跟腱旁小切口克氏针内固定治疗跟骨骨折的临床疗效。方法手术治疗71例跟骨骨折患者（82足）,其中治疗组38例（39足）给予跟腱旁小切口、交叉克氏针内固定,对照组33例（43足）给予跟骨外侧L形切口、跟骨钢板内固定。比较两组的切口愈合时间、切口并发症发生率、末次随访AOFOS评分、Bhler角改变、Gissane角改变。结果 71例均获随访,时间8～28（14.6±1.2）个月。并发症：治疗组切口延迟愈合2足;对照组切口延迟愈合3足,创缘坏死2足,浅表感染1足。治疗组的手术切口并发症明显少于对照组（P〈0.05）。两组手术切口愈合时间、Bhler角及Gissane角、末次随访AOFOS评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论跟腱旁小切口克氏针内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折疗效肯定,切口并发症少。     

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。     

Pulsed ultrasound treatment accelerates the repair of Achilles tendon rupture in rats.

A rat tenotomy model was used to investigate the effect of combined conservative management and pulsed ultrasound (PUS) on the repair of tenotomized Achilles tendon. Hemitenotomy of right medial Achilles tendon was performed in 48 rats without suture, and patella tenotomy was performed to mimic immobilization and limb disuse of an injured limb. PUS and sham PUS were applied to the healing wound for the treatment group and control group for 5 min, 3 times per week for 2 or 4 weeks, respectively. Tensile tests showed that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and stiffness of the repaired tendon in the treatment group at 2 weeks reached 48.92+/-8.39% and 62.48+/-32.46% of the contralateral normal tendon strength, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (UTS, 30.36+/-15.46%; stiffness, 33.90+/-17.59; p<0.05). At 4 weeks, UTS increased to 77.09+/-15.31% and stiffness to 92.48+/-31.12% in the treatment group, significantly higher than those in the control group (UTS, 54.33+/-18.40%, p<0.01; stiffness, 65.02+/-25.48%, p<0.05). Light microscopy revealed more regular, denser, and better aligned collagen fibers in the healing scar of the PUS-treated healing tendons. The findings suggested that PUS were able to accelerate the healing of the ruptured tendons.     

血友病性跟腱挛缩症的外科治疗

背景：血友病性跟腱挛缩症是血友病的常见下肢合并症,可导致下肢不等长、活动受限等症状。在全面的围手术期凝血因子替代治疗下手术矫正跟腱挛缩可极大改善患者的生活质量。目的：探讨外科治疗血友病性跟腱挛缩症的围术期处理方法、术式选择及疗效。方法：回顾性分析1998年6月至2014年2月收治的血友病性跟腱挛缩患者15例（15足）,均为男性;年龄18~41岁,平均24.6岁;左侧7例,右侧8例。其中甲型血友病11例,乙型血友病4例。病程11~84个月,平均30.2个月。术前根据美国矫形足踝协会（AOFAS）评分为（41.2±20.1）分,简明健康调查量表（SF-36量表）评分总分为（41.4±17.7）分。入院后行凝血因子预试验,制定围术期凝血因子替代治疗方案,均行跟腱Z型延长术。结果：手术时间55~75 min,平均61 min;术中使用止血带,出血量均〈20 ml,围术期均未输异体血。术后14例手术切口Ⅰ期愈合,1例伤口裂开,经换药后3周愈合。术后无感染、下肢深静脉血栓形成、神经损伤等并发症发生。患者均获得随访,随访时间为6个月~15年5个月,平均21个月。术后3个月及6个月随访时,AOFAS评分分别为（77.8±16.7）分和（79.8±12.5）分,SF-36量表评分分别为（73.6±13.8）分和（77.7±11.2）分,与术前相比均有统计学差异（P〈0.05）;术后3个月与术后6个月比较均无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。结论：手术治疗可以纠正血友病性跟腱挛缩患者的马蹄足畸形,改善足部负重及行走功能。术前行凝血因子预试验、围手术期行凝血因子替代治疗可降低术后大出血的发生率。     

