scholarly journals Percutaneous and Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Achilles Tendon Repair

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.

Author(s):  
Michael R. Carmont ◽  
Sara Brandt Knutsson ◽  
Annelie Brorsson ◽  
Jón Karlsson ◽  
Katarina Nilsson-Helander

Abstract Purpose Operative repair of Achilles tendon rupture may lead to complications, which influence outcome adversely. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, impact and response to treatment of post-operative adhesions. Methods From February 2009 to 2021, 248 patients operated on with percutaneous or minimally invasive surgical repair have been prospectively evaluated using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Heel-Rise Height Index (HRHI), following acute Achilles tendon rupture. Results Fourteen (5.6%) patients were identified as having adhesions. Four patients reported superficial adhesions and ten patients reported a deeper tightness of the tendon. At a mean (SD) of 10.5 (2.3) months following repair, the overall ATRS was at a median (IQR) 65 (44.5–78) points and (HRHI) was mean (SD) 81.5 (13.5)%. Of those deemed to have deep adhesions the antero-posterior diameter of the tendon was at mean (SD) 15.6 (4.6) mm. Open release of superficial adhesions resulted in improved ATRS in all patients. Endoscopic debridement anterior to the Achilles tendon led to alleviation of symptoms of tightness and discomfort from deep adhesions and improved outcome in terms of the ATRS score. At a mean (SD) of 15.9 (3.3)-month follow-up from initial rupture and repair, the patients reported at median (IQR) ATRS scores of 85 (64.8–92.8) points, Tegner level 5 (3–9) and mean (SD) HRHI 86.2 (9.5)%. Patients significantly improved both ATRS and HRHI following release at median (IQR) of 16.5 (− 1.8–29.3) points (p = 0.041) and mean (SD) 5.6 (8.3)% (p = 0.043). Conclusions The incidence of patient-reported adhesions following minimally invasive repair of Achilles tendon rupture was estimated to be 5.6%. The occurrence of superficial adhesions was associated with a lower outcome scores as well as symptoms of anterior tendon tightness and stiffness were associated with a lower score in most patients. Surgical release of adhesions led to a significant improvement in outcome.


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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Ficek ◽  
Paweł Gwiazdoń ◽  
Jolanta Rajca ◽  
Grzegorz Hajduk

Abstract Background: Subcutaneous, spontaneous, complete ruptures of the Achilles tendon are usually caused indirectly by trauma associated with rapid movement. When minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair is performed, an active rehabilitation protocol can be implemented that allows for fast, measurable progress, reduced tissue atrophy, and an improved range of motion, thereby reducing pain and increasing patients’ overall physical well-being. However, overestimating the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions can lead to arbitrary advancements in rehabilitation that significantly exceed the permitted levels of daily or professional activity. This issue can lead to various side effects and slow rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of adverse effects on objective outcomes after minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair.Methods: The study included 36 individuals with complete Achilles tendon rupture who underwent the percutaneous Ma-Griffith technique. The same rehabilitation protocol was used.Results: Five side effects were identified during rehabilitation: deformation of the repair construct (DRC), irritation of the sural nerve (SNI), morning ankle stiffness (MAS), edema of the soft tissue around the tendon (OST) and suture knots. DRC and MAS were associated with a longer time being required to achieve full ankle range of motion. SNI and OST were associated with a longer time being required to meet the criteria for dynamic training. None of the side effects were related to the isokinetic strength of the ankle plantar and dorsiflexors.Conclusions: The incidence of the assessed side effects in the postoperative period is not related to the type of activity, whether it is professional or amateur. Among the identified side effects, deformation of the regenerated shape of the heel tendon and MAS cause a delay in the recovery of full ankle range of motion. Calf nerve irritation and soft tissue swelling increase the time it takes to meet the criteria for starting dynamic training.Trial registration:The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (no. 13/2007)


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng zhao ◽  
Dawei Sun ◽  
Yaru Xiong ◽  
Ribo Zhuo

AbstractIntroductionThe incidence of Achilles tendon rupture shows a gradually increasing trend, which is mainly managed by minimally invasive treatment due to its advantages, such as low wound infection rate. At present, the firmness of the commonly applied minimally invasive suture method for Achilles tendon remains controversial. Our research group has developed a novel suture method for Achilles tendon, which has achieved favorable clinical outcomes. Therefore, this experiment aimed to explore the optimal approach to repair Achilles tendon rupture through comparing the biomechanical strength of the commonly used Achilles tendon suture methods currently.Materials and methods6 fresh frozen human cadaveric Achilles tendon specimens were sutured by three kinds of technique, and were tested through the cyclical loading after repair.ResultsResults of cyclical loading showed that, the repair using the new technique was stronger after 10 cycles, 1000 cycles, and rupture. Moreover, the new technique had displayed superior anti-deformation strength to that of the Ma-Griffith technique.ConclusionsOur experimental results demonstrate that, the new technique proposed by our research group can attain comparable biomechanical properties to those of the Krachow technique. However, the sample size in this study is small, and further clinical trials are warranted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-273
Author(s):  
Vinicius Oliveira ◽  
Sérgio Prata

