Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of flexor hallucis longus tendon harvested using a minimally invasive technique in reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods Between July 2006 and December 2009, 22 patients (22 feet) with chronic Achilles tendon rupture were treated, including 16 males and 6 females with a median age of 48 years (range, 28-65 years). The disease duration was 27-1 025 days (median, 51 days). Twenty-one patients had hoofl ikemovement’s history and 1 patient had no obvious inducement. The result of Thompson test was positive in 22 cases. The score was 53.04 ± 6.75 according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system. MRI indicated that the gap of the chronic Achilles tendon rupture was 4.2-8.0 cm. A 3 cm-long incision was made vertically in the plantar aspect of the midfoot and a 1 cm-long transverse incision was made in a plantar flexor crease at the base of the great toe to harvest flexor hallucis longus tendon. The flexor hallucis longus tendon was 10.5-13.5 cm longer from tuber calcanei to the end of the Achilles tendon, and then the tendon was fixed to the tuber calcanei using interface screws or anchor nail after they were woven to form reflexed 3-bundle and sutured. Results Wound healed by first intention in all patients and no early compl ication occurred. Twenty-two patients were followed up 12-42 months (mean, 16.7 months). At 12 months after operation, The AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 92.98 ± 5.72, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation (t= —40.903, P=0.000). The results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%. No sural nerve injury, posterior tibial nerve injury, plantar painful scar, medial plantar nerve injury, and lateral plantar nerve injury occurred. Conclusion Chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus tendon harvested using a minimally invasive technique offers a desirable outcome in operative recovery, tendon fixation, and complications.
OBJECTIVE: To modify the design of the Achilles tendon-scar composite flap into the Z-shape and to apply it into clinic situations to correct the tendon-scar contracture after burn and other injures. METHODS: According to degree of contracture and strephenopedia, the central limb of Z-shaped design lay in contracture line of posterior ankle area just over the Achilles tendon and extended 8 to 12 cm in length. Lateral limbs extended 5 to 8 cm and usual angles of the Z-shape was 60 degrees. The two tendon-scar composite flaps were made and slipped along the central limb between them. From March 1994 to August 1999, seven patients with Achilles tendon scar contracture were operated with this method. RESULTS: Excellent relieving of the Achilles tendon-scar contractue was achieved. No such complications happened as ischemia and necrosis of the flaps. CONCLUSION: The Z-shaped tendon-scar composite flap is practical in clinics. It is characterized by abundant blood supply, easily procedure and reliable result.
Objective To explore the effect of different intensity treadmill training on the repair of micro-injured Achilles tendon induced by collagenase in rats. Methods Seventy-two 8-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats (weighing, 200-250 g) were selected. After adaptive treadmill training for 1 week, rats were injected with 30 μL type I collagenase solution (10 mg/mL) into both Achilles tendons to make micro-injured Achilles tendon models. After 1 week of cage feeding, the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group, the low-intensity group, and the high-intensity group, 24 rats each group. The rats in control group could move freely, and the rats underwent daily treadmill training at the intensity of 13 m/min and 20 min/d in the low-intensity group and at the intensity of 17 m/min and 60 min/d in the high-intensity group. At immediate, 1 week, and 4 weeks after training, bilateral Achilles tendons were collected from 8 rats of each group for gross observation, histological analysis, and mechanical testing. Results At immediate after training, there was no significant difference in the gross observation, histological observation, and biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon between groups (P>0.05). The gross observation showed connective tissue hyperplasia near Achilles tendon and lackluster tendon in each group at 1 week; hyperplasia significantly reduced in the low-intensity group when compared with the control group, and there were more connective tissue and a large number of neovascularization in the high-intensity group at 4 weeks. At 1 week, there was no significant difference in the semi-quantitative histological total score between groups (P>0.05), but there were significant differences in vascularity between low-intensity group or high-intensity group and control group (P<0.05). At 4 weeks, the semi-quantitative histological total score was significantly higher in high-intensity group than control group and low-intensity group (P<0.05), and in control group than low-intensity group (P<0.05). There were significant differences in collagen arrangement, cell morphology, abnormal cells, and vascularity between low-intensity group and high-intensity group or control group (P<0.05). And there was significant difference in abnormal cells between high-intensity group and control group (P<0.05). The mechanical testing showed that there was no significant difference in cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon, the ultimate force, tensile strength, and elastic modulus between groups at 1 week (P>0.05); the low-intensity group was significantly higher than the control group in the ultimate force and the tensile strength (P<0.05), and than high-intensity group in the ultimate force and elastic modulus (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in the other indexes between groups (P>0.05) at 4 weeks. Conclusion Low-intensity treadmill training can promote the repair of rat micro-injured Achilles tendon induced by collagenase.