富血小板血浆对大鼠跟腱断裂早期愈合的影响

目的富血小板血浆(platelet-rich plasma,PRP)具有促进损伤组织修复作用。通过观察PRP局部注射对大鼠跟腱断裂早期愈合的影响,为临床应用提供实验依据。方法 SPF级SD大鼠46只,雌雄不限,体重190～240 g。取10只大鼠心脏动脉血制备PRP及贫血小板血浆(platelet-poor plasma,PPP);其余36只随机分为3组(n=12),分别为空白对照组、PPP组及PRP组。大鼠制备双侧跟腱断裂模型后,PPP组和PRP组跟腱周围局部对应注射PPP及PRP,每侧100μL,每周1次至处死;空白对照组不作处理。术后观察大鼠一般情况,于1、2、3、4周取双侧跟腱,行大体、组织学及免疫组织化学染色观察,测量新生跟腱Ⅰ型胶原纤维含量;并于4周行生物力学测试。结果大鼠均存活至实验完成。随着时间延长,各组大鼠跟腱水肿逐渐减退,滑动性逐渐改善;术后3周内各组跟腱粘连逐渐加重,4周时减轻,1、4周时各组跟腱粘连程度分级差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后1周PRP组炎性细胞浸润、毛细血管及胶原纤维增殖较空白对照组、PPP组明显,之后炎性反应及毛细血管生成逐渐减少。各时间点各组均可见Ⅰ型胶原纤维阳性表达,术后1、2、3周PRP组Ⅰ型胶原纤维阳性密度值多于空白对照组和PPP组(P<0.05),4周时3组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。生物力学测试:术后4周3组跟腱最大滑动距离比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);PRP组跟腱弹性模量及最大抗拉力明显高于空白对照组及PPP组(P<0.05)。结论大鼠跟腱断裂早期于断端周围注射PRP能促进跟腱愈合。     

Achilles tendon healing: long-term biomechanical effects of postoperative mobilization and immobilization in a new mouse model.

The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of postoperative immobilization as opposed to mobilization on the biomechanical attributes of healing Achilles tendons in a new experimental mouse model. In 114 Balb-C-mice the left Achilles tendon was transected and sutured by the Kirchmayr-Kessler technique. The tendons healed either under postoperative immobilization effected by fixing the upper ankle joint in equinus position or under mobilization through a limited range of movement. The contralateral Achilles tendons served as internal control. All tendons were tested biomechanically at short intervals up to the 112th postoperative day in terms of load to failure [N], tendon deflection [mm] and tendon stiffness [N/mm], and were evaluated histologically after 8 and 112 days. Postoperative mobilization resulted in a continuous and significantly more rapid restoration of load to failure in comparison to the immobilization group. Tendon deflection was decreased by postoperative mobilization, whereas under immobilization it paradoxically increased still further in the later course. After 112 days the tendons of the mobilization group had regained their original tendon stiffness, whereas the tendons after immobilization reached only about half the values seen in the control tendons. Histologically, postoperative mobilization led to increased immigration of inflammatory cells in the early phase. In the late phase, as compared to immobilization, tendon structure was more mature, with fibre bundles arranged in parallel and interposed tendocytes. Tensile loading of the healing tendon by postoperative mobilization leads to fundamental changes in the biological process of tendon healing resulting in accelerated restoration of load to failure and reduced tendon deflection.     

VGluT2 expression in painful Achilles and patellar tendinosis: Evidence of local glutamate release by tenocytes

