Treatment of acute achilles tendon rupture with the panda rope bridge technique

IntroductionAlthough nonsurgical methods and many surgical techniques have been developed for repairing a ruptured Achilles tendon, there is no consensus on its best treatment. In this article, a novel minimally invasive technique called the Panda Rope Bridge Technique (PRBT) is described.MethodsPatient with acute Achilles tendon rupture was operated on in the prone position. The PRBT begin with making the proximal bridge anchor (Krackow sutures in the myotendinous junction), the distal bridge anchor (two suture anchors in the calcaneus bone) and the ropes (threads of the suture anchors) stretched between the anchor sites. Then a small incision was made to debride and reattach the stumps of ruptured tendon. After the surgery, no cast or splint fixation was applied. All patients performed enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), which included immediate ankle mobilisation from day 1, full weight-bearing walking from day 5 to 7, and gradually take part in athletic exercises from 8 weeks postoperatively.ResultsPBRT was performed in 11patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture between June 2012 and June 2015. No wound infection, fistula, skin necrosis, sural nerve damage, deep venous thrombosis or tendon re-rupture was found. One year after the surgery, all patients reported 100 AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score points and the mean ATRS was 96.6.ConclusionThe PRBT is a simple, effective and minimally invasive technique, with no need for immobilisation of the ankle, making possible immediate and aggressive postoperative rehabilitation.     

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.     

Long-term follow-up after acute achilles tendon rupture — Does treatment strategy influence functional outcomes?

BackgroundPatients struggle to fully recover after an Achilles tendon rupture. Although several studies has investigated surgical and non-surgical treatment, the best treatment is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term patient-reported outcomes and objective measures 4 years after acute Achilles tendon rupture and compare whether outcomes differed between patients treated on basis of the previous regimen preferring surgical treatment and the new regimen preferring functional rehabilitation.MethodsAchilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), number of re-ruptures and the objective measures; Achilles tendon resting angle, calf circumference, heel-rise height, and muscle endurance were measured at a 4-year follow-up. Patients were recruited from Aalborg University Hospital.ResultsSeventy-six patients were included (29% female). The mean ATRS was 71.4 (95% CI: 65.8 to 77.1) at 4 years follow-up. No difference in ATRS was observed between Previous regimen and New regimen at any timepoint (time x group interaction, (p = 0.851). The injured side was still significantly impaired compared with the non-injured side in terms of all objective measures. Impairments in objective measures were not dependent on the preferred treatment strategy.ConclusionsPatient reported impairments and objective functional deficits persist 4 years after an acute Achilles tendon rupture. No differences in patient reported outcome or objective measures at the 4 years follow-up was observed between the old treatment regimen preferring surgery compared with the new treatment regimen preferring functional rehabilitation.     

The improved oval forceps suture-guiding method for minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair

ObjectiveTo discuss the effect and advantage of the improved oval forceps suture-guiding method combined with anchor nail in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.MethodsA retrospective research was performed on 35 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with the improved oval forceps suture-guiding method from January 2013 to October 2016. Instead of the Achillon device, we perform the Achillon technique with the use of simple oval forceps, combined with absorbable anchor nail, percutaneously to repair the acute Achilles tendon rupture.ResultsAll patients were followed up for at least 12 months (range, 12–19 months), and all the patients underwent successful repair of their acute Achilles tendon rupture using the improved oval forceps suture-guiding method without any major intra- or postoperative complications. All the patients returned to work with pre-injury levels of activity at a mean of 12.51 ± 0.76 weeks. Mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores improved from 63.95 (range, 51–78) preoperatively to 98.59 (range, 91–100) at last follow-up. This was statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Mean Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) at final follow-up was 94.87 (range, 90–100).ConclusionThe improved oval forceps suture-guiding method could make the advantage of minimally invasive repair with less complications, reduced surgical time and similar functional outcomes compared with the traditional open surgery. In addition, our new technique could save the cost of surgery with the compare of the Achillon device. At the same time for the cases which the remote broken tendon ends were within 2 cm from the calcaneal nodules, because of the less tendon tissue was left in the remote side, traditional percutaneous methods are incapable to ensure the reconstruction strength. By using the anchor nail, the improved technique has better repair capacity and expands the operation indication of oval forceps method.     