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of hamstring tendon and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon autograft for Achilles tendon defects reconstruction. Methods Between February 2009 and October 2011, 9 patients (9 feet) with Achilles tendon defect were treated with hamstring tendon and FHL tendon autograft. Of 9 cases, 6 were male and 3 were female with an average age of 43 years (range, 21-65 years), including 5 cases of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures caused by sport injury and 4 cases of Achilles tendon defects caused by resection of tendon lesion (2 cases of hyaline degeneration with necrosis, 1 case of giant cell tumor, and 1 case of chronic inflammation with hyaline degeneration). The disease duration ranged from 31 to 387 days (mean, 137.6 days). The defect length was 5 to 18 cm (mean, 8.6 cm). Functional exercise of the ankle began at 6 weeks after plaster fixation. Results Dehiscence and effusion occurred in 2 cases and plantar pain caused by injury of tibial nerve in 1 case; primary healing of wound was obtained in the other patients without complication. Nine patients were followed up 19.7 months on average (range, 13-25 months); no re-rupture was observed. There was no significant difference in the dorsal extension between at preoperation and at 1 year and last follow-up after operation (P gt; 0.05); the ankle plantar flexion at 1 year and last follow-up after operation was significantly larger than that at preoperation (P lt; 0.05). The ankle plantar flexion and dorsal extension at 1 year and last follow-up after operation were significantly larger than those at 3 months after operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 1 year and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) scores were significantly increased at postoperation when compared with scores at preoperation (P lt; 0.05), and the scores at last follow-up were significantly higher than those at 3 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) at last follow-up was significantly higher than that at 3 months after operation (t= — 7.982, P=0.000). Conclusion Combined hamstring tendon and FHL tendon autograft is one of the effect methods to reconstruction Achilles tendon defects.
ObjectiveTo summarize the latest research progress of early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture after surgical repair.MethodsThe high-quality randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses regarding early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture in recent years were reviewed.ResultsThere are three functional rehabilitations after acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery, including early postoperative mobilization, early weight-bearing with immobilization, and early weight-bearing combined with mobilization. The results of randomized controlled trials show that the effectiveness of early postoperative rehabilitation is similar or better than the early postoperative immobilization. The results of systematic reviews/meta-analyses show that the early postoperative rehabilitation is beneficial to the early function recovery of the Achilles tendon, can reduce the time for functional recovery, and do not adversely affect the outcomes.ConclusionEarly postoperative rehabilitation is beneficial to the functional recovery, and do not increase postoperative complications. There is still no uniform protocol of early postoperative rehabilitation and the timing of weight-bearing, and further studies are needed in the future.
Objective To explore the difference in effectiveness between a dynamic rehabilitation protocol and a traditional static rehabilitation protocol after the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with channel assisted minimally invasive repair (CAMIR) technique through a prospective comparative trial, aiming to provide a reference for clinically selecting a feasible treatment regimen. Methods Patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture admitted between June 2021 and June 2022 were included in the study, with 60 patients meeting the selection criteria. They were randomly divided into a dynamic rehabilitation group (n=30) and a static rehabilitation group (n=30) using a computer-generated random number method. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, smoking history, injured side, cause of injury, and disease duration between the two groups (P>0.05). After Achilles tendon anastomosis by using CAMIR technique, the dynamic rehabilitation group implemented early partial weight-bearing training with the assistance of an Achilles heel boot and controlled ankle joint exercises for 6 weeks, while the static rehabilitation group maintained a non-weight-bearing status during this period. Complications in both groups were recorded. At 3 and 6 months after operation, the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) was used to evaluate the degree of functional limitation of the Achilles tendon in the affected limb, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12 scale) was used to assess the patients’ quality of life, including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Results No sural nerve injury occurred during operation in both groups. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). The dynamic rehabilitation group had significantly higher ATRS scores at 3 and 6 months after operation compared to the static rehabilitation group (P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, the dynamic rehabilitation group had significantly lower PCS, MCS, and SF-12 total scores compared to the static rehabilitation group (P<0.05). At 6 months, all quality of life scores in the two groups were similar (P>0.05). Two cases (6.6%) in the dynamic rehabilitation group and 5 cases (16.7%) in the static rehabilitation group developed complications, with no significant difference in incidence of complications (P>0.05). Conclusion For acute Achilles tendon rupture, the dynamic rehabilitation protocol after Achilles tendon anastomosis by using CAMIR technique can improve early functional recovery and maintains comparable safety and effectiveness compared to static rehabilitation.
