Endoscopy-Assisted Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With a Central Turndown Flap and Semitendinosus Augmentation

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1333-1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashant N. Gedam ◽  
Faizaan M. Rushnaiwala

Background: The objective of this study was to report the results of a new minimally invasive Achilles reconstruction technique and to assess the perioperative morbidity, medium- to long-term outcomes, and functional results. Methods: Our series was comprised 14 patients (11 men and 3 women), with a mean age of 45.6 years at surgery. Each patient had a chronic Achilles tendon rupture. The mean interval from rupture to surgery was 5.5 months (range, 2-10). The mean total follow-up was 30.1 months (range, 12-78). All patients were operated with a central turndown flap augmented with free semitendinosus tendon graft and percutaneous sutures in a minimally invasive approach assisted by endoscopy. The patients underwent retrospective assessment by clinical examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, and the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Paired t tests were used to assess the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores, ATRS scores, and ankle range of motion. Results: The length of the defect ranged from 3 to 8 cm (mean, 5.1), while the length of the turndown flap ranged from 8 to 13 cm (mean, 10.1). The mean AOFAS score improved from 64.5 points preoperatively to 96.9 points at last follow-up. The mean ATRS score improved from 49.4 preoperatively to 91.4 points at last follow-up. None of the patients developed a wound complication. No patient had a rerupture or sural nerve damage. Conclusion: All patients in our study had a favorable outcome with no complications. We believe that with this triple-repair technique, one can achieve a strong and robust repair such as in open surgery while at the same time reducing the incidence of complications. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 551-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Vega ◽  
Albert Baduell ◽  
Francesc Malagelada ◽  
Jörg Allmendinger ◽  
Miki Dalmau-Pastor

Background: Haglund syndrome is a common cause of heel pain. Risk for tendon detachment after calcaneoplasty can exist. Open Achilles tendon detachment, calcaneoplasty, bursectomy, pathologic tendon-tissue debridement, and tendon reattachment of the Achilles tendon is a common surgical management of Haglund syndrome combined with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic calcaneoplasty and anchor suture augmentation of the Achilles insertional area, and the results obtained in patients with an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture after calcaneoplasty. Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, endoscopic calcaneal ostectomy and suture anchor augmentation was performed in 12 patients. Mean age was 44.8 years (range, 35-52 years), and mean follow-up was of 33.5 months (range, 21-46 months). Results: The mean AOFAS score increased from 70 preoperatively (range, 55-85) to 92 (range, 63-100) at final follow-up. The mean VISA-A questionnaire increased from 34 preoperatively (range, 15-63) to 92 (range, 30-100) at follow-up. No major complications were reported. All patients returned to their daily activities without limitations, but 2 described complaints with sports activity. Conclusion: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty and tendon augmentation with suture anchor for the treatment of Haglund syndrome was a reproducible and safe technique that offered the advantages of the endoscopic technique. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 1464-1472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Vega ◽  
Jesus Vilá ◽  
Jorge Batista ◽  
Francesc Malagelada ◽  
Miki Dalmau-Pastor

Background: Operative management of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures is challenging, and numerous techniques have been described. Risk of infection and wound breakdown have been described after open techniques, and minimally invasive methods have been proposed to avoid them. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiological results obtained after endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer in patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, a total of 22 patients were endoscopically treated for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Mean age was 69 years (range, 59-84 years). Mean follow-up was 30.5 months (range, 18-46 months). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained and tendon gap measured. An MRI was obtained at 9 to 12 months following surgery to evaluate Achilles tendon changes. Results: Preoperative MRI examination showed a mean tendon gap of 6.3 cm (range, 3-10.7 cm). The MRI control was obtained only in 12 patients, and a normal or close to normal Achilles tendon was observed in all but 1 patient. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score increased from 55 preoperatively (range, 26-75) to 91 (range, 74-100) at final follow-up. All patients returned to their daily activities without difficulties. No patients reported complaints or symptomatic deficits of great toe flexion strength. No major complications were encountered. Conclusion: Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures were successfully treated by an all-endoscopic procedure. The endoscopically assisted FHL transfer provided excellent results while benefiting from the minimally invasive procedure advantages. However, it entailed some technical challenges and may not be suitable for less experienced surgeons. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 247301142110035
Author(s):  
Keisuke Tsukada ◽  
Youichi Yasui ◽  
Maya Kubo ◽  
Shinya Miki ◽  
Kentaro Matsui ◽  
...  