Is open acute Achilles tendon rupture repair still justified? A single center experience and critical appraisal of the literature

IntroductionAcute Achilles tendon ruptures are injuries with multiple treatment strategies with possibly far reaching consequences. Open repair is associated with a high complication rate, whereas percutaneous techniques are associated with higher re-rupture rates. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and economic burden of open surgical repair and define a medically and economically sound treatment protocol for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.MethodsBetween June 2012 and December 2016 one hundred and five patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture, treated in an open surgical manner, were studied retrospectively. All demographic, clinical and hospital-related costs were retrieved from the electronic patient database. ATRS questionnaires were sent to assess the functional outcome. A response rate of 70.5% was achieved.ResultsWe recorded a complication rate of 40%, respectively sural nerve hypoesthesia (14.3%), delayed wound healing (28.6%), infection (20.9%) and re-rupture (4.8%). Surgical resident, as primary operating surgeon was associated with a higher complication rate (p = 0.042). Overall, a median functional ATRS score of 17 (IQR 6.5–39.5) was recorded. Infection was associated with significantly higher total healthcare costs per patient as compared to re-rupture (€17,435 vs. €4,537, p = 0.013). The total cost for surgical debridement (n = 6) was approximately 5-times higher than for re-rupture (n = 5), €108,382 vs. €22,272. The median ATRS score for surgical debridement after infection and re-rupture did not differ significantly from the overall ATRS score, respectively 32 (IQR 21–63) and 28 (IQR 15–28). Nevertheless, a difference of 10 points is considered clinically relevant.ConclusionThe overall functional outcome of open repair of Achilles tendon ruptures is rather good, however associated with a high complication rate, mainly due to wound problems and infection. Although several risk factors were identified, only the operating surgeon is modifiable. Considering the high total costs for surgical debridement in the context of infection compared to re-rupture surgery, despite equal functional outcome,we decided to change clinical practice to reduce the complication rate and healthcare costs. The outcome and precise costs for percutaneous repair will be addressed.     

塑型卵圆钳经皮缝合与切开缝合治疗新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂的对照研究

目的 比较塑型卵圆钳经皮微创缝合技术和切开缝合技术治疗新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂的临床疗效。方法 回顾性研究自2014年1月至2016年10月收治的73例新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂病人,最终入组共70例,根据手术方式的不同分为两组：微创组（36例）借助自制的塑型卵圆钳,通过小切口经皮缝合修复跟腱;常规组（34例）采用常规跟腱内侧纵行切口,连续锁边缝合修复跟腱。记录两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症、恢复至伤前运动水平的时间、末次随访时的美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分,术后1年复查MRI评估跟腱修复状况。结果 两组病人获得16~44个月（平均30个月）随访,其中微创组手术时间为（45.34±6.73） min,术中出血量为（15.12±4.11） ml;常规组手术时间为（69.33±13.44） min,术中出血量为（25.47±7.19） ml,两组比较,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。微创组2例病人切口延迟愈合,2例出现线结刺激症状,1例腓肠神经损伤,1例于术后半年外伤后再断裂;常规组3例伤口浅表感染,2例出现深部感染,无腓肠神经损伤及跟腱再断裂。末次随访AOFAS评分：微创组为（95.81±2.35）分,常规组为（93.61±4.83）分;微创组有29例病人（21.0±4.7）周（20~24周）恢复至伤前运动水平,常规组有26例（23.0±3.5）周（21~31周）恢复至伤前运动水平;上述指标比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。术后1年MRI均显示跟腱连续性完整,未观察到跟腱囊性变。结论 自制塑型卵圆钳经皮缝合技术修复新鲜闭合性跟腱断裂手术时间短,术后恢复更快,且并不增加跟腱再断裂发生率。     

A comparison of three methods of skin closure following repair of Achilles tendon rupture

