Short-term Outcomes of Open “Crown” Type v. Percutaneous Bunnell Type Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures. Randomized Control Study

Background. The optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is still under debate. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate outcomes of open repair comparing with percutaneous procedure for Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods. 100 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomized in two groups: open “crown” type (group A) and percutaneous Bunnell type repair (group B). Absorbable suture was used in both groups. 87 patients were available for the mean follow up of 6 months. Results. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score), leg circumference, single heel rise, Achilles resting angle, time back to work and sports and overall patient satisfaction. Percutaneous technique was much faster. Overall 13 complications occurred in both groups (5 and 8 respectively). No deep infection occurred, no revisions were needed. Conclusions. Both techniques showed to be effective and safe when using absorbable suture material with a high patient satisfaction and a low complication rate, but percutaneous repair was significantly faster.

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Seasonal Variation of Achilles Tendon Injury

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011418s00179 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011418S0017

Author(s):

Jon-Michael Caldwell ◽

Harry Lightsey ◽

Hasani Swindell ◽

Justin Greisberg ◽

J. Turner Vosseller

Keyword(s):

Seasonal Variation ◽

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Seasonal Pattern ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Tendon Injury ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tendon Ruptures

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon ruptures are increasingly common injuries. There are several known risk factors for Achilles tendon rupture, although little is reported on the seasonal variation of the incidence of these injuries. Of the few studies in the literature touching on this question, the results have been varied. We sought to determine if there is any seasonal pattern of Achilles tendon ruptures. Knowledge of such a seasonal pattern could be advantageous for patient education, risk assessment, and ultimately prevention of these injuries. Methods: We queried billing records for CPT codes 27650, 27652, and 27654 as well as ICD diagnosis codes 727.67, 845.09, and S86.01x pertaining to Achilles tendon injury, repair, and reconstruction. Charts were screened and included if the patient suffered an acute Achilles tendon rupture on a known date. Charts were excluded if the patient had a chronic Achilles tear or underwent reconstruction or debridement for tendonitis, Haglunds deformity, tendon laceration, or any other indication aside from acute rupture. Data was analyzed using a chi-squared test for categorical variables, binomial tests for dichotomous variables and Mann-Whitney-U or Welch t-test for continuous variables. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Our search yielded 499 cases with 245 meeting inclusion criteria. Sixty-six percent (66%) of injuries were identified as sports-related while 34% were non-sports related. When stratified by month, significant peaks occurred in April and July (p = .036, .011 respectively) with significantly fewer injuries occurring in October through December (p = 0.049). The highest rate of injury was seen in Spring (p = .015) and the lowest was seen in Fall (p < .001). There was no significant difference between seasons when only the non-sports related injuries were considered. Basketball was the most common sport involved (n=78) accounting for 51% of injuries (p < .001), followed by soccer and tennis. There was no significant variation between seasons in any particular sport. Conclusion: There was significant seasonal variation in the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures. Both sports and non-sports-related injuries followed a similar pattern, with most injuries occurring during the Spring and Summer and fewer during Fall and Winter. This increase corresponds to the increase in activity in the recreational athlete population in the region which is often preceded by a time of relative inactivity. Our study confirms that the deconditioned athlete is at particularly elevated risk for Achilles tendon rupture during the Spring season when abrupt increases in sporting activity are common. Targeted education and prevention efforts could help mitigate this risk.

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Outcomes and Complications of Open Versus Minimally Invasive Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211053619 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110536

Author(s):

Ahmed Khalil Attia ◽

Karim Mahmoud ◽

Pieter d’Hooghe ◽

Jason Bariteau ◽

Sameh A. Labib ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Sural Nerve ◽

Open Repair ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Deep Infection ◽

Surgical Time ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tendon Ruptures ◽

