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Feng SM, Maffulli N, Oliva F, Saxena A, Hao YF, Hua YH, Xu HL, Tao X, Xu W, Migliorini F, Ma C. Surgical management of chronic Achilles tendon rupture: evidence-based guidelines. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:132. [PMID: 38341569 PMCID: PMC10858558 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (CATR) often require surgical intervention to restore function. Despite numerous treatment modalities available, the optimal management strategy remains controversial given the limited high-quality evidence available. This article aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the surgical management of CATR through a comprehensive systematic review of the available data. The consensus reached by synthesizing the findings will assist clinicians in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. METHODS A group of 9 foot surgeons in three continents was consulted to gather their expertise on guidelines regarding the surgical management of CATR. Following the proposal of 9 clinical topics, a thorough and comprehensive search of relevant literature published since 1980 was conducted for each topic using electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies published until 1 October 2023. All authors collaborated in drafting, discussing, and finalizing the recommendations and statements. The recommendations were then categorized into two grades: grade a (strong) and grade b (weak), following the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) concept. Additionally, feedback from 21 external specialists, who were independent from the authors, was taken into account to further refine and finalize the clinical guidelines. RESULTS Nine statements and guidelines were completed regarding surgical indications, surgical strategies, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol. CONCLUSION Based on the findings of the systematic review, this guideline provides recommendations for the surgical management of CATR. We are confident that this guideline will serve as a valuable resource for physicians when making decisions regarding the surgical treatment of patients with CATR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Feng
- Orthopaedic Department, Sports Medicine Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, No. 199, the Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, 221009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine and Psychology, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
- Guy Hilton Research Centre, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, England
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG, England
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Sports Traumatology, Universita' Telematica San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Amol Saxena
- Department of Sports Medicine, Sutter-PAMF, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yue-Feng Hao
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hui Hua
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Lin Xu
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic, People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Tao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Medical Centre, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Chao Ma
- Orthopaedic Department, Sports Medicine Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, No. 199, the Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, 221009, Jiangsu, China
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Abdelatif NMN, Batista JP. Outcomes of Percutaneous Achilles Repair Compared With Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer to Treat Achilles Tendon Ruptures. Foot Ankle Int 2022; 43:1174-1184. [PMID: 35686445 DOI: 10.1177/10711007221096674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both percutaneous and endoscopically assisted methods are reported to produce good results in the surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare between a percutaneous method and a recently described isolated endoscopically assisted flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer method as surgical means of management in patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. METHODS One hundred seventeen patients were included in the current study and divided into 2 groups: 59 patients who underwent percutaneous Achilles repair (PAR Group) and 58 patients who underwent isolated endoscopic FHL transfer (FHL Group) were compared. Patients were clinically evaluated using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) measures. In addition, ankle plantarflexion power, FHL dynamometry, Tegner activity levels, and return to previous levels of activity were also documented for all patients. RESULTS Nine months after surgery, patients in the FHL transfer group were more likely to be able to return to normal activities (91% vs 73%, P < .01). Thirty months after surgical treatment, we found no difference in ATRS, AOFAS, ATRA, ankle plantarflexion strength, or Tegner activity scores between study groups. Overall complications were reported in 6 patients in the FHL group (10.3%) and in 8 patients in the PAR group (13.6%). No major neurovascular or skin complications were encountered. CONCLUSION The current study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable results and complications when comparing isolated endoscopic FHL tendon transfer or percutaneous Achilles tendon repairs in the surgical management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, retrospective controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Pablo Batista
- Ankle and Knee Section, Orthopaedics Department, Centro Artroscópico Jorge Batista, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Sport Medicine, Club Atlético Boca Juniors, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Marsland D, Morris AM, Gould AER, Calder JDF, Amis AA. Systematic review of tendon transfers in the foot and ankle using interference screw fixation: Outcomes and safety of early versus standard postoperative rehabilitation. Foot Ankle Surg 2022; 28:166-75. [PMID: 33766498 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the outcomes of early and standard rehabilitation protocols following tendon transfers in the foot and ankle using interference screw fixation (ISF). METHODS A systematic review was performed for relevant articles (1998 to 2020) reporting foot tendon transfer using ISF in adults. The primary outcome was early tendon failure. Secondary outcomes included function and complications. RESULTS In total, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, totalling 494 patients. Seven studies reported early rehabilitation protocols. The rate of early tendon failure was zero for each protocol and studies consistently reported a significant improvement in function. No differences were found comparing different rehabilitation protocols for tendon transfer for Achilles tendon pathology and foot drop. CONCLUSION Both early and standard rehabilitation protocols are associated with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates, but currently there is a lack of evidence to support early loaded activities or motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV Systematic review including case series.
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Neary KC, McClish SJ, Khoury AN, Denove N, Konicek J, Wijdicks CA. Biomechanical Analysis of Single Interference Screw vs Interference Screw With Cortical Button for Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics 2021; 6:24730114211040445. [PMID: 35097471 PMCID: PMC8529321 DOI: 10.1177/24730114211040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer (FHL) with a cortical button tension
slide is an innovative addition that has not been measured against
traditional methods. Methods: 12 pairs (n=24) of fresh-frozen cadaveric tibia-to-toe samples were used and
randomized to receive one of the operative FHL techniques. Specimens
underwent bone density analysis. Biomechanical loading was applied between
20 and 60 N at 1 Hz for 100 cycles. Post–cyclic load to failure occurred at
1.25 mm/s. Cyclic displacement, structural stiffness, and ultimate load were
derived from load-displacement curves. Student t tests
evaluated significant effects between both FHL techniques. Linear regression
analysis assessed interactions between bone density and strength of FHL
technique. Results: Average tendon diameter was 5.44±0.46 mm. Average bone density was 1.06±0.08
g/cm2. Addition of a cortical button to FHL transfer did not
significantly affect cyclic displacement (0.78±0.52 mm vs 0.87±0.80 mm) or
structural stiffness (162.11±43.34 N/mm vs 167.57±49.19 N/mm). Cortical
button addition to FHL transfer resulted in significantly increased ultimate
load (343.72±68.93 N) compared with interference screw alone (255.62±77.17
N) (P = .0002). Linear regression analyses did not reveal
any significant interactions between bone density and FHL tendon transfer
technique. Conclusion: Enhanced strength can be achieved with FHL tendon transfer to calcaneus using
an interference screw and cortical button tension slide technique as
compared to an interference screw alone. Cortical buttons in the setting of
FHL tendon transfer to the calcaneus offers an additional level of
support. Clinical Relevance: Operative cases presenting with poor bone quality due to osteoporosis or
osteopenia could benefit from cortical button fixation during FHL transfer.