Meticulous skin closure is required to avoid wound problems after Achilles tendon surgery. The purpose of our study was to compare postoperative complication rate, operation time, clinical outcome and patient satisfaction with the wound among two topical skin adhesives (2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate) and conventional nylon skin sutures in Achilles tendon repair surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the records 122 consecutive patients (40 patient in nylon skin suture, 43 patients in 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and 39 patients in n-butyl cyanoacrylate) who underwent surgical repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture between 2012 and 2016. The primary outcome measure was the development of complications in the wound. Secondary outcome measures included the operative time, the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and patient satisfaction with the wound. There was no difference in complication rate in the wound (p = 0.694) and in ATRS (p = 0.824) among patients in the three groups. Mean operative time in nylon skin suture group was significantly longer than in the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate group and n-butyl cyanoacrylate group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002, respectively). Patient satisfaction in the 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate groups was significantly higher than in the nylon skin suture group (p = 0.015 and 0.018, respectively). The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives for skin closure following repair of Achilles tendon rupture has equivalent effectiveness and safety compared to conventional nylon skin suture, but higher patient satisfaction. Despite its higher cost, these topical skin adhesives are viable alternatives for wound closure in patients who regard cosmetic outcomes as important.     

Treatment outcome at 1 year did not differ between use of cast or walker in the first 3 weeks after an acute Achilles tendon rupture. A registry study of 1304 patients from the Danish Achilles tendon database

BackgroundThe best choice of orthosis in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture is still under debate.ObjectiveTo investigate if choice of orthosis in the first 3 weeks of treatment affected patient reported outcome (Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS)), tendon elongation (Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA) and Heel Rise Height (HRH)) and re-rupture.MethodsRegistry study in the Danish Achilles tendon Database. Patients treated with cast and patients treated with walker in the first 3 weeks of treatment were compared using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for potential confounders.Results1304 patients were included in the study. No clinically relevant difference was found: Adjusted mean difference (using walker the whole period as reference)(95% CI) ATRS after 1 year = 0.1(?3.0; 4.1), ATRS after 6 months = 2.0(?4.5; 5.8), ATRS after 2 years = 3.0(?0.7; 7.0), HRH difference = 0.6(?6.6; 8.2), ATRA difference = 0.03°(?1.5; 1.6), re-rupture(odds ratio) = 0.812(0.4; 1.61).ConclusionPatients treated with cast the first 3 weeks after acute Achilles tendon rupture did not have better treatment outcome than patients treated with walker.     

Operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: an institutional review of clinical outcomes

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review the clinical outcome and incidence of post-operative complications after open end-to-end repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients (74 open Achilles tendon repairs) operated on between 1989 and 2002 were identified for inclusion in this investigation. The medical records were reviewed and patients were contacted for a follow up interview in order to survey their post-operative function. Outcome scores were calculated based on the Boyden outcome and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scoring systems. Post-operative complications were documented during the chart review and follow up interview, including an additional nine patients (nine repairs), who were not included in the clinical evaluation portion of the study. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (54 repairs) were successfully contacted and completed the follow up interview. Within this cohort there were 44 males and 8 females with a mean age of 41 years. Achilles tendon rupture in this population was attributable to participation in athletic activity in 87% of cases. At a mean post-operative follow up of 45 months, 96% of cases achieved an overall Boyden outcome score of good to excellent. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 96, with 74% of cases scoring greater than 90. Forty-two cases (78%) reported no pain and 40 cases (74%) reported no activity limitations. Fourteen post-operative complications were identified after 83 open Achilles tendon repairs, resulting in an institutional complication rate of 16.8%. The complications included four superficial wound infections, five deep wound infections requiring irrigation and debridement, one heel ulcer secondary to post-operative boot wear, three partial Achilles tendon re-ruptures, and one complete Achilles tendon re-rupture. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that open end-to-end repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures provides long-term functional outcomes with consistent good to excellent results. However, this high clinical success rate was associated with a relatively high incidence of post-operative complications. With careful attention to the surgical wound and patient adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols, operative repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is a reliable treatment for active patients.     

