scholarly journals Outcomes following treatment of the infected Achilles tendon

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0016
Author(s):  
Mark Bowers ◽  
Norman Turner ◽  
Daniel Ryssman

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat. Our purpose was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture specific intravenous antibiotics for three to six weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Results: All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as “normal” or “nearly normal”. Conclusion: Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture specific IV antibiotics.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 247301141984694
Author(s):  
Mark W. Bowers ◽  
Norman S. Turner ◽  
Daniel B. Ryssman ◽  
Steven L. Moran

Background: Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat and often leads to poor outcomes. A number of treatments have been described, but there is little information concerning outcomes of these treatments. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon after acute and chronic midsubstance repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range, 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture-specific intravenous (IV) antibiotics for 3 to 6 weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Results: All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. Fourteen patients participated in the FAAM ADL survey. There were 6 patients lost to follow-up. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as “normal” or “nearly normal.” Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture-specific IV antibiotics. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212094693
Author(s):  
Sara Macor ◽  
Silvia Pignatto ◽  
Antonio Capone Jr ◽  
Stefano Piermarocchi ◽  
Paolo Lanzetta

Aim: To assess long-term anatomic and functional outcomes of early lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with aggressive-posterior ROP (AP-ROP) which progressed to retinal detachment despite laser treatment. Methods: Chart review of infants who underwent early 25-gage LSV for stage 4A ROP. Outcomes were anatomic success, mean visual acuity (VA), development of postoperative complications, and refractive changes. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and then every 6 months. Results: Ten eyes of seven preterm infants who underwent LSV were included. Mean follow-up was 36 ± 13.4 months and mean postmenstrual age (PMA) at last follow-up was 37 ± 13.7 months. Mean gestational age (GA) and weight at birth was 26 ± 1.4 weeks and 639 ± 180 g. Two eyes had vitreous hemorrhage 4 and 14 days after surgery, respectively. At last follow-up anatomic success was 100%, mean VA was 20/80 and eight eyes (80%) had high myopic refractive correction (mean spherical equivalent –11.25 D). Conclusion: Early LSV for stage 4A ROP with AP-ROP and progression to retinal detachment is efficacious in terms of anatomic and functional outcomes. Anatomic success is associated with visual improvement despite possible myopic refraction changes during follow-up.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0045
Author(s):  
Brian D. Steginsky ◽  
Mallory Suhling ◽  
Eric Giza ◽  
Christopher D. Kreulen ◽  
B. Dale Sharpe ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: The surgical techniques for primary repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures have evolved from large open incisions to mini-open and percutaneous techniques. Studies have demonstrated that lesser invasive surgical techniques may reduce the risk of post-operative wound complications. Knotless surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures can be performed through a mini-incision, but still permits a robust re-approximation of the tendon stumps and decreases suture burden through distal anchor fixation in the calcaneus. However, stress shielding and subsequent tendinosis of the distal tendon stump is a theoretical concern with this surgical technique. We hypothesize that our surgical technique allows for a durable repair through a minimally invasive approach, permitting a safe and accelerated rehabilitation protocol, excellent functional outcomes, and absence of distal stump tendinosis. Methods: A multicenter retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients that underwent primary Achilles tendon repair using a knotless surgical technique with a minimum of one-year follow-up from three orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons’ practices. Exclusion criteria included: age <18, chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (>4 weeks), insertional Achilles tendon ruptures, revision Achilles surgery, peripheral neuropathy, and systemic inflammatory disease. All patients were contacted by phone and asked to return to the office for an MRI, clinical examination, and completion of functional outcome questionnaires. The primary outcome measure was the validated Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analog Score (VAS), postoperative complications, ankle range of motion, calf circumference, and single-heel rise. MRI was used to assess tendon continuity and healing, tendinosis, muscle atrophy, and bone marrow edema/stress fracture associated with anchor fixation in the calcaneus. MRI interpretation was performed by a single, blinded musculoskeletal radiologist. Results: Forty-three patients were identified with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. There were 36 patients (36/43, 84%) who underwent knotless Achilles tendon repair and agreed to participate in the study. The average time to clinical follow-up was 23.5 months (SD±16.3). The mean postoperative