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Ko VMC, Cao M, Qiu J, Fong ICK, Fu SC, Yung PSH, Ling SKK. Comparative short-term effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:102. [PMID: 36750789 PMCID: PMC9903592 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of Achilles tendinopathy has risen over the past decades. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is characterised by tissue degeneration of the Achilles tendon from its insertion in the calcaneus to up to 2 cm proximally. This clinical condition is accompanied by pain, loss of function and diminished exercise tolerance. Numerous conservative treatment modalities are available to participants with insertional Achilles tendinopathy, including eccentric exercises, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and orthotics. Eccentric exercise and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may reduce pain in participants with non-calcified insertional Achilles tendinopathy. However, no specific treatment is recommended over another due to the low methodological quality of trials. Given the lack of standard or preferred non-surgical treatment and the potential risks of surgical treatment, there is an imminent need to reassess different non-surgical treatments based on the newest evidence. Thus, this systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the various non-surgical treatments for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS AMED EBSCOhost, CINAHL, EBSCOhost, EMBASE, PEDro, PubMed, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched from 1992 to 14th October 2022, randomised controlled trials of adults with insertional Achilles tendinopathy investigating non-surgical treatments compared with each other or no treatment, placebo/sham control. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. Random effects of network meta-analysis immediately after treatments were used to report comparative treatment effects. The surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities was calculated to assess the relative ranking of treatments. RESULTS Nine trials (total n = 464 participants) were included. This review recommended the combination of eccentric exercise and soft tissue therapy to manage insertional Achilles tendinopathy. With the highest SUCRA values of 84.8, and the best mean rank of 1.9, Eccentric exercise plus soft tissue treatment ranked as the most effective treatment for short-term pain. CONCLUSIONS This is the first NMA of non-surgical treatment focusing on short-term pain control for IAT which eccentric exercise plus soft-tissue therapy was found to be the most effective treatment combination. However, the overall confidence in non-surgical treatments from all included trials was very low. No recommendation of the best treatment option can be made from this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet Man-Chi Ko
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingde Cao
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jihong Qiu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Isaac Chun-Kit Fong
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai-Chuen Fu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick Shu-Hang Yung
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samuel Ka-Kin Ling
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Li Y, Jiang Q, Chen H, Xin H, He Q, Ruan D. Comparison of mini-open repair system and percutaneous repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:914. [PMID: 34717595 PMCID: PMC8556965 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To reduce incision complications, minimally invasive operative approaches for treatment with acute Achilles tendon rupture have been developed, such as Mini-open repair and percutaneous repair. Which technique is the better surgical option? In the present study, we compared the two surgical procedures— modified Mini-open repair versus percutaneous repair—in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Methods From January 2016 to November 2018, 68 matched patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were divided into treatment group (Mini-open with modified Ma-Griffith technique) and control group (the Ma–Griffith technique). The patients were then treated with different surgical techniques and followed up for no less than 24 months, and the functional outcome scores and complications were retrospectively evaluated. Results The mean follow-up time in Mini-open repair group was 29.0±2.9 months, and that in control group was 27.9±2.9 months (P=0.147). The Mini-open repair group showed reliably higher American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score and Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) than the control group in functional assessment (95.0±3.8 vs. 92.3±5.3, P=0.000; 93.8±3.8 vs. 90.9±4.5,P=0.000). There was no cases of sural nerve injury in Mini-open repair group, whereas the percutaneous repair group had 5 cases of the same (P=0.027). No significant differences were found in the calf circumference (32.3±3.9 vs. 31.8±3.6) (P=0.564), range of motion of the ankle (51.3±4.8 vs. 50.5±4.2, P=0.362), or wound complications (34/0 vs. 34/0) (P=1.000) between the two groups at the end of the follow-up time. However, the percutaneous repair group had a shorter average operating time (23.1±5.2 min) than that of the Mini-open repair group (27.7±4.3 min) (P=0.000). Conclusions Acute Achilles tendon ruptures may be treated successfully with a new Mini-open repair system or percutaneous repair technique. However, the Mini-open repair system may represent a superior surgical option, since it offers advantages in terms of direct visual control of the repair, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score and risk of sural nerve palsy. Study design Case-control studies, Level of evidence, 3. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04802-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 6, Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiang Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 6, Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongkui Xin
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 6, Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 6, Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Dike Ruan
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The 6th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 6, Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China
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Akoh CC, Fletcher A, Sharma A, Parekh SG. Clinical Outcomes and Complications Following Limited Open Achilles Repair Without an Instrumented Guide. Foot Ankle Int 2021; 42:294-304. [PMID: 33148032 DOI: 10.1177/1071100720962493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report the clinical outcomes and complications following our limited open incision Achilles tendon repair technique without instrument guides. METHODS A total of 33 patients were included in this study. We recorded pre- and postoperative scores on the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), visual analog scale (VAS), and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Subgroup analyses were performed for acute (<2 weeks) and subacute (2-6 weeks) Achilles tendon repairs. A P value <.05 was considered significant for all statistical analyses. RESULTS The median time from injury to surgery was 10.0 days (range, 1-45 days). At a median follow-up of 3.7 years (range, 1.0-9.8 years), the average pre- and postoperative outcome scores improved significantly for the following: FADI index (49.1-98.4, P < .001), VAS (4.8-0.2, P < .001), FAOS Pain (54.8-99.2, P < .001), FAOS Symptoms (84.6-97.0, P < .001), FAOS activities of daily living (61.4-97.2, P < .001), FAOS Sports and Recreational Activity (39.5-98.5, P < .001), and FAOS quality of life (39.7-88.7, P < .001). There were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative outcome scores between the acute and subacute Achilles repair groups. There were no wound complication, reruptures, or reoperations in the entire cohort. CONCLUSION Patients showed improvements in postoperative patient-reported outcome scores with minimal complications. There was no significant difference in outcomes for acute vs subacute repairs. Our limited open incision Achilles tendon repair, which required no additional targeting instrumentation, had favorable midterm results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, retrospective case series.