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the operative outcomes of the side-locking loop suture (SLLS) technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: A chart review was conducted of consecutive patients treated with the SLLS technique at our department from 2012 to 2017. Postoperatively, a below-knee splint was applied for 2 weeks in 20 degrees of plantar flexion and then active range of motion exercise was started. Partial weightbearing exercise was allowed at 4 weeks according to patient tolerance, and full weightbearing without crutches was allowed at 8 weeks. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score and the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: Ten patients (6 men, 4 women) were included in the analysis. Mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score increased significantly from 64.2 ± 5.6 points preoperatively to 95.0 ± 5.3 points at the final follow-up ( P < .001). The mean ATRS also increased significantly from 29.8 ± 4.4 points to 86.2 ± 7.7 points, respectively ( P < .001). Mean time between surgery and ability to perform 20 continuous double-leg heel raises of the operated foot was 13.5 ± 3.4 (range 10-18) weeks. One patient complained of postoperative hypoesthesia in the foot, which had spontaneously resolved by 3 months after surgery. Conclusion: The SLLS technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting provided successful operative outcomes for patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture regardless of the size of the defect, and thus long-term orthotic use was not needed after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangjing Lin ◽  
Jin Cao ◽  
Changgui Zhang ◽  
Liu Yang ◽  
Xiaojun Duan

Background. Both percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening by triple hemisection and the traditional open Z-lengthening are effective methods for Achilles tendon contracture. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new therapeutic method, which is based on the percutaneous sliding technique with three hemi-cuts in the tendon, as compared with the traditional open Z-lengthening. Methods. Retrospective analysis of the Achilles tendon contracture cases in our hospital between January 2010 and September 2016 was conducted. Twenty-five cases received percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening (group A), and 30 patients who underwent open Z-lengthening during the same period were in the control group (group B). Operative time and hospital stay were statistically analyzed. Incision complication, equinus recurrence rate and Achilles tendon rupture morbidity were recorded. The function was assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. All cases in group A received Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of ankle preoperatively and in the follow-ups. Results. The mean follow-up period was 42.04 months in group A and 61.7 months in group B. The entire operative time and the mean hospitalization days were lower in group A than in group B. No incision and infection complication occurred in group A. The infection rate in group B was 3.3%. Equinus recurrence rate was 4% in group A and the equinus recurrence rate in group B was 21.4%. In group A, the mean AOFAS score increased from 64 ± 10.16 points preoperatively to 96.08 ± 3.17 at final follow-up, while the score in group B increased from 63.48 ± 6.2 points to 85.4 ± 10.3. MRI showed continuity of the Achilles tendon and homogeneous signal in group A. Conclusion. Modified surgery can significantly reduce the risk of Achilles tendon rupture, provide better balance in soft tissue strength between ankle dorsiflexion and ankle plantarflexion, helping to avoid recurrence of the deformity.


Author(s):  
Giovanni Concistrè ◽  
Antonio Miceli ◽  
Francesca Chiaramonti ◽  
Pierandrea Farneti ◽  
Stefano Bevilacqua ◽  
...  

