scholarly journals Biomechanical Comparison of Panda Rope Bridge Technique and Other Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair Techniques In Vitro

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712110084
Author(s):  
Ting Wang ◽  
Yuan Mu ◽  
Yulei Diao ◽  
Wenke Liu ◽  
Yahong Wu ◽  
...  

Background: Although nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a reasonable option, surgical repair has attracted attention for young and active patients. More reliable Achilles tendon repair techniques are needed to enhance recovery after ATR in this population. Purpose/Hypothesis: To biomechanically analyze the panda rope bridge technique (PRBT) and compare it with other minimally invasive repair techniques over a simulated, progressive rehabilitation program. It was hypothesized that PRBT would result in better biomechanical properties and enhanced recovery after ATR. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: An Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm from the distal tendon insertion site in 40 bovine lower extremities, and specimens were then randomly allocated to 5 Achilles tendon repair techniques: (1) Achillon, (2) modified Achillon, (3) Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS), (4) modified PARS, and (5) PRBT. Each group was subjected to a cyclic loading protocol that was representative of progressive postoperative rehabilitation for ATR (250 cycles at 1 Hz for each loading stage: 20-100 N, 20-200 N, 20-300 N, and 20-400 N). Results: The PRBT technique demonstrated significantly less elongation (1.62 ± 0.25 mm) than the 4 other repair techniques after the first loading stage of 20 to 100 N ( P < .05). All specimens in the 4 other groups developed a large gap (elongation ≥5 mm) at the 20- to 200-N loading stage. When overall biomechanical performance was examined, the PRBT group exhibited higher strength (20-400 N) and more mean loading cycles (984 ± 10) compared with the 4 other groups ( P < .05). Conclusion: In this bovine model, PRBT biomechanically outperformed the other minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair techniques that were tested and could therefore meet the requirements of accelerated rehabilitation. Clinical Relevance: The reduced tendency for premature rerupture and the overall improved biomechanical properties of PRBT suggest that ATR patients treated with PRBT may more readily complete early and aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocols. In addition, they may have a lower risk of early irreversible suture failure.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301141771543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Dekker ◽  
Charles Qin ◽  
Cort Lawton ◽  
Muturi G. Muriuki ◽  
Robert M. Havey ◽  
...  

Background: Soft tissue complications after Achilles tendon repair has led to increased interest in less invasive techniques. Various limited open techniques have gained popularity as an alternative to open operative repair. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare an open Krackow and limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture. We hypothesized that there would be no statistical difference in load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness. Methods: A simulated Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm proximal to its insertion in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric below-knee lower limbs. Specimens were randomized to open or limited open PARS Achilles Jig System repair. Repairs were loaded to failure at a rate of 25.4 mm/s to reflect loading during normal ankle range of motion. Load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness were compared between the 2 repair types. Results: The average load to failure (353.8 ± 88.8 N vs 313.3 ± 99.9 N; P = .38) and work to failure (6.4 ± 2.3 J vs 6.3 ± 3.5 J; P = .904) were not statistically different for Krackow and PARS repair, respectively. Mean initial linear stiffness of the Krackow repair (17.8 ± 5.4 N/mm) was significantly greater than PARS repair (11.8 ± 2.5 N/mm) ( P = .011). Conclusion: No significant difference in repair strength was seen, but higher initial linear stiffness for Krackow repair suggests superior resistance to gap formation, which may occur during postoperative rehabilitation. With equal repair strength, but less soft tissue devitalization, the PARS may be a favorable option for patients with risk factors for soft tissue complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301142096596
Author(s):  
Daniel Carpenter ◽  
Katherine Dederer ◽  
Paul Weinhold ◽  
Joshua N. Tennant

Background: Percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) continues to gain in popularity. The primary aim of the study was to review the outcomes of a patient cohort undergoing a novel technique of endoscopic percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with absorbable suture. A secondary purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic biomechanical properties of the technique. Methods: A cohort of 30 patients who underwent percutaneous ATR repair was retrospectively analyzed with Achilles Tendon Rupture Scores (ATRS), complications, and additional outcome measures. For a biomechanical analysis portion of the study, 12 cadaveric specimens were paired and randomized to either novel percutaneous repair or open Kessler repair with absorbable suture. These specimens were subjected to 2 phases of cyclical testing (100 cycles 10-43 N followed by 200 cycles 10-86 N) and ultimate strength testing. Results: In the clinical portion of the study we report excellent patient reported outcomes (mean ATRS 94.1), high level of return to sport, and high patient satisfaction. One partial re-rupture was reported but with no major wound or neurologic complications. In the biomechanical portion of the study we found no significant difference in tendon gapping between percutaneous and open repairs in phase 1 of testing. In phase 2, increased gapping occurred between percutaneous (17.8 mm [range 10.7-24.1, SD 6.4]) and open repairs (10.8 mm [range 7.6-14.9, SD 2.7, P = .037]). The ultimate load at failure was not statistically different between the 2 repairs. Conclusions: A percutaneous ATR repair technique using endoscopic assistance and absorbable suture demonstrated low complications and good outcomes in a cohort of patients, with high satisfaction, and excellent functional outcomes including high rates of return to sport. Cadaveric biomechanical testing demonstrated excellent survival during testing and minimal increase in gapping compared with open repair technique, representing sufficient strength to withstand forces seen in early rehabilitation. A percutaneous Achilles tendon repair technique with absorbable suture may minimize risks associated with operative repair while still maintaining the benefit of operative repair. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0035
Author(s):  
Roddy McGee ◽  
Troy S. Watson ◽  
Adam Eudy ◽  
Candice L. Brady ◽  
Cheryl Vanier ◽  
...  