Objective: To assess the degree of postoperative satisfaction of patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who underwent surgical reconstruction by a minimally invasive technique using Tenolig®. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted with 18 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed by a positive Thompson test who underwent surgery. Outcomes were assessed using the American  arthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Furthermore, quantitative variables were descriptively treated, and patients’ age was correlated with FII and AOFAS score using Spearman’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of 5%. Results: Patients underwent surgery from one to six days after injury and were discharged one day later. Only one patient had a superficial postoperative infection. Patients’ AOFAS scores ranged from 75 to 100 points, and FFI ranged from 0 to 20%. The patient withsuperficial postoperative infection had an AOFAS score and a FFI of 75 points and 20%, respectively. Conclusion: Percutaneous repair of complete Achilles tendon rupture with Tenolig® resulted in high functional scores and a low rate of complications. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongliang Yang ◽  
Honglei Jia ◽  
Wupeng Zhang ◽  
Shihong Xu ◽  
Fu Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Minimally invasive repair is a better option for Achilles tendon rupture with low re-rupture and wound-related complications than conservative treatment or traditional open repair. The major problem is sural nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and advantage of the intraoperative ultrasonography assistance for minimally invasive repair of the acute Achilles tendon rupture.Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 36 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with minimally invasive repair assisted with intraoperative ultrasonography from January 2015 to December 2017. The relationship of the sural nerve and small saphenous vein was confirmed on the preoperative MRI. The course of the small saphenous vein and sural nerve were identified and marked by intraoperative ultrasonography. The ruptured Achilles tendon was repaired with minimally invasive Bunnell suture on the medial side of the SSV.Results: All patients were followed up for at least 12 months. No sural nerve injury or other complications was found intraoperatively and postoperatively. All the patients returned to work and light sporting activities at a mean of 12.78±1.40 weeks and 17.28±2.34 weeks, respectively. The Mean AOFAS scores improved from 59.17±5.31 preoperatively to 98.92±1.63 at the time of 12 months follow-up. There was statistically significant difference (P<0.001). No patient complained a negative effect on their life.Conclusions: The minimally invasive repair assisted with intraoperative ultrasonography can yield good clinical outcomes, less surgical time and less complications, especially sural nerve injury. It is an efficient, reliable and safe method for acute AT rupture.


2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-88
Author(s):  
Nikola Bulatovic ◽  
Miroslav Kezunovic ◽  
Zarko Dasic ◽  
Nikola Fatic

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs in recreational athletes of middle age 30-50godina and typical place of the rupture of 3-5 cm above the insertion of the heel bone. Most common in recreational athletes. OBJECTIVE: To view the surgical technique suture the tendon with a guide ?Achillon? the functional outcome of acute injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective analysis included a total of 20 patients treated at the Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica in the 2009-14. They were monitored for 12 months. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical examination Thompson?s Simmond O?Brien test, ECHO and NMR. RESULTS: The average age was 38.8 ?2.79 years 21-52 years. Right in 14 respondents 70%, the left side in 6 30%. There were no complications as: infection, thrombosis, rerupture and embolism. Functional results tables we have shown through specific scores. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that this procedure provides a simple and quick surgical technique, a small percentage of complications, shorter immobility time and good functional results.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Jia Xie ◽  
Junfeng Zhan ◽  
Yunfeng Yao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body but also prone to injury and rupture, thereby requiring early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the development of lower limb dysfunction. Currently, the best treatment method for acute Achilles tendon rupture remains controversial. As both traditional incision repair and minimally invasive repair have limitations, we propose a new surgical method: the modified Ma-Griffith method combined with minimally invasive small incision(M-G/MISI). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of M-G/MISI and the modified suture technique (MST) for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients who underwent treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture between January 2012 and January 2020 at our hospital. A total of 67 patients were included and divided into two groups: 34 males in the M-G/MISI treatment group and 33 patients (2 females and 31 males) in the MST group. Demographic characteristics, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded, and data were statistically analysed using SPSS 24.0 for Windows (IBM Corp. Released 2016. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0) to compare the treatment efficacy of the two surgical methods.Results: Although there was no difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups, there were significant differences in the incision length, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative Achilles tendon total rupture score, and post-operative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score. Post-operatively, there was one case of traumatic Achilles tendon rupture in the M-G/MISI group and one case each of infection and deep vein thrombosis in the modified suture group.Conclusion: After follow-up, the post-operative recovery of acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with M-G/MISI is better than that with the MST.


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