Clinical studies are needed to determine if the increased construct
stability conferred from the additional use of a flip button results in
fewer FHL transfer failures or better clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level V, Controlled Laboratory Study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah J. McClish
- Department of Orthopedic Research, Arthrex, Incorporated, Naples, FL, USA
| | - Anthony N. Khoury
- Department of Orthopedic Research, Arthrex, Incorporated, Naples, FL, USA
| | - Nicholas Denove
- Department of Orthopedic Research, Arthrex, Incorporated, Naples, FL, USA
| | - John Konicek
- Department of Orthopedic Research, Arthrex, Incorporated, Naples, FL, USA
| | - Coen A. Wijdicks
- Department of Orthopedic Research, Arthrex, Incorporated, Naples, FL, USA
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Zou Y, Li X, Wang L, Tan C, Zhu Y. Endoscopically Assisted, Minimally Invasive Reconstruction for Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture With a Double-Bundle Flexor Hallucis Longus. Orthop J Sports Med 2021; 9:2325967120979990. [PMID: 33748303 PMCID: PMC7940742 DOI: 10.1177/2325967120979990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: High morbidity has been reported regarding Achilles tendon (AT) injuries, and the upward trend has accelerated since the mid-1990s. A chronic Achilles tendon rupture usually results from a neglected or misdiagnosed acute rupture, and about one-fifth of acute AT ruptures are missed and lead to chronic AT rupture. Although many techniques have been described, there is no gold standard in the treatment of chronic AT ruptures. Hypothesis: Endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive reconstruction for chronic AT rupture using a double-bundle flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon would result in improvement of the overall function, with a low rate of wound complications. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between May 2015 and November 2016, a total of 19 consecutive patients were enrolled and treated using endoscopically assisted, minimally invasive reconstruction for chronic AT rupture using a double-bundle FHL. The operative assessment comprised the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles score, and a postoperative questionnaire. All postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The mean follow-up time for all patients was 31 months (range, 20-42 months). According to the postoperative questionnaire, the result of surgery was excellent in 8 (42%) of 19 patients, good in 10 (53%), and fair in 1 (5%). All clinical outcome scores (mean ± SD) improved significantly after surgery: Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, 23.3 ± 10.3 vs 98.3 ± 9.2 (postoperatively vs preoperatively); American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, 52.1 ± 12.4 vs 97.5 ± 18.9; and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles, 23.4 ± 11.2 vs 95.7 ± 17.1 (P < .05). No complications with regard to wound healing or infection were noted. Twelve relatively young patients returned to preinjury activity levels, such as playing basketball or badminton, and the older patients were able to meet their daily needs, such as walking up stairs and jogging. Conclusion: Chronic AT ruptures were successfully treated via minimally invasive reconstruction using a double-bundle FHL, which provided excellent functional improvement. It is best suited for patients with complex requirements who are at high risk for wound complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxuan Zou
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caixia Tan
- Department of Radiology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhan Zhu
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, People's Republic of China
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Alhaug OK, Berdal G, Husebye EE, Hvaal K. Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. A retrospective study. Foot Ankle Surg 2019; 25:630-635. [PMID: 30321934 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transfer of Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon (FHL) is an established method for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. An extensive examination of power, strength, endurance and complications related to this procedure is presented. METHODS 21 patients treated with open FHL transfer for chronic Achilles tendon rupture were studied retrospectively. Medical records were reviewed. The patients were examined with a test battery for triceps surae strength, functional tests and PROMs. RESULTS The median maximal concentric strength was equal,1300 vs 1336W, comparing affected with unaffected side. The endurance tests showed a larger difference, 219J vs. 2398J, respectively. The median AOFAS score was 87. 11 of 21 patients sustained one or more complications; the most common were infection, disturbed wound healing, and clawing of small toes. CONCLUSIONS Patients achieve almost normal maximal strength after open FHL transfer, but endurance is notably lower. The complication rate was high.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gøran Berdal
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kjetil Hvaal
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
Chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon are often missed injuries, which is challenging for the surgeon. The complications from reconstruction are a considerable concern. Primary repair may be attempted, but the missed injury often presents later than 4 weeks with gaps greater than 4 cm, necessitating more complex reconstructions using local tissues such as turn-down flaps and VY plasty, requiring large incisions in an unfavorable area of the body. We describe a step-by-step technique of endoscopic flexor hallucis longus reconstruction for chronic Achilles rupture, which decreases local complications. This article reviews the available literature for endoscopic flexor hallucis longus reconstruction.
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Galla M. Arthroskopischer Transfer der Flexor-hallucis-longus-Sehne zum Ersatz der Achillessehne. Arthroskopie 2019; 32:367-372. [DOI: 10.1007/s00142-019-0297-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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