The pathogenesis of chronic tendinopathy is unclear. We have previously measured high intratendinous levels of glutamate in patients with tendinosis, suggesting potential roles of glutamate in the modulation of pain, vascular function, and degenerative changes including apoptosis of tenocytes. However, the origin of free glutamate found in tendon tissue is completely unknown. Surgical biopsies of pain‐free normal tendons and tendinosis tendons (Achilles and patellar) were examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluT1 and VGluT2), as indirect markers of glutamate release. In situ hybridization for VGluT2 mRNA was also conducted. Specific immunoreactions for VGluT2, but not VGluT1, could be consistently detected in tenocytes. However, there were interindividual variations in the levels of immunoreactivity. The level of immunoreaction for VGluT2 was higher in tendinosis tendons compared to normal tendons (p < 0.05). In situ hybridization of VGluT2 demonstrated that mRNA was localized in a similar pattern as the protein, with marked expression by certain tenocytes, particularly those showing abnormal appearances. Reactivity for VGluT1 and ‐2 was absent from nerves and vessel structures in both normal and painful tendons. The current data demonstrate that tenocytes may be involved in the regulation of extracellular glutamate levels in tendons. Specifically, the observations suggest that free glutamate may be locally produced and released by tenocytes, rather than by peripheral neurons. Excessive free glutamate is expected to impact a variety of autocrine and paracrine functions important in the development of tendinosis, including tenocyte proliferation and apoptosis, extracellular matrix metabolism, nociception, and blood flow. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:685–692, 2008     

High-dose vitamin C supplementation accelerates the Achilles tendon healing in healthy rats

Introduction  This experimental study was performed to assess, whether or not, vitamin C, required during the collagen synthesis, would influence the Achilles tendon healing in a healthy rat model. Materials and methods  The right Achilles tendons of 42 healthy female Wistar Albino rats were completely ruptured. The rats were randomly divided into the vitamin C and control groups and both groups included third, tenth and twenty-first day subgroups. One hundred and fifty milligrams (1.5 cc) of vitamin C and 1.5 cc % 0.9 NaCl were injected once for every 2 days for the vitamin C and control groups, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative microscopic comparisons of the repair tissues of both groups were made on the mentioned days. Results  Angiogenesis was more evident on the third day in the vitamin C group. There was a significant difference between the control and vitamin C groups regarding the type I collagen production on the tenth day. The structure of the repair tissue was almost in the form of regular dense connective tissue at the end of twenty-first day in the vitamin C group. Mean collagen fiber diameter was considerably higher, and the number of active fibroblasts in the repair tissue was slightly elevated in the vitamin C group during the entire healing process. Conclusion  High-dose vitamin C supplementation once for every 2 days has stimulating effects on the Achilles tendon healing because of early angiogenesis and increased collagen synthesis in a healthy rat model. Further studies are needed to make clear the mentioned encouraging effects of the vitamin C on the Achilles tendon healing. Gazi University Scientific Research Project Foundation provided the financial support for this study (project no. 01/2003-01).     

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.     

Joint immobilization reduces the expression of sensory neuropeptide receptors and impairs healing after tendon rupture in a rat model

Healing after mobilization versus immobilization was assessed in a model of rat Achilles tendon rupture, by RT‐PCR at 8 and 17 days and by histological analyses at 14 and 28 days postrupture. The expression of mRNA for extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules (collagen type I and type III, versican, decorin, and biglycan), and the subjective histological maturation of the healing area were analyzed. Effects of immobilization on healing were related to changes in the peripheral expression of substance P (NK₁)‐ and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CRLR and RAMP‐1)‐ receptors. At 8 days postinjury, mRNA levels for ECM molecules were equal in both groups. However, by day 17, the ECM mRNA expression in the mobilized group had increased up to ～14× that of the immobilized group, which were comparable to intact tendon values. Histological analysis confirmed a higher regenerating activity in the mobilized group, with an increased amount of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and new collagen. The expression of sensory neuropeptide receptors in the mobilized group exhibited a significant increase from 8 to 17 days postinjury similar to the increased ECM mRNA expression, whereas the immobilized group at 17 days exhibited levels comparable to the intact tendon values. Therefore, immobilization postrupture appears to hamper tendon healing, a process which may prove to be directly linked to a downregulated peripheral sensitivity to sensory neuropeptide stimulation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:274–280, 2009     

Biomechanical and histologic comparison of Achilles tendon ruptures reinforced with intratendinous and peritendinous plantaris tendon grafts in rabbits: an experimental study