Objective Aortic valve replacement in minimally invasive approach has shown to improve clinical outcomes even with a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time. Sutureless aortic valve implantation may ideally shorten operative time. We describe our initial experience with the sutureless 3f Enable (Medtronic, Inc, ATS Medical, Minneapolis, MN USA) aortic bioprosthesis implanted in minimally invasive approach in high-risk patients. Methods Between May 2010 and May 2011, thirteen patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent aortic valve replacement with the 3f Enable bioprosthesis through an upper V-type ministernotomy interrupted at the second intercostal space. The mean ± SD age was 77 ± 3.9 years (range, 72–83 years), 10 patients were women, and the mean ± SD logistic EuroSCORE was 15% ± 13.5%. Echocardiography was performed preoperatively, at postoperative day 1, at discharge, and at follow-up. Clinical data, adverse events, and patient outcomes were recorded retrospectively. The median follow-up time was 4 months (interquartile range, 2–10 months). Results Most of the implanted valves were 21 mm in diameter (19–25 mm). The CPB and ACC times were 100.2 ± 25.3 and 66.4 ± 18.6 minutes. At short-term follow-up, the mean ± SD pressure gradient was 14 ± 4.9 mm Hg; one patient showed trivial paravalvular leakage. No patients died during hospital stay or at follow-up. Conclusions The 3f Enable sutureless bioprosthesis implanted in minimally invasive approach through an upper V-type ministernotomy is a feasible, safe, and reproducible procedure. Hemodynamic and clinical data are promising. This innovative approach might be considered as an alternative in high-risk patients. Reduction of CPB and ACC time is possible with increasing of experience and sutureless evolution of actual technology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0025
Author(s):  
Tyler Hoskins ◽  
David Goyette ◽  
Jay Patel ◽  
Christopher Mazzei ◽  
Arianna L. Gianakos ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle; Sports; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture is a traumatic injury that can cause considerable morbidity and reduced function. The optimal treatment method for this injury remains controversial. Non-operative intervention puts patients at higher risk of re-rupture whereas surgical intervention has risks of infection and iatrogenic nerve injury. Recently, surgeons have established a less invasive surgical approach to repairing the achilles tendon. The ‘Percutaneous or Mini-Invasive’ technique was adopted in order to reduce infection rates and wound breakdown. However, due to the scarce amount of literature reported, the efficacy of this procedure still remains under scrutiny. The goal of this study was to examine the functional outcomes of patients treated at our facility for a ruptured achilles tendon using the percutaneous and minimally invasive surgical technique. Methods: From 2014 to 2020 eighty-one patients underwent a percutaneous or mini invasive surgery at our facility for the treatment of a ruptured achilles tendon. Functional outcome scores were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle scoring system (AOFAS) and the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). Outcomes, complications, and any reoperations were recorded through retrospective chart review, direct patient examination, and phone calls to patients and their families. A statistical analysis was performed using Fischer’s Exact Test. Results were deemed statistically significant if the calculated p-value was less than 0.05. Results: The mean follow up for our patient cohort was 36.40 months (range, 6 to 71). The average age was 41.46 years (range, 17- 65). Mean pre-op AOFAS and ATRS were 45.60 and 47.18 respectively, compared to 90.29 and 87.97 after surgery (p-value <0.05). There were two significant complications reported post-operatively. One patient re-ruptured their Achilles tendon four months post-operatively. This patient was successfully treated with a mini invasive approach and reconstruction of the tendon. A second patient developed a superficial infection ten months post-operatively. This patient successfully underwent irrigation and debridement of the wound. Conclusion: The pre-op and post-op AOFAS and ATRS scores were deemed statistically significant. A percutaneous and mini invasive approach to repair a ruptured achilles tendon, although new, offers promising functional outcome results and remains a viable treatment option to decrease the incidence rate of post-operative infection and iatrogenic nerve injury. However, a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of this procedure to other surgical methods would be necessary to further evaluate and validate our findings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596711988767
Author(s):  
Lu Bai ◽  
Siyao Guan ◽  
Tian You ◽  
Wentao Zhang ◽  
Peng Chen

Background: Chronic Achilles tendon rupture is challenging to repair, and many procedures have been suggested to fill the gap that separates the distal and proximal ends of the ruptured tendon. Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes between the free hamstring graft (HG) and gastrocnemius turn flap (GTF) procedures in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This retrospective study included 26 patients (25 males, 1 female; mean age, 36.7 years; range, 22-53 years) with Kuwada type 3 chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. A total of 11 patients underwent GTF surgery, whereas 15 patients underwent HG surgery. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: The complication rate was significantly higher in the GTF group compared with the HG group (27.2% vs 6.6%, respectively; χ2 = 12.462; P = .001). At the 3-month follow-up, the degree of ankle dorsiflexion was significantly higher in the HG group than in the GTF group ( t = 3.144; P = .004). At 6-month and 1-year follow-up, no significant differences in ankle function were seen between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Hamstring tendon graft is associated with better early recovery of dorsiflexion compared with GTF. The long-term clinical outcomes of these 2 procedures are similar.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E. Klein ◽  
Lowell Weil ◽  
Jeffrey R. Baker ◽  
Lowell Scott Weil ◽  
Wenjay Sung ◽  
...  

