Safety and Efficacy of Intra-articular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients With Ankle Osteoarthritis

Background: An intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). However, its efficacy in ankle OA has not been investigated yet. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an intra-articular injection of PRP in patients with ankle OA during a 24-week period. Methods: Twenty ankles of 20 patients with varus-type ankle OA who received intra-articular injections of PRP were evaluated. PRP was extracted from whole blood by using the double-spin technique. Three injections of 2-mL PRP were administered to the ankle at an interval of 2 weeks under ultrasonographic guidance. Adverse events and efficacy were assessed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the last injection. Clinical outcomes were assessed by using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle/hindfoot scale, and the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Results: No serious adverse effects were observed during the follow-up period. The VAS and JSSF scale scores significantly decreased from baseline to 4, 12, and 24 weeks after treatment ( P < .001). The mean score in the pain-related subscale of the SAFE-Q significantly improved from baseline to 12 weeks after treatment ( P = .04). Overall, the amount of pain reduction was maximal at 12 weeks after the last injection, and the effect was reduced at 24 weeks. The patients with late-stage OA had worse scores in all outcomes than those with early-stage OA. Conclusion: Intra-articular injections of PRP resulted in no serious adverse effects and significantly reduced pain in the patients with ankle OA. PRP treatment can be safe and effective and may be an option in the treatment of ankle OA. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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Single Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Early Stage of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Joints ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1601405 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 05 (01) ◽

pp. 002-006 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Liborio Martini ◽

Alessio Via ◽

Chiara Fossati ◽

Filippo Randelli ◽

Pietro Randelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Stage ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Case Series ◽

Womac Score ◽

Rank Test ◽

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽

Low Grade ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Knee Oa

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the safety efficacy and outcomes of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections for early stages of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Twenty-five patients affected by grade I and II knee primary OA according to the Kellgren–Lawrence scale received a single intra-articular PRP injection. Patients were prospectively evaluated for 6 months. Visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scoring scales were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate significance of improvement of WOMAC, KOOS, and VAS scores. Results Twenty-one patients completed 6-months follow-up. The median WOMAC score improved from 29.1 points (range: 17.4–60.4; standard deviation [SD] = 13.0) at baseline to 42.41 (range: 24.3–71.2; SD = 12.5) at final follow-up. Improvements in median KOOS and VAS score have been also found, from 37.49 points and 64.2 mm before injection to 59.71 points and 42.8 mm, respectively. All these improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05). No adverse reactions have been observed. Conclusion Treating knee OA with PRP injection is safe. A single dose of PRP seems to be effective in managing pain and improving quality of life in patients with low-grade knee OA. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

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Three-Stage Masquelet Technique and One-Stage Reconstruction to Treat Foot and Ankle Tuberculosis

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100719890854 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 331-341 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wenqiang Qu ◽

Chi Wei ◽

Li Yu ◽

Yu Deng ◽

Panfeng Fu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pain Score ◽

Early Stage ◽

Distal Tibia ◽

Case Series ◽

Cement Spacer ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Aofas Score ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Masquelet Technique

Background: The purpose of this article was to report the feasibility and effectiveness of 3-stage Masquelet technique and 1-stage operation for different stages of foot and ankle tuberculosis (TB). Methods: Ten consecutive patients with foot and ankle TB were retrospectively analyzed between January 2014 and December 2018. Five patients were treated with the 3-stage Masquelet technique, including thorough debridement with vacuum sealing drainage, implantation of antibiotic cement spacer, and subsequent reconstruction. Five patients were treated with a 1-stage reconstruction. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded at the last follow-up. The follow-up was 30.3 ± 17.8 months. Results: No reactivation of TB was observed in any patients. For the 3-stage operation group, 1 patient developed a distal tibia fracture. The duration of anti-TB therapy was 12.0 ± 0.8 months. The AOFAS score increased from 39.5 ± 9.9 preoperatively to 75.3 ± 7.0 postoperatively ( P < .05). The VAS pain score decreased from 6.3 ± 1.9 to 1.5 ± 1.3 ( P < .05). For the 1-stage operation, 1 patient had wound necrosis. The duration of anti-TB therapy was 13.8 ± 1.1 months. The AOFAS score increased from 51.8 ± 15.0 to 81.8 ± 6.3 ( P < .05). The VAS pain score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.1 to 1.0 ± 0.7 ( P < .05). Conclusion: Three-stage operation was effective for foot and ankle TB with stage IV, sinus tracts or other infections, and 1-stage reconstruction was effective for early-stage TBs. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Grade 3 Symptomatic Degenerative Meniscal Lesions: A 1-Year Follow-up Prospective Study

Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

10.1177/19417381211011074 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 194173812110110

Author(s):