ATRS was 84.6 (SD±19.7). There was no significant difference in calf circumference (p=0.22), dorsiflexion (p=0.07), and plantarflexion (p=0.11) between the unaffected and surgical extremity at latest follow-up. One patient (1/36, 2.8%) experienced a re-rupture. There were no wound complications or neuritis. MRI was obtained in 26 patients (26/36, 72.2%) at an average of 17.5 months (SD±10.1). There were no MRI findings of distal stump tendinosis or calcaneal stress fractures. Thirty-two patients (32/36, 88.8%) returned to the same athletic activities one-year after surgery. Conclusion: There is paucity in the literature on functional outcomes following knotless Achilles tendon repair. In this multicenter study, we found that validated functional outcome scores and return to activity were similar to historical controls, with a low rate of surgical complications. MRI obtained in twenty-six patients (72.2%) at 17.5 months demonstrated an intact tendon without distal tendon stump stress shielding or calcaneal stress fracture. The knotless Achilles tendon repair is a unique surgical technique, minimizing suture burden and postoperative complications, while offering excellent functional outcomes and return to activity at two-year follow-up. The excellent clinical outcomes are corroborated by MRI.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 2124-2132 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Busilacchi ◽  
M. Olivieri ◽  
S. Ulisse ◽  
R. Gesuita ◽  
E. Skrami ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangqi Kang ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
Zhenqi Ding ◽  
Yiqiang Ding ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Although many treatments for ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures have been developed, controversy exists regarding their optimal management. The purpose of this retrospective study was to discuss the effectiveness of the Bridge-Link type combined fixation system (BCFS) and evaluate functional outcomes in treating patients with these complex fractures. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated from January 2012 to December 2016. All cases were treated by BCFS combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the Friedman and Wyman scoring system. Results: The proximal femoral fractures were emergency diagnoses in 11 cases and delayed diagnoses in 3 cases. The delay time was 5-6 days, with an average of 5.3 days. The mean operation time was 179.6 minutes (range 135-231 minutes) with a blood loss volume that ranged from 430 to 535 ml (average 483.6 ml). Follow up was conducted in 13 cases between 9 and 30 months post-operation, with an average follow-up time of 17.3 months. The proximal femoral fractures were united in 12 cases at the final follow-up. One case had nonunion 13 months after the operation, underwent valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, and healed 6 months later. The femoral shaft fractures obtained rigid union at the latest follow-up in 12 cases. One case endured nonunion 12 months after the operation. After the revision surgery and iliac bone grafting, the fracture healed 6 months later. Eight of the cases had good functional results, 4 had fair results, and results were poor in 1 case at the final follow-up. Conclusions: The treatment of ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures with BCFS in combination with MIPPO demonstrated a high likelihood of union for both fractures and good functional results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangqi Kang ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
Zhenqi Ding ◽  
Yiqiang Ding ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although many treatments for ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures have been developed, controversy exists regarding their optimal management. The purpose of this retrospective study was to discuss the effectiveness of the bridge-link type combined fixation system (BCFS) and evaluate functional outcomes in treating patients with these complex fractures. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated from January 2012 to December 2016. All cases were treated by BCFS combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the Friedman and Wyman scoring system. Results The proximal femoral fractures were emergency diagnoses in 11 cases and delayed diagnoses in 3 cases. The delay time was 5–6 days, with an average of 5.3 days. The mean operation time was 179.6 min (range 135–231 min) with a blood loss volume that ranged from 430 to 535 ml (average 483.6 ml). Follow-up was conducted in 13 cases between 9 and 30 months post-operation, with an average follow-up time of 17.3 months. The proximal femoral fractures were united in 12 cases at the final follow-up. One case had nonunion 13 months after the operation, underwent valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, and healed 6 months later. The femoral shaft fractures obtained rigid union at the latest follow-up in 12 cases. One case endured nonunion 12 months after the operation. After the revision surgery and iliac bone grafting, the fracture healed 6 months later. Eight of the cases had good functional results, 4 had fair results, and results were poor in 1 case at the final follow-up. Conclusions The treatment of ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures with BCFS in combination with MIPPO demonstrated a high likelihood of union for both fractures and good functional results.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0040
Author(s):  
Ryan Rogero ◽  
David Beck ◽  
Kristen Nicholson ◽  
Rachel Shakked ◽  
David Pedowitz ◽  
...  

