Achillessehnenruptur: Aktuelle Standards in Diagnostik und Therapie

Evaluating barbed sutures: A porcine biomechanical comparison of Z-plasty and turndown flap according to Silfverskiöld

Introduction

It is not possible to add an infinite amount of suture material to tendon plasties and repairs in vivo. Each additional knot can reduce the tensile strength by up to 50 %. Therefore, barbed sutures, as a knotless suturing system, should be investigated as a potential alternative to traditional sutures to minimize knot-related weakening.

Material and methods

Superficial porcine flexors were randomized into five groups. A non-contact measurement was utilized. The Z-plasty and the turndown flap according to Silfverskiöld were used. The Stratafix barbed knotless suture was compared to regular smooth polydioxanone. The biomechanical protocol included a creep test, a cyclic test, and a tear-off test.

Results

The Z-plasty with Stratafix showed significantly improved maximum force compared to the Z-plasty with Polydioxanon (PDS 108.5 ± 22.2N, Stratafix 142.3 ± 23.5N, p < .01). The Z-plasty was significantly superior to the turndown flap in maximum Force (turndownflap with Stratafix 52.4 ± 14.6N, Z-plasty with Stratafix 108.5 ± 22.2N, p < .001).

Conclusion

The Stratafix barbed suture can significantly improve the Z-plasty in maximum tension by up to 32 % when compared to regular PDS. To formulate a more precise indication, biological factors must be further investigated.

Suture techniques in the surgical management of flexor tendon, Achilles tendon and cruciate ligament injuries: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To provide clinicians with reliable recommendations for the selection of appropriate suturing techniques for surgical management of common musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Springer, Web Science, Vip Database, China National Knowledge, and Wanfang Data for in vitro biomechanical studies on suture techniques in the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries covering relevant studies from April 2009 to April 2024 was performed. A generalized classification was made based on the characteristics of the techniques, and recommendations for the selection of suture techniques were made according to the GRADE concept.

RESULTS

The search strategy returned 1015 articles, of which 66 were included. These studies presented moderate and high levels of evidence-based evidence and provided varying recommendations for the choice of suturing techniques in the treatment of three common musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. Categorizing suturing techniques according to their structural principles further increases the reliability of opinions.

CONCLUSION

The ideal suture technique must be a compromise between the complexity and strength of the repair, which is a great challenge for clinicians. This review can provide an objective and reliable clinical guide for making suture technique choices for common musculoskeletal soft tissue repair.

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.

Changes of Material Elastic Properties during Healing of Ruptured Achilles Tendons Measured with Shear Wave Elastography: A Pilot Study

Therapy options for ruptured Achilles tendons need to take into account the right balance of timing, amount and intensity of loading to ensure a sufficient biomechanical resilience of the healing tendon on the one hand, and to enable an adequate tensile stimulus on the other hand. However, biomechanical data of human Achilles tendons after rupture during the separate healing stages are unknown. Shear wave elastography is an ultrasound technique that measures material elastic properties non-invasively, and was proven to have a very good correlation to biomechanical studies. Taking advantage of this technology, 12 patients who suffered from an acute Achilles tendon rupture were acquired and monitored through the course of one year after rupture. Nine of these patients were treated non-operatively and were included for the analysis of biomechanical behaviour. A significant increase of material elastic properties was observed within the first six weeks after trauma (up to 80% of baseline value), where it reached a plateau phase. A second significant increase occurred three to six months after injury. This pilot study suggests a time correlation of biomechanical properties with the biological healing phases of tendon tissue. In the reparative phase, a substantial amount of biomechanical resilience is restored already, but the final stage of biomechanical stability is reached in the maturation phase. These findings can potentially be implemented into treatment and aftercare protocols.

[Injuries of major tendons : Review of current diagnostic and surgical standards]

Chronic degenerative tendon injuries as well as injuries due to acute high-energy trauma and incisional injuries are a significant aspect in the emergency surgery department. As a result of anatomical characteristics and exposure certain tendons are particularly vulnerable to injury. These include the biceps brachialis, quadriceps femoris, patella, achilles and tibialis anterior tendons. Besides the broad spectrum of non-surgical treatment, surgeons should have knowledge of the various surgical techniques including suturing, anchor refixation and reconstruction techniques. The indications for surgery are of particular importance for the clinical outcome of tendon injuries. The therapeutic approach should consider the patients biological age, functional requirements and pre-existing comorbid pathologies. Finally, adequate aftercare has been shown to significantly determine the surgical outcome.