Achilles Tendon Open Repair Augmented With Distal Turndown Tendon Flap and Posterior Crural Fasciotomy

Comparison between primary repair and augmented repair with gastrocnemius turn-down flap for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a retrospective study with minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

To explore and compare the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary repair versus augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap for acute Achilles tendon rupture.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2018, the clinical data of 113 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who were treated with primary repair or augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap by the same surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' preoperative and postoperative scores on the visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle⁃Hindfoot (AOFAS) score, the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment⁃Achilles (VISA-A), the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), and the Tegner Activity Scale were examined and compared. The postoperative calf circumference was measured. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate the plantarflexion strength on both sides. The time to return to life and exercise as well as the strength deficits in both groups were recorded. Finally, the correlation analyses between patient characteristics and treatment details with clinical outcomes were conducted.

RESULTS

In total, 68 patients were included and completed the follow-up. The 42 and 26 patients who were treated with primary repair and augmented repair were assigned to group A and B, respectively. No serious postoperative complications were reported. No significant between-group differences in any outcomes were observed. It was found that female sex was correlated with poorer VISA-A score (P = 0.009), complete seal of paratenon was correlated with higher AOFAS score (P = 0.031), and short leg cast was correlated with higher ATRS score (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap provided no advantage over primary repair for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. After surgical treatment, females tended to had poorer outcomes, while complete seal of paratenon and short leg cast contributed to better results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

The Efficacy of Posterior Fasciotomy Versus Inserted Vacuum Drainage in Reducing Postoperative Surgical Site Infection in Open Achilles Tendon Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study With Inverse Probability Treatment Weight Propensity Score Analysis

Posterior crural fasciotomy (PF) may reduce postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) rate compared to inserted vacuum suction drainage (VD) in open Achilles tendon repair surgery. Thus, we aimed to compare the postoperative SSI rate between PF and VD in open Achilles's tendon repair surgery. A prospective, single-centered, nonrandomized controlled study of consecutive adult patients undergoing primary open Achilles tendon repair was performed at tertiary referral hospital between January 2017 and January 2020. Patients received either PF or VD from 2 experienced surgeons. Data were collected on demographic, clinical, and intraoperative characteristics along with postoperative SSI and other outcomes. The primary outcome was SSI rate. Secondary outcomes were Achilles tendon total rupture score, functional foot index, and visual analogue scale. A total of 60 patients were eligible and included in the final analysis (PF group n = 30 and VD group n = 30). Two (6.7%) patients in the PF group and 5 (16.7%) patients in the VD group experience postoperative SSI (crude risk ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.08, 1.90; p = .228). In inverse-probability-treatment-weighted propensity score analysis, the PF group had a significantly lower SSI rate than the VD group (adjusted risk ratio 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.01, 0.91; p = .033). Inverse-probability-treatment-weighted propensity score analysis of Achilles tendon total rupture score along with crude analysis of total functional foot index and visual analogue scale were also significantly better in the PF group than the VD group (all p < .05). PF during open Achilles repair was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative SSI infection rate compared to VD.

Composite sural neurocutaneous flap with gastrocnemius tendon for repairing defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue

PURPOSE

Defect of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue remains a surgical challenge due to its insufficient blood supply and high requirement of function. This study aims to report the clinical efficacy of the composite sural neurocutaneous composite flap with gastrocnemius tendon on the complicated defect of Achilles region.

METHODS

Seven cases of defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue were reconstructed by the composite sural neurocutaneous composite flaps with gastrocnemius tendons. It is important to keep the connection between gastrocnemius tendon and deep fascia of the composite flap during operation. The smallest and the largest areas of transferred skin flaps were 7.5 cm × 4.5 cm and 11 cm × 10 cm respectively. The size of gastrocnemius tendon ranged from 5 cm × 3 cm to 9 cm × 4 cm. Patients was evaluated by using the Arner-Lindholm scale at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Six flaps survived completely with no complication. One flap developed wound dehiscence and went on to heal by daily dressing. With 12-60 months follow-up, all patients gained satisfactory appearance and function of ankle, without tendon re-rupture or recurrent infection. Based on Arner-Lindholm scale, six cases were noted to be excellent and one was good.

CONCLUSION

The composite sural neurocutaneous flap with gastrocnemius tendon is a viable and practical method to salvage Achilles tendon defect and overlying soft tissue coverage, with minimal adhesion and satisfactory function.

Reconstruction of Complicated Achilles Tendon Ruptures with Soft Tissue Defects - a Systematic Overview and Development of a Treatment Algorithm

Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most common ruptures of large tendons. Due to the vulnerable soft tissue there is a high risk of soft tissue defects. The combination of Achilles tendon ruptures and soft-tissue defects remains a challenge for the surgeon. Despite different treatment options there is a lack of structured treatment recommendation. By means of a systematic literature review and experience from our own clinic standard, an overview of the stepwise treatment options is presented. A treatment algorithm for reconstructive measures of Achilles tendon ruptures accompanied by soft-tissue defects according to the length of defect of the Achilles tendon, the size of the soft-tissue defect and patient-individual factors is developed. This is intended to serve the surgeon as a basis for decision making prior to application of therapy.

Defining Components of Early Functional Rehabilitation for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review

Background:

Early functional rehabilitation is frequently discussed in treating Achilles tendon rupture. A consistent definition of what constitutes early functional rehabilitation has not been established across the literature, despite studies supporting its efficacy. A standardized definition would be helpful to pool data across studies, allow for between-study comparisons, and ultimately work toward developing clinical guidelines.