The Mean

Background: An acute Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most common sports injuries, affecting 18 per 100,000 persons, and its operative repair has been evolving and increasing in frequency since the mid-1900s. Traditionally, open surgical repair has provided improved functional outcomes, reduced rerupture rates, and a quicker recovery and return to activities at the expense of increased wound complications such as infections and skin necrosis compared with nonoperative management. In 1977, Ma and Griffith introduced the percutaneous approach, and over the following decades, multiple improved techniques, and modifications thereof, have been described with comparable outcomes with open repair. Purpose: The current study aimed to provide updated level 1 evidence comparing open repair with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) through a comprehensive search of the literature published in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and German while avoiding limitations of previous studies such as heterogeneous study designs and a small number of included trials. Study Design: Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, 2 independent team members searched several databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing open repair and MIS of Achilles tendon ruptures. The primary outcomes were (1) functional outcomes, (2) reruptures, (3) sural nerve injuries, and (4) infections (deep/superficial), whereas the secondary outcomes were (1) skin complications, (2) adhesions, (3) other complications, (4) ankle range of motion, and (5) surgical time. Results: There were 10 RCTs that qualified for the meta–analysis with a total of 522 patients. Overall, 260 (49.8%) patients underwent open repair, while 262 (50.2%) underwent MIS. The mean postoperative AOFAS score was 94.8 and 95.7 for open repair and MIS, respectively, with a nonsignificant difference (mean difference [MD], –0.73 [95% CI, –1.70 to 0.25]; P = .14; I2 = 0%). The pooled mean total complication rate was 15.5% (0%-36.4%) for open repair and 10.4% (0%-45.5%) for MIS, with a nonsignificant statistical difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.50 [95% CI, 0.87-2.57]; P = .14; I2 = 40%). The mean rerupture rate was 2.5% (0%-6.8%) for open repair versus 1.5% (0%-4.6%) for MIS, with a nonsignificant statistical difference (OR, 1.56 [95% CI, 0.42-5.70]; P = .50; I2 = 0%). No cases of sural nerve injuries were reported in the open repair group. The mean sural nerve injury rate was 3.4% (0%-7.3%) in the MIS group, which was statistically significant (OR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.03-0.46]; P = .02; I2 = 0%). The mean overall superficial infection rate was 6.0% (0%-18.2%) and 0.4% (0%-4.5%) for open repair and MIS, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (OR, 5.70 [95% CI, 1.80-18.02]; P < .001; I2 = 0%). The mean overall deep infection rate reported in the open repair group was 1.4% (0%-5.0%), while no deep infection was reported in the MIS group, with no statistically significant difference (OR, 3.14 [95% CI, 0.48-20.54]; P = .23; I2 = 0%). There were no significant differences between the open repair and MIS groups in the skin necrosis and dehiscence rate, adhesion rate, or keloid scar rate. The mean surgical time was 51.0 and 29.7 minutes for open repair and MIS, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (MD, 21.13 [95% CI, 15.50-26.75]; P < .001; I2 = 15%). Conclusion: Open Achilles tendon repair was associated with a longer surgical time, higher risk of superficial infections, and higher risk of ankle stiffness, while MIS was associated with a greater risk of temporary sural nerve palsy. The rerupture rate and functional outcomes were mostly equivalent. We found MIS to be a safe and reliable technique. However, high–quality standardized RCTs are still needed before recommending MIS as the gold standard for managing Achilles tendon ruptures.

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The Incidence of Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Edmonton, Canada

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110070502601106 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 932-936 ◽

Cited By ~ 119

Author(s):

Amar A. Suchak ◽

Geoff Bostick ◽

David Reid ◽

Sandra Blitz ◽

Nadr Jomha

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Age Distribution ◽

Age Groups ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

North American Population ◽

The North ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tendon Ruptures

Background: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures specific to the North American population has not been previously reported and current epidemiological data are primarily reported from European communities. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and to compare this data to those reported in European studies. Methods: A retrospective chart review from all five acute care hospitals in Edmonton from 1998 to 2002 (inclusive) were reviewed for Achilles tendon ruptures. Data such as gender, age, side, mechanism of injury, and season of injury were obtained. Results: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures ranged from an annual average of 5.5 ruptures to 9.9 ruptures per 100,000 inhabitants with an overall mean of 8.3 ruptures per 100,000 people. There was a statistically significant difference in Achilles tendon ruptures over the last two study years for both genders (women, p < 0.02; men, p < 0.03). The mean age for an Achilles tendon rupture was 40.6 years for men and 44.5 years for women. The Achilles tendon ruptures occurred most frequently in the 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 year old age groups in both men and women, respectively ( p < 0.02). Most ruptures occurred in the spring season, but there was no statistical difference in the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures by season ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in this community was comparable to those reported in European communities (range 6 to 37 ruptures per 100,000 people), although a bimodal age distribution of rupture previously reported was not observed in this study.

