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Manz WJ, Bowman J, Pongastron T, Sherwood S, Labib SA. Salvage Reconstruction of a 12-cm Tendon Defect Following Chronic Achilles Rerupture-15-Year Follow-Up: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect 2024; 14:01709767-202406000-00044. [PMID: 38820194 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.23.00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
CASE A 39-year-old man with a chronic Achilles rupture status post (1) failed primary repair and (2) secondary xenograft repair with graft rejection, resulting in a 12-cm Achilles tendon defect, which was reconstructed utilizing an Achilles bone block allograft and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer. At 15-year follow-up, the patient reported good functionality and satisfaction with the repair, with positive patient-reported outcome measures. Physical examination revealed excellent strength and range of motion. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the integrity and incorporation of the Achilles/FHL graft composite. CONCLUSION This case study provides valuable insight into successful long-term management of complex chronic Achilles ruptures with large defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley J Manz
- Division of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Feng SM, Maffulli N, Oliva F, Saxena A, Hao YF, Hua YH, Xu HL, Tao X, Xu W, Migliorini F, Ma C. Surgical management of chronic Achilles tendon rupture: evidence-based guidelines. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:132. [PMID: 38341569 PMCID: PMC10858558 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (CATR) often require surgical intervention to restore function. Despite numerous treatment modalities available, the optimal management strategy remains controversial given the limited high-quality evidence available. This article aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the surgical management of CATR through a comprehensive systematic review of the available data. The consensus reached by synthesizing the findings will assist clinicians in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. METHODS A group of 9 foot surgeons in three continents was consulted to gather their expertise on guidelines regarding the surgical management of CATR. Following the proposal of 9 clinical topics, a thorough and comprehensive search of relevant literature published since 1980 was conducted for each topic using electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies published until 1 October 2023. All authors collaborated in drafting, discussing, and finalizing the recommendations and statements. The recommendations were then categorized into two grades: grade a (strong) and grade b (weak), following the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) concept. Additionally, feedback from 21 external specialists, who were independent from the authors, was taken into account to further refine and finalize the clinical guidelines. RESULTS Nine statements and guidelines were completed regarding surgical indications, surgical strategies, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol. CONCLUSION Based on the findings of the systematic review, this guideline provides recommendations for the surgical management of CATR. We are confident that this guideline will serve as a valuable resource for physicians when making decisions regarding the surgical treatment of patients with CATR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Feng
- Orthopaedic Department, Sports Medicine Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, No. 199, the Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, 221009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine and Psychology, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
- Guy Hilton Research Centre, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, England
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG, England
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Sports Traumatology, Universita' Telematica San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Amol Saxena
- Department of Sports Medicine, Sutter-PAMF, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yue-Feng Hao
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hui Hua
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Lin Xu
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic, People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Tao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Medical Centre, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Chao Ma
- Orthopaedic Department, Sports Medicine Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, No. 199, the Jiefang South Road, Xuzhou, 221009, Jiangsu, China
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Poeta N, Maffulli N, Bucolo F, Charpail C, Migliorini F, Guillo S. Endoscopic peroneus brevis tendon transfer for chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon: surgical technique. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:131. [PMID: 38341603 PMCID: PMC10858542 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic Achilles tendon rupture is usually defined as a rupture diagnosed 4-6 weeks after injury. The management of chronic Achilles tendon rupture (CATR) is a topic of hot debate, and no consensus has been achieved. Surgical management of CATR is recommended. Several approaches, techniques, and grafts have been described. Open techniques carry a high risk of wound breakdown, infection, and necessitate long rehabilitation times. Surgical techniques with smaller incisions to reduce the risk of scar fibrosis, pain, and infection are becoming common. The ipsilateral tendon of the hallux flexor longus and the peroneus brevis is commonly used. Endoscopic transfer of the peroneus brevis tendon is an innovative alternative to other procedures, with comparable results of other autografts even in elite athletes. The tendon of the peroneus brevis is harvested by tendoscopy before performing a calcaneal tendon endoscopy and fixing the graft in a calcaneal tunnel using an interference screw. After surgery, an anterior splint is placed for 3 weeks with immediate forefoot weight bearing. The rehabilitation starts on the 15th postoperative day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Poeta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine and Psychology, University Hospital Sant'Andrea, University La Sapienza, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, England.
