Repair of Chronic Achilles Ruptures Has a High Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism

Achilles Tendon Rupture

There are many high-level studies comparing nonoperative treatment, open repair, and minimally invasive repair for Achilles tendon ruptures. This article summarizes the most up-to-date literature comparing these treatment options. The authors' preferred protocol for nonoperative treatment is discussed. Preferred techniques for open repair and chronic Achilles repair are discussed with reference to the literature.

Long-term outcome of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for chronic Achilles tendon rupture with large defect: A retrospective series

There are multiple surgical options for treatment of chronic Achilles tendon (AT) rupture according to the classifications and length of defect. However, no gold standard method has been confirmed, and there is no clear evidence to support the superiority of 1 procedure over others. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL) transfer for chronic AT rupture with large defect. Clinical data of patients treated with FHL transfer due to chronic AT rupture between January 2009 and October 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. All cases were presented with AT rupture for more than 4 weeks after injury. The gap between ruptured ends was > 5 cm after debridement in all patients. The harvest of FHL was performed through a single incision in accordance with AT rupture debridement in all cases. Clinical outcomes were assessed with AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale, Achilles tendon total rupture score and AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. Twenty-eight patients were followed successfully for 62.6 ± 22.2 months. According to the complete datasets obtained from 28 patients, none of the tendons re-ruptured. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and Achilles tendon total rupture score at last follow-up visit was 90.4 ± 5.7 and 89.8 ± 5.3 respectively, which revealed statistically significant improvement from the preoperative score of 61.1 ± 6.7 and 53.8 ± 8.3. The AOFAS hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale at last follow-up visit was 87.5 ± 6.1. The FHL transfer through a single incision for chronic AT rupture with large defect is a safe and simple method with low risk of morbidity and complications.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Receiving Anticoagulation for Foot and Ankle Surgery

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious medical condition that can be an unfortunate complication arising from foot and ankle surgery. Many factors may predispose a patient to a VTE event including prolonged postoperative immobilization, comorbidities, extended length of tourniquet time, and higher risk surgeries. Unfortunately, there is no clinical consensus for guidelines on VTE prophylaxis following foot and ankle surgery. In this retrospective cohort study, we present our patient population who were prophylactically anticoagulated following foot and ankle surgery along with their incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE). Included in the study were patients who had undergone elective and traumatic foot and ankle surgery from June 2017 to December 2018. Using retrospective data obtained we compared patient demographics, surgery type, length of tourniquet time, postoperative immobilization, type of VTE prophylaxis, and comorbidities including history of smoking, peripheral vascular disease, bleeding disorders, and patients undergoing dialysis. Five of 425 (1.2%) patients were diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis and 1 of 425 (0.2%) patients was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Risks factors statistically significant for developing a VTE in our patient population included extended periods of immobilization and an increasing patient age. We were able to conclude that routine prophylaxis for elective and traumatic foot and ankle surgery is both effective and safe for especially in older patients requiring extended immobilization. It's also important to take into consideration comorbidities, smoking history, tourniquet time, and the type of surgery that is being performed.

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (M-FATS) for Improved Healing of Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Tears: A Preliminary Study

INTRODUCTION

Tendon healing is a complicated process that results in inferior structural and functional properties when compared with healthy tendon; the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the adjunct of microfragmented adipose tissue (M-FATS) after the suture of a series of Achilles tendons.

METHODS

After complete Achilles tendon tear, 8 patients underwent open suture repair in conjunction with perilesional application of a preparation of M-FATS rich in mesenchymal stem cells. Results were compared with a similar group of patients treated with conventional open suture. Outcomes were evaluated based on range of motion, functional recovery, and complications according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Achilles tendons were examined by ultrasound (US) at 3 months.

RESULTS

The AOFAS and FADI scores showed no differences between the 2 groups. US evaluation showed quicker tendon remodeling in the M-FATS group. Adverse events were not documented for both procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined application of derived M-FATS for tendon rupture is safe and presents new possibilities for enhanced healing.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IIIb: Case control study.