Objective To observe the clinical outcome of primary repair of the tissue defects of the Achilles tendon and skin by thigh anterolateral free flap and free iliotibial tract. Methods From January 2000 to January 2005, the thigh anterolateral free flap and the iliotibial tract were used to primarily repair the defects of the Achilles tendon and skin in 11 patients (7 males and 4 females, aged 6-45 years). The defects of the skin and Achilles tendon were found in 6 patients, and the defects of the Achilles tendonand skin accompanied by the fracture of the calcaneus were found in 5 patients.The defect of the Achilles skin was 6 cm×5cm-14 cm×8 cm in area. The defect of the Achilles tendon was 511 cm in lenth. The skin flap was 11 cm×6 cm-17 cm×11 cm in area.The iliotibial tract was 7-13 cm in length and 3-5 cm in width. The medial and lateral borders were sutured to from double layers for Achilles tendon reconstruction. The woundon the donor site could be sutured directly in 5 patients, and the others could be repaired with skin grafting. Results After operation, all the flaps survived and the wound healed by first intention. The followup of the 11 patients for 6 mouths-4 years (average, 30 months) revealed that according to Yin Qingshui’s scale, the result was excellent in 6 patients, goodin 4, and fair in 1. The excellent and good rate was 99%. The results showed a significant improvement in the “heel test” and the Thompson sign, and both were negative. No complications of ulceration on the heel and re-rupture of the Achiles tendon occurred. Conclusion The primary repair of the tissue defects of the Achilles tendon and skin by free grafting of the anterolateral femoral skin flap and the iliotibial tract is an effective surgical method.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods of treatment for old achilles tendon rupture merging with skin defect. METHODS: By following up retrospectively 10 patients from February 1995 to December 2001, we analyzed the operative methods, the points for attention and the results. Gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flaps were used in 3 cases, foot lateral skin flaps in 4 cases, superior medial malleolus skin flaps in 2 cases, and sural neural skin flap in 1 case. The Achilles tendon was sutured directly in 8 patients, with Lindholm’s technique in 2 patients. RESULTS: All flaps survived and the wound healed well in 8 cases and reruptured in 2 cases. According to Yin Qing-shui’s criteria to test the efficacy, the results were excellent in 5 patients, good in 4 and poor in 1. CONCLUSION: Repairing the old Achilles tendon rupture merging with skin defect by use of microsurgery has good results and plays an important role in reducing joint contracture and stiffness, and in saving the ability to push forward and flex.
Objective To verify the technics of inactivating/removing virus in collagen sponge derived from bovine Achilles tendon. Methods Possible pathogen species were determined according to the raw material of bovine Achilles tendon used in production, then vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), theiler’s mouse encephalomyelitis virus (TEMV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40) were selected as indicator virus. Virus suspension was prepared in accordance with Technical Standard for Disinfection. 60Co radiation 25 kGy of collagen sponge was determined as inactivating/removing virus process according to the analysis of the manufacture process, the virus inactivation/removal effect was verified by the measurement of median tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) and showed by virus reduction factor (sample average values of numerical difference before and after processing). Results Reduction factors of VSV, TEMV, PRV, and SV40 after 60Co radiation 25 kGy were 5.646, 4.792, 5.042, and 5.292 logTCID50/0.1 mL (logs), respectively. Reduction factor of each indicator virus was greater than 4 logs, showing that 60Co irradiation 25 kGy can effectively inactivate and remove viruses. Conclusion 60Co radiation 25 kGy of collagen sponge derived from bovine Achilles tendon can be used as the technics of inactivating/removing virus during the preparation process of collagen sponge to guarantee the safety of the product.
ObjectiveTo explore the role and significance of hypoxia inducible factor lα (HIF-lα) and hypoxia microenvironment in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic heterotopic ossification by detecting the expression of HIF-lα in rat model of heterotopic ossification after Achilles tenotomy. MethodsA total of 140 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 8-10 weeks, and weighing (210.1±10.6) g, were randomly divided into experimental group (n=70) and control group (n=70). In experimental group, the Achilles tendon was cut off and clamped to prepare post-traumatic heterotopic ossification model; in control group, only Achilles tendon was exposed. The general condition of rats was observed after operation, and at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days after operation, the Achilles tendon tissue was harvested from 6 rats for gross observation, histological observation, and immunohistochemical staining observation, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of HIF-lα gene and protein at different time points in 2 groups. The X-ray films were taken and histological examination was done at 10 weeks after operation to evaluate the formation of heterotopic ossification. ResultsDuring the experiment, 1 rat died in experimental group at 3 days after operation, and the other rats survived to the end of the experiment. Gross and histological staining showed that the Achilles tendon had no obvious change, with normal tendon structure in control group at each time point. In experimental group, atrophy and necrosis of Achilles tendon stump were observed, with infiltration of inflammatory cells; and the hardness of Achilles tendon tissue gradually increased with the time; there were a large number of irregular connective tissue and cartilage cells. When compared with control group, the HIF-lα mRNA and protein expressions were significantly increased in experimental group at each time point (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that HIF-lα was positive in experimental group. According to the results of X-ray films and histological examination at 10 weeks after operation, heterotopic ossification was found in experimental group, but no heterotopic ossification in control group. ConclusionThe expression of HIF-lα significantly increases at early stage of post-traumatic heterotopic ossification after Achilles tenotomy, suggesting that the local hypoxia microenvironment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heterotopic ossification.