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG, England.
| | - Fabrizio Bucolo
- SOS Pied Cheville Bordeaux-Mérignac-Bruges, Clinique du Sport, 4 rue Georges Negrevergne, 33700, Mérignac, France
| | - Christel Charpail
- SOS Pied Cheville Bordeaux-Mérignac-Bruges, Clinique du Sport, 4 rue Georges Negrevergne, 33700, Mérignac, France
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Medical Centre, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Stéphane Guillo
- SOS Pied Cheville Bordeaux-Mérignac-Bruges, Clinique du Sport, 4 rue Georges Negrevergne, 33700, Mérignac, France
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Nilsson N, Stensöta I, Nilsson Helander K, Brorsson A, Carmont MR, Concaro S. Both gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps and semitendinosus tendon grafts are effective in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures - a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:951. [PMID: 38066531 PMCID: PMC10704635 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-07064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A chronic Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is defined as an ATR that has been left untreated for more than four weeks following rupture. This systematic review aims to summarize the outcomes of chronic ATR treated using either a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap or semitendinosus tendon graft. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane), for studies describing outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic ATR using gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps or semitendinosus tendon grafts with more than 10 patients included. The studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Methodological Items used to assess risk of bias in Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). RESULTS Out of the 818 studies identified with the initial search, a total of 36 studies with 763 individual patients were included in this systematic review. Gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap was used in 21 and semitendinosus tendon graft was used in 13 of the studies. The mean (SD) postoperative Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) for patients treated with a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap was 83 (14) points and the mean (SD) American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was 96 (1.7) points compared with ATRS 88 (6.9) points and AOFAS 92 (5.6) points for patients treated with a semitendinosus tendon graft. The included studies generally had low-quality according to MINORS, with a median of 8 (range 2-13) for all studies. CONCLUSION Both gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps and semitendinosus tendon grafts give acceptable results with minimal complications and are valid methods for treating chronic ATR. The main difference is more wound healing complications in patients treated with a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap and more sural nerve injuries in patients treated with a semitendinosus grafts. The current literature on the subject is of mainly low quality and the absence of a patient-related outcome measure validated for chronic ATR makes comparisons between studies difficult. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Nilsson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborgsvägen 31, Mölndal, 431 80, Sweden.
| | - Immanuel Stensöta
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborgsvägen 31, Mölndal, 431 80, Sweden
| | - Katarina Nilsson Helander
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborgsvägen 31, Mölndal, 431 80, Sweden
| | - Annelie Brorsson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- IFK Kliniken Rehab, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael R Carmont
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Princess Royal Hospital, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Shropshire, UK
| | - Sebastian Concaro
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborgsvägen 31, Mölndal, 431 80, Sweden
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Maffulli N, Bartoli A, Sammaria G, Migliorini F, Karlsson J, Oliva F. Free tendon grafts for surgical management of chronic tears of the main body of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2023; 31:4526-4538. [PMID: 37193823 PMCID: PMC10471519 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-023-07446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE After four weeks from injury, tears of the Achilles tendon are considered chronic. Their management is challenging, and the use of a graft is suggested when the gap between proximal and distal stumps is greater than 6 cm. The present study systematically reviews the outcome of free tendon grafts in chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon, evaluating clinical outcomes, complications and return to sport. METHODS The present study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in February 2023. All the published clinical studies reporting clinical outcome, return to sport and complications of free tendon grafts used the treatment of chronic rupture of the midportion of the Achilles Tendon were accessed. The mean CMS (Coleman Methodology Score) of 65.7 suggested an overall good quality of the available published articles, attesting to the low risk of bias. RESULTS Data from 22 articles (368 patients with a mean age of 47 years) were retrieved. The average time from rupture to surgery was 25.1 week. At last follow-up, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) and ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score) scores improved of 33.8 (P = 0.0004), and 45.1 points (P = 0.0001) respectively. Return to activity was reported in 105 patients, and 82 (78.1%) had no activity limitations, while 19 (18.1%) had limited recreational but not daily activity limitations, and 4 (3.8%) reported limitations in daily activities. Return to sport data was reported in six studies, and 45 of 93 (48.4%) patients returned to sport at an average of 22.6 weeks. CONCLUSION In chronic tears of the Achilles tendon, with a gap of at least 6 cm, free tendon grafts allow predictable return to sport and acceptable recovery function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
- Clinica Ortopedica, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG UK
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine, Keele University, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7QB UK
| | - Alessandro Bartoli
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
- Clinica Ortopedica, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuliano Sammaria
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
- Clinica Ortopedica, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jon Karlsson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborgsvägen 31, Mölndal, 431 80 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
- Clinica Ortopedica, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
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