ACFAS Clinical Consensus Statement: Acute Achilles Tendon Pathology

Injuries to the Achilles tendon are a challenge to the foot and ankle surgeon. In recent years, research has led to a relative change in the way that many surgeons view acute Achilles tendon rupture. In an effort to fully evaluate these trends, as well as to evaluate all aspects of care for acute Achilles tendon rupture, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons convened a panel of experts to create a clinical consensus statement to address selected aspects of care of the acute Achilles tendon injury.

Open Reconstructive Strategies for Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures typically are treated with surgical intervention except in low-demand patients or patients who are unable to tolerate surgery. Although several treatment strategies are described, most literature is case reports and case series. There is no widely accepted algorithm or gold standard for surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. Treatment strategy depends on the size of the tendon gap after excision of nonviable tissue and scar tissue. Smaller gaps can be treated with direct end-to-end repair. Medium-sized gaps can be treated with tendon-lengthening procedures. Tendon transfers, autograft, allograft, xenograft, and synthetic grafting are described for the reconstruction of large defects.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Achilles Tendon Repair Using the Modified Gift-Box Technique With Nonabsorbable Suture Loop: A Consecutive Case Series

We sought to determine the early range of motion, complication rates, and 1-year patient-reported outcomes following Achilles tendon repair, using a modified gift-box suture loop technique. Sixty consecutive patients (49 males, mean age 36.2 ± 9.9 years) who underwent Achilles tendon repair with a modified gift-box suture loop technique performed by a single surgeon were prospectively enrolled. The range of motion at the final follow-up visit (mean 6 months) and the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) and the complication rates at 1 year were obtained with 83% follow-up. The predictors of complications and ATRS were assessed. The mean operative time was 63.1 ± 10.8 minutes, which decreased throughout the case series (r = 0.46, p < .001). The mean plantarflexion at the final office evaluation was 31.7° ± 6.2°, dorsiflexion was 11.7° ± 6.3°, and total ankle arc of motion was 43.6° ± 9.7°; longer length of follow-up was associated with greater dorsiflexion (p = .008) and the total arc of motion (p = .008) but not with plantarflexion (p = .16). The overall rerupture rate was 1.7% (1 patient), wound complication rate was 1.7% (1 patient), and the overall complication rate was 6.7% (4 patients). No predictors of complications were identified. Complication rates did not differ between the first 30 (6.7%) cases and second 30 (6.7%) cases. The mean ATRS at 1 year was 81.8 ± 16.8 points. The rerupture and overall complication rates by 1 year were low. The range of motion, particularly dorsiflexion, improved through at least 6 months. Diabetic patients had lower 1-year ATRS than nondiabetic patients using this technique.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism After Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. The true incidence of VTE after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery stratified by specific procedure has yet to be examined. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of and identify risk factors for VTE in a large sample of patients receiving orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2006 to 2015 data files. The incidence of VTE was calculated for 30 specific orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeries and for 4 broad types of foot and ankle surgery. Demographic, comorbidity, and complication variables were analyzed to determine associations with development of VTE. Results: The overall incidence of VTE in our sample was 0.6%. The types of procedures with the highest frequency of VTE were ankle fractures (105/15 302 cases, 0.7%), foot pathologies (28/5466, 0.6%), and arthroscopy (2/398, 0.5%). Female gender, increasing age, obesity, inpatient status, and nonelective surgery were all significantly associated with VTE. Conclusion: Although VTE after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery is a rare occurrence, several high-risk groups and procedures may be especially indicated for chemical thromboprophylaxis. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective, comparative study.

Venous Thromboembolism Disease Prophylaxis in Foot and Ankle Surgery

There are limited data to guide the use of venous thromboembolism disease (VTED) prophylaxis after foot and ankle surgery. Although there is general consensus that the overall risk is lower than after hip or knee replacement, subpopulations of patients may be at relatively heightened risk. Furthermore, existing data are often conflicting regarding the efficacy of prophylaxis, with little acknowledgment of the tradeoffs between VTED prophylaxis and potential complications associated with the use of such medications. This article provides an overview of currently available evidence to guide decision making regarding VTED prophylaxis in patients who undergo foot and ankle surgery.