TWINFIX TI QUICK-T锚钉治疗跟腱止点撕脱的临床研究

目的应用TWINFIX TI QUICK-T治疗跟腱止点撕脱伤,评价其疗效,为临床治疗提供参考。方法 2007年9月至2010年5月采用TWINFIX TI QUICK-T锚钉治疗跟腱止点撕脱伤16例,男10例,女6例;平均44.7岁。左侧7例,右侧9例。按AOFAS踝与后足功能评分标准评价疗效。结果随访6～24个月,平均13个月。术后无一例出现缝线裂开、切口感染、主要血管及神经损伤、内固定失效等并发症,术后恢复正常解剖关系及外观,踝关节功能恢复满意。本组16例,优12例,良2例,可2例,优良率87.5%。结论利用TWINFIX TI QUICK-T锚钉治疗跟腱止点撕脱是一种合理有效的方法,这种技术不仅能有效地对抗小腿三头肌的牵拉,还有利于术后踝关节早期功能锻炼及更好地恢复功能。     

连续Z形切口在跟腱断裂术中的应用

正2010年1月~2014年5月,我科采用跟腱连续Z形切口、V-Y成形减张缝合治疗18例急性跟腱闭合性断裂患者,疗效满意,报道如下。1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组18例,男14例,女4例,年龄21~53岁。均为新鲜闭合损伤。受伤至手术时间为1~8 d。1.2治疗方法硬膜外麻醉。以跟腱     

阔筋膜移植治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的总结采用阔筋膜移植治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的疗效。方法对16例患者采用阔筋膜移植修复陈旧性跟腱断裂并随访。结果全部病例均经2～3年,平均28个月的随访,按Arner—Lindhohm评定标准判定,优12例,良3例,差1例,临床优良率达93．8％。结论阔筋膜移植治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂是一种效果较好的方法。     

Wound management with negative pressure wound therapy in postoperative infection after open reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon rupture

IntroductionDeep infection after reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon rupture is a major and intractable complication.Case reportWe report a case of late deep infection following a surgery for chronic Achilles tendon rupture, and its simple and successful treatment with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Six months following the reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon rupture, a deep infection developed and reconstructed part of the tendon ruptured again. After appropriate debridement.DiscussionThere is no definitive treatment strategy for postoperative infection following open Achilles tendon repair. NPWT was applied to the wound, to promote wound healing and healthy granulation. In our case, NPWT promoted the wound healing and the infected Achilles tendon with tendon loss formed a healthy bridge with granulation tissue spontaneously. The patient resumed her normal activities of daily living, without requiring tendon transfer surgery. NPWT seems to be a simple and successful candidate for this situation.ConclusionNPWT seems to be effective for the treatment of postoperative infection following Achilles tendon repair, even in cases of tendon loss.     

Evolution of the Achilles tendon: The athlete's Achilles heel?

The Achilles tendon is believed to have first developed two million years ago enabling humans to run twice as fast. However if the Achilles tendon is so important in terms of evolution, then why is this tendon so prone to injury – especially for those more active like athletes. The Achilles tendon had an integral role in evolving apes from a herbivorous diet to early humans who started hunting for food over longer distances, resulting in bipedal locomotion. Evolutionary advantages of the Achilles tendon includes it being the strongest tendon in the body, having an energy-saving mechanism for fast locomotion, allows humans to jump and run, and additionally is a spring and shock absorber during gait. Considering these benefits it is therefore not surprising that studies have shown athletes have thicker Achilles tendons than subjects who are less active. However, contradictory to these findings that show the importance of the Achilles tendon for athletes, it is well known that obtaining an Achilles tendon injury for an athlete can be career-altering. A disadvantage of the Achilles tendon is that the aetiology of its pathology is complicated. Achilles tendon ruptures are believed to be caused by overloading the tensed tendon, like during sports. However studies have also shown athlete Achilles tendon ruptures to have degenerative changes in the tendon. Other flaws of the Achilles tendon are its non-uniform vascularity and incomplete repair system which may suggest the Achilles tendon is on the edge of evolution. Research has shown that there is a genetic influence on the predisposition a person has towards Achilles tendon injuries. So if this tendon is here to stay in our anatomy, and it probably is due to the slow rate of evolution in humans, research in genetic modification could be used to decrease athletes’ predisposition to Achilles tendinopathy.