Mattia Alessio-Mazzola ◽

Lamberto Felli ◽

Roberto Trentini ◽

Matteo Formica ◽

Andrea Giorgio Capello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Symptomatic Relief ◽

Case Series ◽

Degenerative Joint Disease ◽

Joint Disease ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Meniscal Lesions ◽

Activity Scale ◽

Tegner Activity Scale

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as a biologic option to provide symptomatic relief and delay surgery in patients with degenerative joint disease of osteoarthritis (OA). The efficacy of autologous PRP on symptomatic degenerative meniscal lesions (DMLs) has never been investigated. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients with symptomatic DMLs without OA undergoing autologous PRP injections experience a significant clinical improvement at 12 months. Study Design: Prospective case series. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 69 patients with symptomatic DMLs without radiographic evidence of knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grading scale 0-1) received 4 autologous PRP injections once a week. Patients were prospectively evaluated before the injection and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Evaluation was based on Lysholm knee scoring scale (primary outcome), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Tegner activity scale, and visual analogue scale scores. Results: Patients treated with PRP injections demonstrated an improving knee function and symptoms over the duration of the study. A significant improvement from baseline to 12 months was observed in all the outcome measures, and no patients experienced failure or required surgery during the follow-up. Patients younger than 50 years reported lower subjective level of pain and higher Tegner activity scale at baseline and had significantly better Lysholm knee scoring scale ( P = 0.03) and WOMAC ( P = 0.03) scores at 6 months, as well as better range of motion at 3, 6, and 12 months ( P < 0.001). Thirty-three (47.8%) patients were very satisfied, 26 (37.7%) satisfied, 8 (11.6%) partially satisfied, and 2 (2.9 %) not satisfied, with 62 (89.8%) patients willing to repeat the same treatment. No patient was lost to follow-up and no patient experienced adverse reaction, infection, failure, recurrence or underwent further surgery. Conclusion: PRP injections provide short-term benefits in symptomatic DMLs. Although promising results were evident at 12 months, this is a preliminary study and no definitive recommendation can be made based, for example, on longer follow-up. Clinical Relevance: This research supports the use of autologous PRP injections for symptomatic DMLs.

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Fluoroscopically Guided Subacromial Spacer Implantation for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Two Years of Prospective Follow-up

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121993469 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 232596712199346

Author(s):

Enrico Gervasi ◽

Eran Maman ◽

Assaf Dekel ◽

Elana Markovitz ◽

Enrico Cautero

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Local Anesthesia ◽

Case Series ◽

The Elderly ◽

Shoulder Function ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) are common and have been estimated to account for nearly 40% of all rotator cuff tears. An evolving strategy for management of MRCTs has been the implantation of a degradable subacromial spacer balloon that attempts to restore normal shoulder biomechanics. Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopically guided balloon spacer implantation under local anesthesia in a cohort of patients with 2 years of postoperative follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The safety and efficacy of using fluoroscopically guided subacromial spacer implantation was assessed in 46 patients. Follow-up visits were scheduled according to routine clinical practice. Shoulder function was evaluated using Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores. Results: Overall, 87.5% (35/40) of patients saw clinically significant improvement in the total Constant and ASES scores from 6 weeks postoperatively, with improvement maintained up to 24 months postoperatively. Conclusion: The data suggest that fluoroscopically guided subacromial spacer implantation under local anesthesia is a low-risk, clinically effective option, especially for the elderly population and those patients who have multiple comorbidities or a contraindication to general anesthesia. Patients undergoing subacromial spacer implantation for the treatment of MRCTs had satisfactory outcomes at 2-year follow-up, with a low rate of complications.

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Musculotendinous Junction Injuries of the Proximal Biceps Femoris: A Prospective Study of 64 Patients Treated Surgically

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520926999 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (8) ◽

pp. 1974-1982 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Atif Ayuob ◽

Babar Kayani ◽

Fares S. Haddad

Keyword(s):

Surgical Repair ◽

Case Series ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Low Risk ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Musculotendinous Junction ◽