Evaluation of a Modified Spoon-Shaped Medial Incision in the Surgical Repair of a Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture

This study aims to investigate the clinical significance of preventing incision skin necrosis and the improved function offered in patients with a chronic Achilles tendon rupture treated surgically with a modified spoon-shaped medial incision. From January 2013 to January 2017, 50 patients (N = 50) who were admitted to our department with a clinically and radiologically confirmed chronic Achilles tendon rupture met inclusion criteria and were divided retrospectively into two groups. In group A (n = 26), a modified spoon-shaped medial incision in the surgical repair of Achilles tendon rupture was performed. In group B (n = 24), a traditional posterior medial incision was used. All skin healing was observed. Functional evaluation was performed using American Orthopedic Ankle & Foot Society scale(AOFAS) hindfoot score and Achilles tendon total rupture score(ATRS). Return-to-work time and major complications were also measured. The patients were followed for 12 to 48 months. All incisions exhibited primary healing in group A, while four incisions healed delay for skin necrosis which includes superficial, deeper necrosis, and skin defection caused by the necrosis in group B. Both groups had similar results regarding return-to-work time. There were no infections in either group. There was no rerupture of the Achilles tendon in either group. Patients in group A had better AOFAS hindfoot score (p = .020) and ATRS (p = .010), and the difference was significant (p ≤ .05).Using the modified spoon-shaped medial incision in the surgical repair of a chronic Achilles tendon rupture seems to be a safe and effective method that may reduce risk of incision skin necrosis and offers better function in patients with a chronic Achilles tendon rupture.     

急性跟腱断裂的微创外科治疗研究进展

急性跟腱断裂是常见的运动损伤,目前针对急性跟腱断裂最佳治疗方案在临床上存在较多争议,其治疗方式主要分保守治疗及手术治疗。保守治疗时间长,跟腱再断裂率较高,术后功能恢复慢。传统的开放式手术治疗存在一系列并发症,而微创手术是近年来发展起来的一种新的技术,它最大限度地减少伤口的暴露,降低手术损伤范围,缩短手术时间并且降低伤口感染发生率,在临床上日益得到重视,值得临床推荐。     

Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden instrument. Clinical and MRI evaluation of 90 patients

BackgroundThis study aims at evaluating a substantial number of patients treated with a percutaneous, paratenon preserving technique for Achilles tendon repair using three different incisions with clinical follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsNinety patients with percutaneous Achilles tendon repair using the Dresden technique for acute rupture were evaluated. Fifteen patients were treated using a central approach, 15 patients using a posterolateral approach and the original posteromedial approach was used in 60 patients. All patients were followed clinically and with MRI after 1 and 6 months post-operatively.ResultsUsing the standard posteromedial approach no complications were seen. With the central approach 4 (27%) wound healing problems were observed and with the posterolateral approach 2 (13%) sural nerve lesions occurred. One patient (1.1%) had a rerupture. MRI revealed an increased diameter at the rupture site and distal to it as well as an increasingly homogeneous signal over time.ConclusionsPercutaneous Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden technique yields excellent clinical results and a low complication rate. Modification of the original incision is discouraged.     

卵圆钳辅助穿针技术与开放Kessler缝合在急性跟腱断裂中的临床疗效研究

目的探讨卵圆钳辅助穿针技术治疗急性闭合性跟腱断裂的临床疗效及可行性。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2019年6月我院43例接受手术治疗的急性闭合性跟腱断裂患者,其中17例采用卵圆钳辅助穿针技术(微创组),26例采用开放Kessler缝合治疗(开放组),观察并比较两组患者的手术疗效。结果卵圆钳辅助微创组在手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间均短于开放组,且差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。微创组并未出现术后并发症,而开放组出现的术后伤口感染、延迟愈合、皮缘坏死和再次断裂发生率分别为:11.54%、15.38%、15.38%和11.54%。结论卵圆钳辅助穿针技术是一种安全可靠的治疗跟腱断裂的方法,与开放手术相比,能够减少软组织并发症的发生,并可减少手术时长、住院天数及康复时间;提高了患者的生活质量并降低了社会成本。     

Neither heel-rise Height (HRH) nor Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) show strong correlations to patient limitations and return to previous activities one year after acute Achilles tendon rupture