Purpose: Debate exists over optimal treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Recent literature suggests the mini-open technique may provide the reliability of the open repair with the decreased complication rate of non-operative treatment. This retrospective review compares acute tendon ruptures treated with one of two techniques: open repair (TO) or mini-open repair (MOA). Methods & Results: Records were reviewed and 34 patients were found to meet the inclusion criteria for open or mini-open repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture with follow up of at least 12 months. TO (n=16) and MOA (n=18) had no statistically significant differences in age at time of injury [TO: 41 + 2.5 years (range 20 – 68); MOA: 46 + 2.5 years (range 33 – 73)] or time between injury and surgical repair [TO: 15 + 2 days (range 2 – 30); MOA: 15 + 2 days (range 2 – 30)]. Post-operative VISA-A scores were 82 + 10 (range 42 – 98) and 92 + 5 (range 66 – 100) for TO and MOA, respectively. Significant differences were found in the time between surgical intervention and beginning of rehabilitation [TO: Post op day 37 + 5 (range 21 – 46); MOA: Post op day 19 + 2 (range 7 – 32)] and the time between surgical intervention and full return to activity [TO: Post op month 7 + 1 (range 4 – 11); MOA: Post op month 5 + 0.6 (range 4 – 11)]. Conclusion: These results suggest that the mini-open repair provides acceptable surgical outcomes while optimizing patient function after Achilles tendon repair. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Retrospective Comparative


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 230949901880248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Hyun Ryu ◽  
Ho Seong Lee ◽  
Sang Gyo Seo ◽  
Ho Yeon Kim

Background: For the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture, early rehabilitation after surgical repair is believed to be a useful method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of open tenorrhaphy followed by early rehabilitation. Methods: A total of 112 patients who underwent open repair and early rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture from January 2003 to March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. These 112 patients (80 men, 32 women) had an average age of 43.1 years (22–62 years), and the mean follow-up period was 91.8 months (12–171 months). A short leg cast was applied postoperatively for an average of 16.5 days (12–20 days). The mean duration of bracing was 6.9 weeks (6–8 weeks). Each patient was assessed based on range of motion, single heel raising test, calf circumference compared to the contralateral limb, ability to return to previous activity, the Arner–Lindholm scale, and the American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) hind foot scale. Isokinetic plantar flexion power was also checked. Results: All patients were fully satisfied (AOFAS ≥ 90) with the treatment results, and 96 patients were able to return to their previous athletic activities. As assessed by the Arner–Lindholm scale, 103 cases were rated as excellent and the other 9 cases were rated as good. At the 1-year follow-up period, single heel raise and hopping was possible in every patient. Compared to the contralateral side, 10 subjects (8.9%) had minor limitation of dorsiflexion motion, and an average of 1.6 cm calf circumference difference without functional disabilities. There were no major complications such as re-rupture, nerve injury, or infection. Conclusion: For acute Achilles tendon ruptures, open surgical repair with optimal length restoration, followed by earlier rehabilitation results in good functional outcomes and a successful return to pre-injury levels of physical activity without major complications. Level of evidence: Level IV.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supl 1) ◽  
pp. 51S
Author(s):  
Thiago Coelho Paim Lima ◽  
Rodrigo Gonçalves Pagnano ◽  
Gustavo Eiji Nodu Sato ◽  
Mauro Cesar Mattos e Dinato

Introduction: Achilles tendon ruptures cause significant functional limitations. The treatment for acute injury is controversial; conservative or surgical treatment and open or minimally invasive surgery are available options. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with minimally invasive tendon repair and augmentation with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer assisted by posterior ankle arthroscopy. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and observational study in which 5 patients with more than 24 months of postoperative follow-up were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and assessments of range of motion and strength. Results: The mean scores on the following instruments were obtained: pain VAS: 0.6; AOFAS: 98; VISA-A: 98.2 and ATRS: 100. The mean dorsiflexion range of motion was smaller (4.8º) than the contralateral range of motion (7.6º). The mean plantar flexion strength was 24.02 kgf on the operated side and 24.64 kgf on the contralateral side. The flexion strength of the hallux interphalangeal joint was weaker on the operated side (13.94 kgf) than on the contralateral side (17.6 kgf), albeit with no complaints from the patients. Conclusion: The proposed surgical treatment method had good clinical and functional outcomes among the patients evaluated in this study. The surgical technique presented herein may be a good alternative for the treatment of uncooperative patients diagnosed with acute Achilles tendon rupture due to tendinosis with important tendon degeneration.


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