Risk Of Recurrence ◽

Sporting Activity ◽

Scale Scores

Background: Injuries to the hamstring complex most commonly involve the proximal musculotendinous junction of the long head of the biceps femoris (MTJ-BFlh). Nonoperative management of these injuries is associated with prolonged rehabilitation and high risk of recurrence. To our knowledge, the surgical management of acute MTJ-BFlh injuries has not been previously reported. Hypothesis: Surgical repair of acute MTJ-BFlh injuries enables return to sporting activity with low risk of recurrence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 64 patients (42 male and 22 female) undergoing surgical repair of acute MTJ-BFlh injuries were included. Predefined outcomes were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time after surgery was 29.2 months (range, 24.0-37.1 months). Results: All study patients returned to their preinjury levels of sporting activity. Mean ± SD time from surgical intervention to return to sporting activity was 13.4 ± 5.1 weeks. Three patients had reinjury at the operative site: 1 (1.6%) with MTJ-BFlh injury and 2 (3.2%) with myofascial tears. At 3 months after surgery, patients had improved mean passive straight-leg raise (72.0° ± 11.4° vs 24.1° ± 6.8°; P < .001); increased mean isometric hamstring muscle strength at 0° (84.5 % ± 10.4% vs 25.9% ± 8.9%; P < .001), 15° (89.5% ± 7.3% vs 41.2% ± 9.7%; P < .001), and 45° (93.9% ± 5.1% vs 63.4% ± 7.6%; P < .001); higher mean Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores (71.5 ± 5.0 vs 29.8 ± 6.3; P < .001); and improved mean Marx activity rating scores (9.8 ± 2.2 vs 3.8 ± 1.9; P < .001), as compared with preoperative scores. High patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores were maintained at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Conclusion: Surgical repair of acute MTJ-BFlh injuries enables return to preinjury level of sporting function with low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.

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Intra-articular Injections in the Treatment of Symptoms from Ankle Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100718779375 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (10) ◽

pp. 1141-1150 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Christopher Vannabouathong ◽

Gina Del Fabbro ◽

Brendan Sales ◽

Christopher Smith ◽

Chuan Silvia Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Symptomatic Relief ◽

Case Series ◽

P Value ◽

Ankle Arthritis ◽

Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Scale Scores

Background: Intra-articular (IA) injections are commonly used to treat knee arthritis pain; however, whether their efficacy generalizes to ankle arthritis remains debatable. We aimed to evaluate the evidence for IA therapies in the management of this patient population. Methods: We performed a literature search for observational and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Treatments included corticosteroids (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). We extracted study details, patient demographics, treatment characteristics, efficacy outcomes, and safety. When feasible, data from RCTs were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We identified 27 studies (1085 patients). Ankle OA, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and hemophilic arthropathy populations were examined. The majority of studies were observational (20 studies); the only RCTs were those evaluating HA. Case series demonstrated favorable results in terms of symptomatic relief with CS, HA, PRP, and MSC injections; however, the effects of CS may only be short term and the evidence on MSCs was limited to 1 study with 6 ankle OA patients. Pooled results (3 RCTs, 109 patients) suggested significantly improved Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale scores with HA over saline at 6 months, with a mean difference of 12.47 points (95% CI 1.18-23.77, P = .03). Conclusion: Evidence from small trials favors HA and PRP injections for the treatment of pain associated with ankle osteoarthritis. However, the relative efficacy of all injectable therapies is far from definitive and warrants further high-quality comparative trials. Level of Evidence: Level III, systematic review.

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Leukocyte-poor PRP application for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Joints ◽

10.11138/jts/2013.1.3.112 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 01 (03) ◽

pp. 112-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Giuseppe Filardo ◽

Elizaveta Kon ◽

Berardo Di Matteo ◽

Alessandro Di Marino ◽

Andrea Sessa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Case Series ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Salvage Procedure ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Baseline Evaluation ◽

Eq Vas

Purpose: the aim of this study was to describe the clinical results obtained after intra-articular injection of a leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: forty-five patients (mean age: 59 years, mean BMI: 27) were included and treated with a cycle of three weekly injections of autologous conditioned plasma. Six patients were affected by bilateral symptomatic OA, therefore 51 knees in total were treated. The patients were divided into two groups: those affected by early/moderate OA and those affected by severe OA. The patients were submitted to baseline evaluation and evaluation after a mean follow-up of 14.5 months (range: 6-24 months), performed using the following outcome measures: IKDC-subjective, EQ-VAS, Tegner, and KOOS scores. Adverse events and patient satisfaction were also recorded.The results in the two groups of patients (“early/moderate” vs “severe OA”) were analyzed separately. Results: the overall clinical outcome was positive and the treatment proved to be safe. In the “early/moderate OA” group, the IKDC-subjective score increased from 36.4 at the baseline evaluation to 57.3 at the follow-up (p<0.0005) and a similar trend was shown by the EQ-VAS, Tegner, and KOOS scores. Although an improvement was also recorded in the “severe OA” group, the clinical outcome of the patients in this group was significantly poorer and they reported less benefit. In the “early/moderate OA” group, BMI and longer symptom duration before treatment were found to be correlated with clinical outcome. Conclusions: PRP injections are capable of reducing pain and improving knee functional status at shortterm follow-up. The patients with a lower degree of joint degeneration were the best responders, whereas in severe osteoarthritic knees this biological treatment, used as a “salvage procedure”, produced a less favorable outcome. Level of Evidence: level IV; therapeutic case series.