Category: Sports; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Minimally-invasive techniques for Achilles tendon repair are gaining popularity by orthopedic surgeons due to the reports of similar re-rupture rates with open versus percutaneous techniques with less wound complications and quicker recovery with percutaneous methods. The goal of the study was to quantify the relationship of the sural nerve to the Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS) during Achilles tendon repair and identify sural nerve violations utilizing this system. Methods: The PARS was placed into ten lower extremity cadaveric specimens after simulation of an Achilles tendon rupture. After placement of the PARS jig and passage of the needles, careful dissection was performed in order to identify whether the sural nerve was violated and the distance of the sural nerve in relation to the passed needles was recorded. Results: Of the 10 cadaveric specimens, none had violation of the sural nerve during percutaneous needle passage. Zero of the 50 (0%) needles directly punctured the substance of the sural nerve, however, one needle was found to have come into close proximity separating the sural nerve and small saphenous vein but when the suture was passed and the PARS jig removed, the nerve was found remain intact with no evidence of entrapment. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential risk for sural nerve injury when using the PARS for Achilles tendon repair.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Katherine Sage ◽  
Gregory Guyton

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Open Achilles tendon repair is typically performed in the prone position for easy visibility of the tendon, but serious complications may be associated with general anesthesia in this position. Open Achilles tendon repair with supine position has been described and potentially avoids these issues, but it is not known whether this position is safe. We reviewed the complication rate of supine open Achilles tendon repair in a retrospective series of patients, looking specifically at wound healing, infection, re-rupture, and sural nerve injury. Methods: CPT codes for Achilles tendon rupture were used to search the records of one surgeon for the years 2010-2014. The charts were then reviewed. Patients were included if they had an Achilles tendon rupture that was surgically treated with primary repair in the supine position within 15 days of injury. Patients were excluded if further reconstruction or tendon transfer was performed. A paramedian incision was utilized 1 cm medial to the Achilles sheath. Results: A total of 37 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these 37 patients, 31 were men and 6 were women. The average age was 40.0 years (range, 20 to 66 years). Average length of follow-up was 159 days (range 25 to 1589 days). The average BMI was 28 (range 24-36). There were no major complications, including no infections or wound complications. No reruptures and no sural nerve injuries were observed. Conclusion: In 37 patients with early follow-up, supine open Achilles tendon repair had a complication rate equivalent to reported historical data for the prone procedure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Prisca Yeung ◽  
Lok Pong Man ◽  
Wing Hang Angela Ho

Introduction: Minimal invasive Achilles tendon repair is becoming more and more popular recently. We have evaluated our results in Achilles tendon repair using minimally invasive method by a suture-guiding device. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture, which was repaired using minimally invasive method namely the suture-guiding device, that was performed during 2003 to 2015 in our department. Outcome parameters were the incidence of re-rupture, other complications, and the functional outcome. Results: There were 36 men (90%) and 4 women (10%) in this study. Mechanisms of injury were basketball (28%), football (15%), squash (15%), and trauma (13%). The mean operating time was 59 min (range 30–90 min). The mean follow-up time was 8 months (range 3–35 months). The mean duration with casting was 7 weeks. The mean range of movement at 3 months was 8° dorsiflexion and 33° plantar flexion. There was no major complication necessitating surgical re-interventions such as re-ruptures and infections. No patient suffered from dysfunction of the sural nerve or delay wound healing. Conclusion: Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair using suture-guiding device is a safe and quick procedure with a low rate of re-rupture and a satisfactory short-term and long-term recovery. Level of evidence: IV.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supl 1) ◽  
pp. S32
Author(s):  
João Paulo Primo de Araujo ◽  
Marcus Vinicius Mota Garcia Moreno ◽  
Janice De Souza Guimarães ◽  
Marilton Jorge Torres Gomes ◽  
Túlio Eduardo Marçal Vieira ◽  
...  