BackgroundKnowledge is limited about how Achilles tendon elongation following acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) affects the ability to return to work and return to sport. This study aimed to examine if the indirect length measures, the heel-rise height (HRH) and the Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA), correlated with patient limitations and return to previous activities one year after ATR.MethodsThe study was performed as a registry study in the Danish Achilles tendon Database (DADB). The analyses investigated if HRH (limb symmetry index (LSI)) and relative ATRA one year after rupture, correlated with return to the same type of work, return to the same type of sport and the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) at the same time point.Results477 patients were included in the study. HRH (LSI) showed fair correlation to ATRS (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), poor correlation to same type of work (r = 0.29, p < 0.001) and did not statistically significantly correlate with return to the same type of sport. Relative ATRA showed poor correlation to ATRS (r = 0.09, p = 0.04) and did not correlate statistically significantly with return to same type of work or sport.ConclusionsNeither relative ATRA nor HRH (LSI) showed strong correlations to return to work, return sport or ATRS. When comparing the relative ATRA and HRH (LSI), HRH (LSI) seems to be a better outcome in reflecting patient limitations and return to previous activities one year after ATR.     

Repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture using a double-ended needle

PURPOSE: To compare the results of Achilles tendon repair using a standard open procedure or a minimally invasive technique using a double-ended needle, and to determine whether the latter technique reduces the incidence of sural nerve injury and soft-tissue complications. METHODS: Between the period February 1995 and September 2000 inclusive, 68 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture underwent surgical repair in our hospitals. A standard open repair was performed on 43 patients (mean age 36 years and range 17-74 years, 30 males), while 25 patients (mean age 34 years and range 19-68 years, 17 males) elected to undergo the minimally invasive procedure involving a double-ended needle. Postoperative protocols were identical for the 2 groups. Patients were assessed for re-rupture, calf muscle strength, calf atrophy, wound healing, and ability to return to pre-injury activity. The mean follow-up period was 65.5 (range, 34-90) months. RESULTS: One late re-rupture and one sural nerve injury occurred in the standard open repair group. No rerupture or sural nerve injury occurred in those having minimally invasive surgery, they also reported fewer complications related to wound healing and a shorter hospital stay. Calf atrophy was also significantly less in this group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This double-ended needle repair technique is simple and reproducible. The needle is easy to make using a standard mini Steinmann pin with minimal cost. Combined with appropriate rehabilitation, the technique achieves good results and is associated with a low morbidity and complications.     

The influence of the site of rupture and gap distance in acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with functional rehabilitation

AimTo determine the influence of gap distance and its location on clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with acute rupture of Tendo-Achilles (TA) treated non-operatively with functional rehabilitation.MethodsTwenty-six patients with acute complete TA rupture underwent ultrasound (US) scanning within a week of their injury. The measurements taken included the distance of the rupture from the enthesis and the gap distance between the tendon edges in varying degrees of ankle and knee positions. All patients were managed non-operatively in functional weight-bearing orthoses. Nineteen patients were then followed up at a mean of 6.1 years (range 5.8–6.5) to assess their clinical and radiological outcomes. The outcomes included ultrasound assessment of tendon healing, Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) and modified Leppilahti Score (mLS).ResultsIn the initial ultrasound, the mean distance of the rupture from the enthesis was 52 mm (range: 40–76). The mean gap distance with the foot plantigrade was 11.4 mm, which reduced to 4.8 mm with the foot in equinus. At final follow up, no re-ruptures had occurred. The mean ATRS and mLS were 86 and 71 respectively. There was a significant correlation between the distance of the rupture from the enthesis with the MLS total score (p = 0.02), mLS Fatigue domain score (p = 0.03), and the ATRS domains of strength (p = 0.04) and fatigue (p = 0.02). There was no significant correlation between the measured gap distance with respect to the mLS, ATRS or individual ATRS domain scores. Also, there was no significant difference in ATRS and mLS outcomes when comparing tendons with respect to healed tissue appearance and fibre orientation on ultrasound.ConclusionThe initial gap distance had no relationship with any of the measured clinical outcomes at the final follow up. The distance of the gap from the enthesis, however, may carry a greater prognostic value following non-operative treatment of Achilles tendon injuries.     