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The optimal method of Achilles tendon repair remains undefined. Few previous studies have quantified the financial expenses of Achilles tendon repairs in relation to functional outcomes in order to assess the overall value of the accepted repair techniques. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the value of supine positioning during open repair (OS) of acute Achilles tendon ruptures through the quantification of operative times, costs, and outcomes in comparison to the commonly performed percutaneous prone (PP) repair technique. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 67 patients undergoing OS and 67 patients undergoing PP primary Achilles tendon repair with two surgeons at four surgical locations. Total operating room usage times and operating times were collected from surgical site records. Total operating room times were used to estimate the costs of room usage and anesthesia, while costs of repair equipment were collected from the respective manufacturers. Patients undergoing OS repair completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire, with activities of daily living (ADL) and sports subscales, Short Form-12 (SF-12), with mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) health subcategories, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results: Even with a significantly longer mean surgical time (P=.035), OS repairs had a shorter duration of total operating room time when compared to that of PP repairs (58.4 versus 69.7 minutes, P<.001). Estimated time-dependent costs were lower in OS repairs ($739 versus $861 per procedure, P<.001), while the estimated average total per procedure cost was also lower for OS repairs ($801 versus $1,910 per procedure, P<.001). For patients undergoing OS repair, FAAM-ADL (P<.001), FAAM-Sports (P<.001), SF-12-PCS (P<.001) all increased and VAS grades (P<0.001) decreased from time of initial encounter to final follow-up and were comparable to reported outcomes in the current literature. The complication rate in OS repairs (6.0%) was lower than PP repairs (11.9%), with revisions only occurring in the latter technique. Conclusion: Performing open Achilles tendon repair in the supine position offers substantial value, or “health outcomes achieved per dollar spent”, to providers due to decreased total operating room times and costs with satisfactory functional outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangqi Kang ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
Zhenqi Ding ◽  
Yiqiang Ding ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Although many treatments for ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures have been developed, controversy exists regarding their optimal management. The purpose of this retrospective study was to discuss the effectiveness of the Bridge-Link type combined fixation system (BCFS) and evaluate functional outcomes in treating patients with these complex fractures. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated from January 2012 to December 2016. All cases were treated by BCFS combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the Friedman and Wyman scoring system. Results: The proximal femoral fractures were emergency diagnoses in 11 cases and delayed diagnoses in 3 cases. The delay time was 5-6 days, with an average of 5.3 days. The mean operation time was 179.6 minutes (range 135-231 minutes) with a blood loss volume that ranged from 430 to 535 ml (average 483.6 ml). Follow up was conducted in 13 cases between 9 and 30 months post-operation, with an average follow-up time of 17.3 months. The proximal femoral fractures were united in 12 cases at the final follow-up. One case had nonunion 13 months after the operation, underwent valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, and healed 6 months later. The femoral shaft fractures obtained rigid union at the latest follow-up in 12 cases. One case endured nonunion 12 months after the operation. After the revision surgery and iliac bone grafting, the fracture healed 6 months later. Eight of the cases had good functional results, 4 had fair results, and results were poor in 1 case at the final follow-up. Conclusions: The treatment of ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures with BCFS in combination with MIPPO demonstrated a high likelihood of union for both fractures and good functional results.