Introduction We hypothesized that the closer the reinforcing graft was to the repair zone, the more strength the healed tendon would achieved. Therefore, we compared the ruptured rabbit Achilles tendons reinforced with intratendinous and peritendinous plantaris grafts.Materials and methods The experimental study was performed on Achilles tendons of 20 rabbits. First, they were divided into two groups: group I (n=10) underwent intratendinous graft and end-to-end tenorraphy, and group P (n=10) were repaired end-to-end and then reinforced with a peritendinous plantaris graft. An above-knee cast was applied during 6 weeks postoperatively. The two groups were compared to each other biomechanically and histologically. Seven randomly selected rabbits from each group were used for biomechanical evaluation. The remaining six rabbits (three from each group) were used for histologic comparison. Non-operated sides (n=20) served as the control group.Results The mean maximum load at rupture of the repaired and control groups was 159.9±31 N, 83±7.5 N, and 207.5±35 N for group I, group P, and the control group, respectively. Values between groups were significantly different considering maximum load and absorbed energy to rupture. There was no significant difference between groups I and P in respect to strain. Control group tendons (groups I-C and P-C) had significantly more lengthening capability than operated tendons. Macroscopically, group I tendons were thicker and stiffer than group P tendons. Histologically, differences between the group I and group P specimens revealed that the healing process was faster in tendons augmented intratendinously.Conclusions In reinforcing Achilles tendon repair, the site of the tendon graft affected the result. When the graft was used intratendinously, the healed tendon was more similar biomechanically to normal tendon and had more graft-tendon orientation histologically than the tendon augmented peritendinously.This study was performed at the Biomechanic Laboratory of Middle East Technical University (METU) and Animal Experimental Research Laboratory of Osmangazi University in Turkey. The experiments comply with the current law of our country     

腓肠肌腱膜松解联合跟腱断端瘢痕组织缝合治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的:探讨腓肠肌腱膜松解后跟腱断端瘢痕组织缝合治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年12月收治的17例陈旧性跟腱断裂患者的临床资料,其中男15例,女2例,年龄26～53(35.2±11.6)岁,受伤至手术时间37～92(49.3±13.3)d.Myerson分型Ⅱ型6例,Ⅲ型11例.术...     

Physical activity modulates nerve plasticity and stimulates repair after Achilles tendon rupture.

In a rat model of tendon rupture using semiquantitative methodology, healing was assessed according to the diameter of newly organized collagen and the occurrence of the sensory neuropeptides (SP, CGRP) in relation to different levels of physical activity. Normally, innervation of the Achilles tendon is confined to the paratenon. After rupture new nerve fibers grow into the tendon proper, but disappear after healing. In a first experiment to establish peak tissue and nerve regeneration after rupture, tendon tissues from freely moving rats were collected consecutively over 16 weeks. A peak increase in organized collagen and nerve ingrowth was observed between week 2 to 4 post rupture. Therefore, in a second experiment week 4 was chosen to assess the effect of physical activity on tendon healing in three groups of rats, that is, wheel running, plaster treated, and freely moving (controls). In the wheel-running group, the diameter of newly organized collagen was 94% ( p = 0.001) greater than that in the plaster-treated group and 48% ( p = 0.02) greater than that in the controls. Inversely, the neuronal occurrence of CGRP in the tendon proper was 57% ( p = 0.02) lower in the wheel-running group than that in the plaster-treated group and 53% ( p = 0.02) lower than that in the controls, suggesting an earlier neuronal in-growth and disappearance in the more active group. Physical activity speeds up tendon healing, which may prove to be linked to accelerated neuronal plasticity.     

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。     

新式跟腱延长术治疗儿童马蹄足

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

Peroneus Brevis flap in Achilles tendon reconstruction. Clinical,radiological and functional analysis

BackgroundWe would like to describe our experience with Peroneus Brevis flap in complicated Achilles tendon re-ruptures with fringed stumps.MethodsEight patients with monolateral re-rupture of Achilles tendon were selected as eligible for surgical repair with Peroneus Brevis flap. Patients’ outcome was evaluated clinically (ATRS and ROM), functionally (Gait analysis) and MRI was performed before and after surgery.ResultsEffective coverage of tissue defect was reached in all patients. Functional assessment evaluation results were registered in a follow-up time that ranged from 12 to 18 months. ATRS and ROM tests’ results showed good functional recovery without functional limitations or subjective reports pain. Post-operative MRI showed no signs of inflammation or tissue gaps. Gait analysis showed a partial reduction of performance in the affected side that did not affect patients’ quality of life.ConclusionsIn the presence of fringed stumps in Achilles tendon re-rupture, tendon flaps have the benefits of autologous tissues transfers and present less risks of failure than free flaps. Among them, Peroneus Brevis flap is easy to perform and leads to donor site’s low morbidity. Our preliminary experience provides support for this technique to be potentially validated in larger more controlled trial.     

Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth.

In studies intended to improve healing of transected Achilles tendon, effective was a stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, M.W. 1419). Currently in clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease (PLD-116, PL 14736, Pliva), it ameliorates internal and external wound healing. In rats, the right Achilles tendon transected (5 mm proximal to its calcaneal insertion) presents with a large tendon defect between cut ends. Agents (/kg b.w., i.p., once time daily) (BPC 157 (dissolved in saline, with no carrier addition) (10 microg, 10 ng or 10 pg) or saline (5.0 ml)), were firstly applied at 30 min after surgery, the last application at 24 h before autopsy. Achilles functional index (AFI) was assessed once time daily. Biomechanical, microscopical and macroscopical assessment was on day 1, 4, 7, 10 and 14. Controls generally have severely compromised healing. In comparison, pentadecapeptide BPC 157 fully improves recovery: (i) biomechanically, increased load of failure, load of failure per area and Young's modulus of elasticity; (ii) functionally, significantly higher AFI-values; (iii) microscopically, more mononuclears and less granulocytes, superior formation of fibroblasts, reticulin and collagen; (iv) macroscopically, smaller size and depth of tendon defect, and subsequently the reestablishment of full tendon integrity. Likewise, unlike TGF-beta, pentadecapeptide BPC 157, presenting with no effect on the growth of cultured cell of its own, consistently opposed 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a negative modulator of the growth. HNE-effect is opposed in both combinations: BPC 157+HNE (HNE growth inhibiting effect reversed into growth stimulation of cultured tendocytes) and HNE+BPC 157(abolished inhibiting activity of the aldehyde), both in the presence of serum and serum deprived conditions. In conclusion, these findings, particularly, Achilles tendon transection fully recovered in rats, peptide stability suitable delivery, usefully favor gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in future Achilles tendon therapy.     

Tendon allograft for treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture: A systematic review

BackgroundTo summarize available evidence and determine if tendon allograft is an effective treatment for chronic Achilles tendon rupture.MethodsA search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Database from 1960 to April 2017 to identify relevant articles. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify all eligible articles.ResultsTotal 186 articles were identified through our systematic search. Of these, 9 publications met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were case reports; three were case series; and one were expert opinion. Of a total 35 patients, 34 underwent Achilles tendon allograft repair and 1 peroneus brevis tendon allograft reconstruction. All patients experienced good clinical and functional results, but most reports used non-validated outcome measures.ConclusionsThe evidence suggests that tendon allograft offers favorable outcomes in patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture. However, randomized controlled trials which use validated functional outcome measures are required to determine effectiveness of this intervention.Level of evidence: Level V, systematic review of Level IV and V studies.     

Gait analysis combined with the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3 and CREB during Achilles tendon healing in rat