自制器械辅助微创手术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的疗效分析

目的观察应用自制器械辅助微创手术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂的临床效果。方法回顾性分析自2017-05—2018-12应用自制器械辅助微创手术治疗的9例陈旧性跟腱断裂,术中将自制器械由卵圆孔端置入皮下组织与腱周组织间隙辅助改良Bunnell缝合法完成对跟腱断端缝合操作。末次随访时采用Arner-Lindholm评分标准对踝关节功能进行评价。结果本组手术时间(31.0±5.9)min,切口长度(3.5±0.6)cm。9例均获得随访,随访时间平均14.1(12~18)个月。术后1例出现切口皮缘部分坏死,经换药后愈合并于术后18 d拆线,其余患者切口均一期愈合。所有患者均无排异反应、腓肠神经损伤、下肢深静脉血栓形成等并发症发生。术后12个月随访时采用Arner-Lindholm评分标准评价踝关节功能:优6例,良2例,可1例。结论采用自制器械辅助微创手术治疗陈旧性跟腱断裂具有手术时间短、切口小、术后并发症少、踝关节功能恢复好等优点,临床疗效满意,值得推广应用。     

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.     

双小切口手术修复急性闭合性跟腱断裂

目的:评价手术治疗急性闭合性跟腱断裂的切口新方案.方法:自2009年1月至2014年1月采用保留跟腱断端皮桥、2个微创切口手术治疗急性跟腱断裂21例,男16例,女5例;年龄21~57岁,平均44.3岁.观察术后并发症,测量术后1年踝关节运动范围、双侧小腿最大周径、跟腱断裂平面周径、恢复工作及伤前体育活动的时间,采用美国足与踝关节协会(AOFAS)踝与后足功能评分方法进行评分.结果:21例均获随访,时间6~36个月,平均14个月.切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无皮肤坏死、切口感染、深静脉血栓、再断裂等并发症,腓肠神经支配区皮肤感觉正常.术后1年AOFAS评分94.3±5.5较术前65.1±6.9提高(t=7.672,P=0.013);患足踝关节活动范围(55.4±6.5)°与健足(56.3±3.7)°差异无统计学意义(t=0.872,P=0.325).21例均恢复伤前工作与学习,恢复工作时间平均10周(6~15周);15例恢复伤前体育活动,恢复伤前体育活动时间平均21周(18~24周).小腿最大周径伤侧较对侧平均减少0.45 cm(0.3~0.8 cm),跟腱断裂平面周径伤侧较对侧平均增粗0.4 cm(0.2~0.7 cm).结论:采用2个微创切口技术保存跟腱及其断端皮桥区软组织血液供应,并发症少.     

The percutaneous oval forceps suture-guiding method with anchor nails for Achilles tendon repair

BackgroundAcute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) is a common injury of the foot and ankle. So far, the optimal management of AATR remains controversial. The target of the present retrospective study was to describe a new operative technique for percutaneous repair of AATR and evaluate efficacy of the technique.MethodsIn the present study, 32 patients were enrolled with AATR treated with the percutaneous oval forceps suture-guiding method with anchor nails from Jan 2014 to Jan 2017. The operation duration and length of incision were collected. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), range of motion (ROM) of the ankle and plantar flexion strength ratio at the last follow-up. The postoperative sports activity level and complications were also recorded.ResultsThe mean operation duration and length of incision were 24.5 min and 2.0 cm. Whilst patient reported outcome questionnaires like AOFAS and ATRS showed good results, ROM of the ankle was quite low with only 16.5 degrees. Plantar flexion strength ratio was lower post surgery, as well. As for the postoperative sports activity level: 26/32 cases (81.3%) returned to former sports activity level; 4/32 cases (12.5%) showed a decline in sports activity level; 2/32 cases (6.2%) gave up on sports. The overall complication rate was 6.2%, one sural nerve damage and one fusiform thickening were found in the study.ConclusionThe percutaneous oval forceps suture-guiding method with anchor nails is a new considerable surgery method with adequate healing rates and an alternative to existing surgical procedures.