2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002092157
Author(s):  
Sudhakar Rao Challagundla ◽  
Roshin Thomas ◽  
Rupert Ferdinand ◽  
Evan Crane

Background. We present clinical and functional results of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis using Memory staples. Methods. This retrospective observational study reviewed MTPJ arthrodesis with Memory staples from 2012 to 2016. Results. The mean age of 50 patients (55 feet) was 63 years (range 41-77 years). Forty-one feet were in women. Indication was hallux rigidus (n = 49) and hallux valgus (n = 6). The overall union rate was 98.2% (n = 54 of 55), including delayed healing in 3 (5.5%). The average time to union was 12 weeks. At a mean follow-up of 38 months (range 12-73 months), the mean Foot and Ankle Ability Measure score (47 out of 55, 86% response rate) was 87% (interquartile range 78%-100%). Complications included partial laceration of extensor hallucis longus (n = 1), wound infection (n = 4), wound-related (n = 2), lesser metatarsalgia (n = 3), cock up deformity (n = 1), and pain (n = 3). Conclusions. The high union rate, good patient satisfaction scores, and low rate of complications support our use of Memory staples. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Jessica Telleria ◽  
Jeremy Smith ◽  
Lauren Ready ◽  
Eric Bluman

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures have a 2.4-4.7% rate of infection and wound healing complications when treated operatively. The incidence doubles in those with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking or steroid use. To diminish complications minimally invasive approaches have received increasing interest. Meta-analyses have demonstrated equivalent rerupture rates, significantly lower risk of superficial infection, and higher patient satisfaction rates with minimally invasive repairs compared with traditional open Achilles repair techniques. We have previously published a novel technique for limited open Achilles repair using modified ring forceps. The objective of the present study is to review the clinical outcomes of this technique, and to analyze functional results using validated outcomes measures. Methods: Between 2009 and 2016, the clinical records of 29 consecutive patients (average age 45 years [range, 21-76 years], 24 males [83%]) who underwent limited-open repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture with modified ring forceps were retrospectively reviewed. Through a 2.5-3 cm midline incision a pair of ring forceps bent 30 degrees were used to grasp the tendon stumps deep to paratenon. Three #2 non-absorbable sutures were placed in the proximal and distal segments and delivered out of the wound. The tendon ends were reapproximated and the sutures tied down to secure the tendon. At a minimum of 6 months follow-up the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) were assessed. Results: At final follow-up (average 43.5 months[range, 5.7-90.1]) 28 of 29 patients reported no pain in their Achilles with an average Achilles VAS of 0.8 out of 100(SD±4.5). The average post-operative VISA-A score was 87.9 out of 100(SD±13.2). The average FAAM Activities of Daily Living and Sports subscales were 96.4%(SD±5.5) and 85.1%(SD±21.3), respectively. Post- operatively patients reported their overall functional level was 94.2% of their pre-injury level when performing ADLs, and 80.1% when participating in sports. Seventeen of 29 patients(58.6%) rated their current functional level as “normal,” nine(31.0%) as “nearly normal,” three(10.3%) as “abnormal,” and none as “severely abnormal.” There was one case of superficial wound infection that resolved with oral antibiotics and local wound care; there were no cases of deep infection, sural neuritis or rerupture. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that limited-open Achilles repair with modified ring forceps provides an economical repair with excellent pain relief and good functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Additionally, this is one of the first studies to report validated Achilles specific outcomes(VISA-A) in the setting of acute repair. The wide age range, and subsequent variability in elective sport involvement, may have differentially lowered the sports-related functional outcomes in this study. The complication rate was extremely low making it an attractive alternative to traditional open techniques. Furthermore, this technique is easy to learn and cost-effective without the requirement of commercially available single-use kits.


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