Purpose:

To define early functional rehabilitation (including when it is initiated and what it entails) when used to treat Achilles tendon rupture and to identify outcome measures for evaluating the effect of treatment.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies consisted of randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series (≥10 participants) including weightbearing or exercise-based interventions within 8 weeks after Achilles tendon rupture.

Results:

A total of 174 studies published between 1979 and 2018 were included. Studies were rated a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 17 (15-20) on the Downs & Black checklist and included 9098 participants. Early functional rehabilitation incorporated weightbearing (95%), range of motion (73%), and isometric/strengthening exercises (50%). Weightbearing was initiated within the first week, whereas exercise (eg, ankle range of motion, strengthening, whole-body conditioning) was initiated in the second week. Initiation of exercises varied based on whether treatment was nonsurgical (mean, 3.0 weeks; IQR, 2.0-4.0 weeks) or simple (mean, 2.0 weeks; IQR, 0.0-2.3 weeks) or augmented surgical repair (mean, 0.5 weeks; IQR, 0.0-2.8 weeks) (P = .017). Functional outcomes including ankle range of motion (n = 84) and strength (n = 76) were reported in 130 studies. Other outcome domains included patient-reported outcomes (n = 89), survey-based functional outcomes (n = 50), and tendon properties (n = 53).

Conclusion:

Early functional rehabilitation includes weightbearing and a variety of exercise-based interventions initiated within the first 2 weeks after acute Achilles tendon rupture/repair. Because early functional rehabilitation has lacked a standardized definition, interventions and outcome measures are highly variable, and pooling data across studies should be done with attention paid to what was included in the intervention and how treatment was assessed.

Short-Term Results of Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer in Delayed and Neglected Achilles Tendon Repair

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the calcaneus in the repair of delayed or neglected Achilles tendon (AT) injuries is a viable and dynamic option. Nineteen patients (18 males, 1 female; mean age 47.4 ± 12.4, range 24 to 74, years; body mass index 27.5 ± 4.5, range 23.2 to 38.9, kg/m²; interval from injury to surgery 40.8 ± 11.6, range 28 to 60, days) with delayed or neglected repair of AT rupture were included in the present study. FHL transfer to the calcaneus through a single incision and repair of the defect with native tendon lengthening or a tendinous turndown flap was performed. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and hallux scale scores, balance and jump performance, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and lower extremity concentric and eccentric strength were evaluated 6 months postoperatively. Student's t test was used to compare the outcomes between the operated and nonoperated sides. AOFAS hindfoot and hallux scale scores were 93.83 and 86.9, respectively. No significant difference was found in vertical jump (p = .60), forward jump (p = .68), or balance performance (p > .05). However, less ankle dorsiflexion on the operated side was recorded compared with the nonoperated side (p = .008). Concentric/eccentric muscle strength between the operated and nonoperated side was similar (p > .05). The concentric strength of the operated side reached 92% and eccentric strength reached 101.7% of the nonoperated side's strength. All the patients were satisfied with their results and return to preinjury daily activities. AT repair of a delayed and neglected injury using FHL transfer to the calcaneus in a dynamic fashion provided excellent outcomes.

Validity and Reliability of Mini-Invasive Surgery Assisted by Ultrasound in Achilles Tendon Rupture

Introduction:

The surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture has become very popular in the last years, because of the good outcomes and the low re-rupture rate.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to compare the results between open surgery and percutaneous ultrasound-assisted surgery.

Methods:

All patients who underwent an Achilles tendon surgical repair in the last 3 years were included, resulting in a total of 56 patients (40 M and 16 F) with an average age of 53 years. Of these patients, 36 were treated with an open suture, while 20 with a mini invasive ultrasound assisted suture. At a minimum follow-up of one year, patients were evaluated echografically, using both the Achilles Tendon Rupture Total score (ATRS) and the McComis score, and performing the ultrasounds bilaterally to assess both the structure and the diameter of tendons.

Results:

Both groups of patients showed an average ATRS score >80. The McComis score was 54.18 vs. 56.25 (p>0.05). Plantar flexion and dorsal flexion work were not similar (p>0.05). On average, the calf circumference of the operated side was decreased compared to the healthy side between the groups (p>0.05). The thickness of the operated tendons evaluated with ultrasound measurement compared to the average tendon, (p <0.05).

Conclusion:

The ultrasound-assisted tenorrhaphy is a reliable treatment with good clinical and functional outcomes; anyway, the percutaneous technique and the open surgery show similar results.

Management of acute Achilles tendon rupture with tendon-bundle technique

Objective * These authors contributed equally to this work. To explore tendon-bundle technique for treating Achilles tendon rupture with no defects. Methods Patients with full unilateral Achilles tendon rupture with no defects were included. The Achilles tendon medial edge surgical repair approach was used, revealing horsetail-like rupture bundles. Tendon bundles were anatomically realigned and repaired end-to-end using 5-0 sutures. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and assessed for differences between the repaired versus healthy limb. Results Out of 24 patients (18 male, 6 female; aged 19-56 years) at 1 year following surgery, mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 92.4 ± 5.9; mean differences between the surgically repaired versus contralateral side in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angle were 3.5 ± 2.3° and 5.6 ± 3.2°, respectively; mean difference in calf circumference between the two sides was 0.9 ± 0.5 cm; and mean increase in Achilles tendon width versus the healthy side was 0.8 ± 0.2 cm. By 1 year post-surgery, there were no significant between-side differences in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angle, or calf circumference. Conclusions Tendon-bundle surgery resulted in good ankle function restoration and low complication rates. Tendon-bundle surgery may reduce blood supply destruction and maximally preserve Achilles tendon length, and may be effective for treating Achilles tendon rupture with no defects.