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Comparing Absorbable and Nonabsorbable Suture Materials for Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Study

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics10121085 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1085

Author(s):

Jaeho Cho ◽

Hyun-Joo Kim ◽

Jeong Seok Lee ◽

Jahyung Kim ◽

Sung Hun Won ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Sectional Area ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Mri Findings ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

We aimed to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and corresponding clinical outcomes of repaired Achilles tendons using absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures. Patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair were divided into 2 groups, with 11 in the absorbable group (group A) and 11 in the nonabsorbable group (group B). For all patients, MRI findings taken 6 months postoperatively were evaluated for morphological changes in the tendon. Concurrently, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score and incidence of postoperative complications were evaluated. Regarding MRI findings, the extent to which the cross-sectional area of the repaired tendon was thicker than that of the preoperative tendon was significantly greater in group B than in group A (p = 0.0012). Notably, more stitches remained within the tendon in group B than in group A (p = 0.0063). No other MRI findings showed a significant difference between the two groups. No significant difference was observed in the AOFAS score, and there was one re-rupture each in both groups. Because nonabsorbable suture material in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture yielded a thicker postoperative MRI cross-sectional area, enhanced rehabilitation is recommended in order to prevent scar formation.

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Achilles Tendon Reconstruction with Semitendinous Tendon Grafts Is Associated with a High Complication Rate

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association ◽

10.7547/18-014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 110 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Antti J. Stenroos ◽

Tuomas Brinck

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Deep Infection ◽

Tendon Graft ◽

University Hospital ◽

Flexor Hallucis Longus ◽

Augmentation Techniques ◽

Tendon Ruptures ◽

Tendon Grafts ◽

Semitendinous Tendon

Background In the presence of a large gap where end-to-end repair of the torn Achilles tendon is difficult and V-Y advancement would likely be insufficient, augmentation is sometimes required. At our institute we have used primarily the hamstring autograft augmentation technique for the past two decades. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications after surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with semitendinous tendon augmentation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 58 consecutive patients treated with semitendinous tendon autograft augmentation at the Helsinki University Hospital between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2016. Results During the study period, 58 patients were operated on by six different surgeons. Of 14 observed complications (24%), seven were major and seven were minor. Most of the complications were infections (n = 10 [71%]) The infections were noted within a mean of 62 days postoperatively (range, 22–180 days). Seven patients with a complication underwent repeated operation because of skin edge necrosis and deep infection (five patients), hematoma formation (one patient), and a repeated rupture (one patient). Conclusions In light of the experience we have had with autologous semitendinous tendon graft augmentation, we cannot recommend this technique, and, hence, we should abandon reconstruction of Achilles tendon ruptures with autologous semitendinous tendon grafts at our institute. Instead, other augmentation techniques, such as flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer, should be used.

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Augmented Versus Nonaugmented Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546517702872 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 46 (7) ◽

pp. 1767-1772 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Yi-Jun Zhang ◽

Chi Zhang ◽

Quan Wang ◽

Xiang-Jin Lin

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Achilles Tendon ◽

Infection Rate ◽

English Language ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Small Sample ◽

Significant Difference ◽

End To End

Background: Although simple end-to-end repair of the Achilles tendon is common, many augmented repair protocols have been implemented for acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, whether augmented repair is better than nonaugmented repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture is still unknown. Purpose: To conduct a meta-analysis to determine whether augmented surgical repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture improved subjective patient satisfaction without an increase in rerupture rates. Secondary outcomes assessed included infections, ankle range of motion, calf muscle strength, and minor complications. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed articles was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing augmented repair and nonaugmented repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture from January 1980 to August 2016 in the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science (SCI-E/SSCI/A&HCI), and EMBASE. The keywords (Achilles tendon rupture) AND (surg* OR operat* OR repair* OR augment* OR non-augment* OR end-to-end OR sutur*) were combined, and results were limited to human RCTs and controlled clinical trials published in the English language. Four RCTs involving 169 participants were eligible for inclusion; 83 participants were treated with augmented repair and 86 were treated with nonaugmented repair. Results: Augmented repair led to similar responses when compared with nonaugmented repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture (93% vs 90%, respectively; P = .53). The rerupture rates showed no significant difference for augmented versus nonaugmented repair (7.2% vs 9.3%, respectively; P = .69). No differences in superficial and deep infections occurred in augmented (7 infections) and nonaugmented (8 infections) repair groups during postoperative follow-up ( P = .89). The average incisional infection rate was 8.4% with augmented repair and 9.3% with nonaugmented repair. No significant differences in other complications were found between augmented (7.2%) and nonaugmented (8.1%) repair ( P = .80). Conclusion: Augmented repair, when compared with nonaugmented repair, was not found to improve patient satisfaction or reduce rerupture rate or infection rate. These conclusions are based on 4 trials with small sample sizes, and larger randomized trials are required to confirm these results.