PurposeTo observe the changes of gait behavior and the expression of wound healing factors of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β3 and cAMP response element binding protein-1 (CREB-1) during the healing of Achilles tendon in a rat model, and to investigate whether gait analysis can be used to evaluate the tendon healing.MethodsAchilles tendon of 40 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were transected and sutured to establish the Achilles tendon injury (ATI) model. They were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the observational time point at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after injury (n = 10 for each group). Before modeling, 9 rats were randomly selected for CatWalk gait analysis, which contained step cycle, single stance time and average speed. Data were recorded as the normal controls. After then, ATI models were established in the left hind limbs of the all 40 rats (ATI group), while the right hind limbs were only cut and sutured without injury of the Achilles tendon (sham operation group). At 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after injury, the gait behavior of the corresponding group of rats (n = 9) as observed and recorded by CatWalk platform. After then, the rats were sacrificed and Achilles tendon of both limbs was harvested. The tendon healing was observed by gross anatomy and histological examination, and the protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The results of tendon gross grading were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, and other data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance among multiple groups.ResultsCompared with normal controls, all gait indexes (step cycle, single stance time and average speed) were greatly affected following ATI, which however improved with time. The step cycle was significantly lower at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after ATI (compared with normal controls, all p < 0.05), but almost returned to the normal level at 6 weeks ((0.694 ± 0.102) vs. (0.503 ± 0.094) s, p > 0.05). The single stance time of the ATI group was significantly shorter at 1 and 2 weeks after operation ((0.078 ± 0.010) s at 1 week, (0.078 ± 0.020) s at 2 weeks, all p < 0.001) and revealed no significant difference at 4 weeks (p = 0.120). The average speed of ATI group at 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (all p < 0.001).Gross observation showed that the grade of local scar adhesion in ATI group increased significantly at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, compared with the sham operation group (all p < 0.001). Extensive adhesion was formed at 6 weeks after ATI. The results of HE staining showed that the number of fibroblast increased gradually and arranged more orderly in ATI group at 1, 2 and 4 weeks (all p < 0.001), and decreased at 6 weeks, but it was still significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 in ATI group was higher than that in the sham operation group at 4 time points (all p < 0.05), which reached the peak at 2 weeks after operation and decreased at 4 weeks (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). The results of qPCR suggested that the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 in ATI group was higher than that in the sham operation group at all-time points (all p < 0.05), which reached the peak at 2 weeks after operation, decreased at 4 weeks, and significantly decreased at 6 weeks (all p < 0.001).ConclusionGait behavior indexes are associated with Achilles tendon healing. The study gives an insight of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 changes in the coursing of Achilles tendon healing and these cytokines may be able to be used to regulate the Achilles tendon healing.     

急性闭合性跟腱断裂跟腱病理改变与超微结构研究

目的:探讨急性闭合性断裂跟腱组织形态学与超微结构变化.方法:回顾分析2015年1月至2019年1月采用跟腱微创缝合技术治疗的急性跟腱断裂患者35例,其中急性开放性跟腱断裂12例,男10例,女2例,年龄19～50(35.1±9.7)岁,受伤至手术时间2～8(5.6±1.8)h.急性闭合性跟腱断裂23例,男21例,女2例,...     

Reconstruction of iatrogenic skin defects of the Achilles tendon region: an analysis of 25 consecutive patients

Achilles tendon surgery is quite common, typical indications being acute tendon rupture and chronic tendinitis. Post-operative wound infection or skin necrosis occurs in 2.4–5% of these operations. Soft tissue reconstruction of the Achilles tendon region presents a challenge due to the limited amount of local tissue available. We interviewed 25 consecutive patients with a post-operative skin defect, caused by infection or skin necrosis, after Achilles tendon surgery at mean 30 (range 6–56) months after reconstructive surgery. Of the patients 12 had acute tendon rupture and 13 had chronic tendinitis. The method of reconstruction after debridement was direct closure in one, total revision of the tendon and free skin graft in four, local flap in three, bipedicle skin flap in 10 and free microvascular flap in seven. All patients healed without event, however the patients whose reconstruction was done with a free flap had a somewhat slower return to work (mean 2.25 months vs 1.9 months) and had, after physical activity, pain in the operated area. We conclude that the type of soft tissue reconstruction in the Achilles area should depend on the size and shape of the defect as well as the general health of the patient.An invited commentary to this paper can be found at     

The incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing surgery for acute Achilles tendon ruptures

Background

This retrospective analysis was prompted by the authors’ observation of the relatively high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

Method

88 patients were treated surgically for an acute Achilles tendon rupture. No prophylactic anticoagulation was given to any patients. The incidence of VTE was then reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Five patients developed symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (5,7%) and one a near-fatal pulmonary embolus (1.1%). There were no major bleeding or cardiovascular adverse events. One patient developed a thrombus of the lesser saphenous vein (1.1%) and there was one superficial sepsis (1.1%). A temporary peroneal nerve palsy occurred in one patient (1.1%). There were two re-ruptures (2.3%).

Conclusion

There is no doubt that thromboprophylaxis must be given to the high risk patient and is also recommended for major orthopaedic surgery. Limited data is available for the use of thromboprophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery. In light of the unacceptably high incidence of venous thromboembolism in this study, the authors suggest that routine venous thromboembolism prophylaxis should be considered for these patients.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, Level III (retrospective study).