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Selene G Parekh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Siu R, Ling SK, Fung N, Pak N, Yung PS. Prognosis of elite basketball players after an Achilles tendon rupture. ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF SPORT MEDICINE ARTHROSCOPY REHABILITATION AND TECHNOLOGY 2020; 21:5-10. [PMID: 32642441 PMCID: PMC7327851 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmart.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective Professional Basketball players are at high risk of Achilles tendon rupture. Despite this, there remains limited research into the factors affecting rehabilitation and the long term outcomes of these players. Our aim is to quantify the effect of a player’s Achilles tendon rupture on their post-injury performance, and also to explore for correlations between their recovery timeline and pre-injury characteristics. Creation of an injury timeline of past incidents will allow injured players to better track their progress and also inform them about the probable impact on their careers. Hypothesis Players with Achilles tendon rupture injury will exhibit decreased performance compared to their pre-injury self and their non-injured peers after recovery. Methods Professional basketball players who sustained a unilateral Achilles tendon rupture from 1992 to 2016 were collected. 12 players met our inclusion criteria and their Player Efficiency Ratings (PER) were obtained as primary outcome measures; matched controls were chosen based on the PER, Age and playing position. The players’ index season PER was compared against the PER during the 10 games immediately following the players’ return and the PER of their post-injury peak performing season. The same data analysis was performed against their control group. To investigate the factors affecting the recovery and long-term consequences of their injury, we correlated the variables of Age, BMI, Time of Injury and pre-injury PER with the player’s time to return to play and their post-injury PER. Results 2 out of 12 players failed to return to playing in the elite professional league following an Achilles Tendon Rupture, others returned after a mean recovery time of 10 months. When compared to players’ index PER, the mean PER reduction during the 10 games immediately following the players’ return was 7.15 (P < .000). Players on average took 1.8 seasons to reach their post-injury peak performance, with only 1 player returning to his pre-injury performance. Others suffered a mean PER reduction of 3.5 (P = .004) when compared to their index PER and 5.4 (P = .045) against their matched controls. Conclusion Achilles tendon rupture can be a career-ending injury for professional basketball players. They are expected to miss 10 months for rehabilitation and reach their post-injury peak performance level at the 2nd season back. The post-injury peak performance is significantly worse than the pre-injury level, but is similar to matched non-injured players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Siu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Hong Kong, China
| | - Samuel Kk Ling
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Hong Kong, China
| | - Naomi Fung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nigel Pak
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick Sh Yung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, Hong Kong, China
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Abstract
Healing in continuity with lengthening of the Achilles tendon is a disabling complication after Achilles tendon rupture. This results in weakness of ankle plantarflexion and a non-propulsive gait on the affected side. The elongated tendon may have to be shortened or reconstructed to re-establish the length and the physiologic tension in triceps surae muscle and allow restoration of push off. This technical note describes the details of endoscopic shortening of the Achilles tendon.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Lui
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, North District Hospital, 9 Po Kin Road, Sheung Shui, NT, Hong Kong, China.
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Ling SKK, Chan V, Ho K, Ling F, Lui TH. Reliability and validity analysis of the open-source Chinese Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Foot (Edinb) 2018; 35:48-51. [PMID: 29787992 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Develop the first reliable and validated open-source outcome scoring system in the Chinese language for foot and ankle problems. METHODS Translation of the English FAOS into Chinese following regular protocols. First, two forward-translations were created separately, these were then combined into a preliminary version by an expert committee, and was subsequently back-translated into English. The process was repeated until the original and back translations were congruent. This version was then field tested on actual patients who provided feedback for modification. The final Chinese FAOS version was then tested for reliability and validity. Reliability analysis was performed on 20 subjects while validity analysis was performed on 50 subjects. Tools used to validate the Chinese FAOS were the SF36 and Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Internal consistency between the FAOS subgroups was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Spearman's correlation was calculated between each subgroup in the FAOS, SF36 and NRS. RESULTS The Chinese FAOS passed both reliability and validity testing; meaning it is reliable, internally consistent and correlates positively with the SF36 and the NRS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The Chinese FAOS is a free, open-source scoring system that can be used to provide a relatively standardised outcome measure for foot and ankle studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K K Ling
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, North District Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, North District Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Karen Ho
- Private Practice, Room 1510-1512, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Fona Ling
- Freelance, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - T H Lui
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, North District Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Editorial Commentary: Is Endoscopy Really Helpful During Repair of Acute Rupture of the Achilles Tendon? Arthroscopy 2018; 34:1270-1271. [PMID: 29622260 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Endoscopically assisted Achilles tendon repair is an attractive minimally invasive approach to reduce the risk of sural nerve injury. However, I do not believe that endoscopy is necessary for all types of minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair. Endoscopy is only helpful to make suture passage through the proximal lateral portal safe. It cannot help to reduce the risk of sural nerve injury if the tendon is repaired with percutaneous locking sutures. Abandonment of the proximal lateral portal and development of "all-inside" endoscopic repair of the Achilles tendon with locking sutures should be the future goal.
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