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Minimum 10-Year Clinical Outcome of Lateral Collagen Meniscal Implants for the Replacement of Partial Lateral Meniscal Defects: Further Results From a Prospective Multicenter Study

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121994919 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 232596712199491

Author(s):

Alberto Grassi ◽

Gian Andrea Lucidi ◽

Giuseppe Filardo ◽

Piero Agostinone ◽

Luca Macchiarola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Case Series ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Activity Level ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasties ◽

Tegner Score

Background: The collagen meniscal implant (CMI) is a biologic scaffold aimed at replacing partial meniscal defects. The long-term results of lateral meniscal replacement have never been investigated. Purpose: To document the clinical outcomes and failures of lateral CMI implantation for partial lateral meniscal defect at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4, Methods: This study included 24 consecutive patients who underwent lateral CMI implantation for partial lateral meniscal defects between April 2006 and September 2009 and who were part of a previous study with a 2-year follow-up. Outcome measures at the latest follow-up included the Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Tegner activity level, and EuroQol 5-Dimensions score. Data regarding complications and failures were collected, and patients were asked about their satisfaction with the procedure. Results: Included in the final analysis were 19 patients (16 male, 3 female) with a mean age at surgery of 37.1 ± 12.6 years and a mean follow-up of 12.4 ± 1.5 years (range, 10-14 years). Five failures (26%) were reported: 1 CMI removal because of implant breakage and 4 joint replacements (2 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties and 2 total knee arthroplasties). The implant survival rate was 96% at 2 years, 85% at 5 years, 85% at 10 years, 77% at 12 years, and 64% at 14 years. Lysholm scores at the final follow-up were rated as “excellent” in 36% (5 of 14 nonfailures), “good” in 43% (6 of 14), and “fair” in 21% (3 of 14). The VAS score was 3.1 ± 3.1, with only 16% (3 of 19 patients) reporting that they were pain-free; the median Tegner score was 3 (interquartile range, 2-5). All clinical scores decreased from the 2-year follow-up; however, with the exception of the Tegner score, they remained significantly higher compared with the preoperative status. Overall, 79% of patients were willing to undergo the same procedure. Conclusion: Lateral CMI implantation for partial lateral meniscal defects provided good long-term results, with a 10-year survival rate of 85% and a 14-year survival rate of 64%. At the final follow-up, 58% of the patients had “good” or “excellent” Lysholm scores. However, there was a general decrease in outcome scores between the short- and the long-term follow-up.

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Failed Surgery for Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes: Midterm Results of Further Surgical Management

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121994550 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 232596712199455

Author(s):

Nicola Maffulli ◽

Francesco Oliva ◽

Gayle D. Maffulli ◽

Filippo Migliorini

Keyword(s):

Surgical Management ◽

Revision Surgery ◽

Case Series ◽

Sports Participation ◽

Patellar Tendinopathy ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Training Time ◽

The Mean

Background: Tendon injuries are commonly seen in sports medicine practice. Many elite players involved in high-impact activities develop patellar tendinopathy (PT) symptoms. Of them, a small percentage will develop refractory PT and need to undergo surgery. In some of these patients, surgery does not resolve these symptoms. Purpose: To report the clinical results in a cohort of athletes who underwent further surgery after failure of primary surgery for PT. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 22 athletes who had undergone revision surgery for failed surgical management of PT were enrolled in the present study. Symptom severity was assessed through the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) upon admission and at the final follow-up. Time to return to training, time to return to competition, and complications were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 25.4 years, and the mean symptom duration from the index intervention was 15.3 months. At a mean follow-up of 30.0 ± 4.9 months, the VISA-P score improved 27.8 points ( P < .0001). The patients returned to training within a mean of 9.2 months. Fifteen patients (68.2%) returned to competition within a mean of 11.6 months. Of these 15 patients, a further 2 had decreased their performance, and 2 more had abandoned sports participation by the final follow-up. The overall rate of complications was 18.2%. One patient (4.5%) had a further revision procedure. Conclusion: Revision surgery was feasible and effective in patients in whom PT symptoms persisted after previous surgery for PT, achieving a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of the VISA-P score as well as an acceptable rate of return to sport at a follow-up of 30 months.

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Operative Outcome of Side-Locking Loop Suture Technique Accompanied by Autologous Semitendinosus Tendon Grafting for Chronic Rupture of Achilles Tendon

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/24730114211003541 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 247301142110035

Author(s):

Keisuke Tsukada ◽

Youichi Yasui ◽

Maya Kubo ◽

Shinya Miki ◽

Kentaro Matsui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Scale Score ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Case Series ◽

Semitendinosus Tendon ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Operative Outcomes

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.

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