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Surgical Repair of Achilles Tendon Ruptures Using Polypropylene Braid Augmentation

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110079401500705 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. 372-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Giannini Sandro ◽

Girolami Mauro ◽

Ceccarelli Francesco ◽

Catani Fabio ◽

Susanna Stea

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Surgical Repair ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Plaster Cast ◽

Test Evaluation ◽

Level Of Activity ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tendon Ruptures ◽

Active Patients

Surgical repair in fresh rupture of the Achilles tendon should be considered in active patients and athletes to restore their preinjury level of activity. Fifteen cases of Achilles tendon rupture underwent surgical repair using interpositional augmentation. This technique provides an immediate mechanical strength of the repair, avoiding the need for a postoperative plaster cast and allowing immediate motion of the ankle. No wound infection, scar adherence of the skin to the tendon, or rerupture of the tendon is present in this series. All patients were subjectively satisfied with the results and returned to their preinjury level of activity. Objectively, isokinetic assessment revealed no significant difference, as per t-test evaluation ( P < .05), between the operated leg and the contralateral one.

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The Effect of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967114s00124 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967114S0012

Author(s):

Baran Şen ◽

Serkan Güler ◽

Berivan Çeçen ◽

Erdem Kumtepe ◽

Alper Bağrıyanık ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Healing Process ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Post Surgery ◽

Group A ◽

Tendon Ruptures ◽

Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Group B ◽

Autologous Platelet

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures in rabbits. Methods: The study included 14 New Zealand albino rabbits that were divided randomly into 2 groups, A and B, each containing seven rabbits. On day zero, all 28 Achilles tendons were tenotomized and repaired. In group A, the tendons were injected with PRP post surgery whereas those in group B were left untreated. On day 28, the right tendons in both groups were examined histopathologically via both light and electron microscopy, and the left tendons were subjected to biomechanical testing. Results: The histological and biomechanical findings in group A were better than those in group B, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion: PRP had no effect on the healing process 28 days post Achilles tendon rupture.

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Microsurgical unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis: a comparative study

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-019-0125-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed I. Refaat ◽

Amr K. Elsamman ◽

Adham Rabea ◽

Mohamed I. A. Hewaidy

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Decompression Surgery ◽

Microsurgical Decompression ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Duration Of Surgery ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Abstract Background The quest for better patient outcomes is driving to the development of minimally invasive spine surgical techniques. There are several evidences on the use of microsurgical decompression surgery for degenerative lumbar spine stenosis; however, few of these studies compared their outcomes with the traditional laminectomy technique. Objectives The aim of our study was to compare outcomes following microsurgical decompression via unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) of the spinal canal to the standard open laminectomy for cases with lumbar spinal stenosis. Subjects and methods Cases were divided in two groups. Group (A) cases were operated by conventional full laminectomy; Group (B) cases were operated by (ULBD) technique. Results from both groups were compared regarding duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complication, and postoperative outcome and patient satisfaction. Results There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the improvement of visual pain analogue, while improvement of neurogenic claudication outcome score was significant in group (B) than group (A). Seventy-three percent of group (A) cases and 80% of group (B) stated that surgery met their expectations and were satisfied from the outcome. Conclusion Comparing ULBD with traditional laminectomy showed the efficacy of the minimally invasive technique in obtaining good surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the occurrence of complications The ULBD technique was found to respect the posterior spinal integrity and musculature, accompanied with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and shorter recovery periods than the open laminectomy technique.

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Modified Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Lengthening by Triple Hemisection for Achilles Tendon Contracture

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/1491796 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yangjing Lin ◽

Jin Cao ◽

Changgui Zhang ◽

Liu Yang ◽

Xiaojun Duan

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Operative Time ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Tendon Lengthening ◽

Group A ◽

Achilles Tendon Lengthening ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B

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.

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