Objective: Our study compares the functional outcomes of patients who underwent open repair of the Achilles tendon with those of patients treated with the minimally invasive technique using the percutaneous Achilles repair system (PARS) over a 1-year minimum follow-up period and presents the complication rates for the 2 techniques. Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, 31 patients were reviewed; of these, 20 were included in the study (10 PARS X 10 open repair technique). Patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture, insertional or bilateral, and patients with a history of surgery or previous ankle pathology that could mask functional outcomes were excluded from the study. The open repair technique was performed via a posteromedial incision to the ankle to repair the tendon and was combined with myotendinous transfer of the flexor hallucis longus tendon, which was fixed with a Biotenodesis screw. The minimally invasive technique was performed using the PARS of the company Arthrex through a small transverse incision at the site of the Achilles tendon rupture. Functional outcomes and complications were collected after at least 1 year of follow-up. Results: Both groups had similar American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores (PARS: 95.3±5.1, open: 96.5±5.1; p=0.604), demonstrating similar functional outcomes. The PARS group had a higher number of complications than the open repair group (PARS: 20% x open: 10%), but the difference was not significant (p=0.383). Conclusion: For the treatment of acute Achilles tendon injuries, the PARS and open repair techniques had similar functional outcomes after 1 year of follow-up.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0040
Author(s):  
Ryan G. Rogero ◽  
Daniel Corr ◽  
Andrew Fisher ◽  
Joseph T. O’Neil ◽  
Daniel J. Fuchs ◽  
...  

Category: Trauma; Ankle; Hindfoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Given the lack of consensus regarding the optimal surgical treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures, identifying techniques to maximize functional outcomes is crucial. Augmentation of Achilles tendon repair with the plantaris tendon is an established surgical technique that is thought to improve outcomes by reinforcing the repair site as well as decreasing soft tissue adhesions, though no studies have specifically looked at outcomes of its use. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of acute Achilles tendon repairs managed with and without plantaris tendon augmentation. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing open repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures with a single fellowship- trained foot & ankle surgeon from 2010-2016 was performed. Patients <18 years of age, those whose procedures were >21 days from the date of injury, or whose repair was augmented with a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer or V-Y advancement were excluded. Operative report review determined if repair included plantaris augmentation. Augmentation involved weaving the tendon through the Achilles above and below the rupture site creating a box type biologic augmentation. Patients were contacted at >=2 years postoperatively to complete the Foot & Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and -Sports subscales, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, as well as surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the surgical outcome using a 5- point Likert scale. Mann-Whitney U, Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were performed to compare patient variables and postoperative outcomes. Results: One hundred twenty-eight patients undergoing repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture were included, including 59 (46.1%) with plantaris tendon augmentation and 69 (53.9%) without. The two patient cohorts did not differ in any preoperative patient variables (p>0.0892). Patients with and without plantaris augmentation did not experience any significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications (p=1.000), including a 0% re-rupture rate in each group. Additionally, at an average follow-up of 57.1 months, the groups did not differ in FAAM-ADL score (p=0.7116), FAAM-Sports score (p=0.4024), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) as part of the FAAM-Sports subscale (p=0.2572), VAS pain (p=0.1885), or outcome satisfaction (p=0.7317). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that plantaris tendon augmentation does not improve patient functional outcomes following acute Achilles tendon repair, but also is not associated with increased complication rates. Further studies, including either higher-level prospective, randomized clinical studies or biomechanical evaluation of the technique, are indicated to justify this adjunctive procedure. [Table: see text]


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yiming Zhu ◽  
Aiguo Xie ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
Chihao Zhang ◽  
Tao Ni

Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB), based on photosensitizer rose bengal (RB) and green light, has been regarded as an effective alternative to surgical suture and has been reported to provide benefits for Achilles tendon repair. Limited to the poor penetration of green light, secondary damage still exists while applying PTB for closed Achilles tendon rupture. This study is aimed at exploring the effects of noninvasive photochemical sealing on Achilles tendon rupture by the combination of PTB and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The rare-earth UCNPs of NaYF4 : Yb/Er (Y:Yb:Er=78:20:2) were fabricated and then loaded into Chitosan/β-GP hydrogel containing RB to prepare UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β-GP hydrogel. The properties of UCNPs and UCNP/Chitosan/β-GP hydrogel were characterized by TEM, SEM, DLS, and FTIR analysis. The effects of UCNP and PTB combination were evaluated in an Achilles tendon rupture rat model using histological analysis. Bioluminescence imaging of ROS was performed to explore the potential mechanism. UCNPs had a uniform shape with a diameter of 29.7±2.6 nm. The UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β-GP hydrogel could upconvert the near-infrared light into green light. The results of histological assessment showed that compared with traditional suture repair, the rats injected with UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β-GP hydrogel followed by irradiating with near-infrared light and the rats treated with RB solution followed by irradiating with green light had better effects on Achilles tendon repair. The benefits might be related to the generation of ROS in the PTB process. These findings indicated that the combination of PTB and UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β-GP hydrogel could be used as a noninvasive photochemical sealing for Achilles tendon rupture.


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