Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of different minimally invasive techniques for reconstruction of Achilles tendon re-ruptures.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled 21 patients undergoing minimally invasive reconstruction using a transfer of the ipsilateral peroneus brevis (PB) (five patients) or the free ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon (ST) graft with or without interference screw fixation (ten and six patients, respectively). We assessed the maximum calf circumference and isometric plantar flexion strength before surgery and at the last follow up. The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) and number of single-leg heel lifts on the affected leg were evaluated at the last follow up. The median follow up was 39 months.
Results
The outcome of surgery was excellent/good in 17 (81 %) of 21 patients. In the operated leg, the maximum calf circumference and isometric plantar flexion strength were significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.0001). The average ATRS was 86 (range 79-92), and the average number of single-legged heel lifts was 33 (range 11–48). No further re-ruptures were recorded.
Conclusions
Minimally invasive ipsilateral PB transfer and free ipsilateral ST graft with or without interference screw fixation are safe and effective procedures to reconstruct the Achilles tendon after a re-rupture, providing a significant improvement of the symptoms and function in the mid term.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Jarvinen TA, Kannus P, Maffulli N, Khan KM (2005) Achilles tendon disorders: etiology and epidemiology. Foot Ankle Clin 10:255–266
Maffulli N, Waterston SW, Squair J, Reaper J, Douglas AS (1999) Changing incidence of Achilles tendon rupture in Scotland: a 15-year study. Clin J Sport Med 9:157–160
Loppini M, Maffulli N (2011) Conservative management of tendinopathy: an evidence-based approach. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J I:133–136
Pajala A, Kangas J, Ohtonen P, Leppilahti J (2002) Rerupture and deep infection following treatment of total Achilles tendon rupture. J Bone Joint Surg Am 84:2016–2021
Khan RJK CSR (2010) Surgical interventions for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 9:CD003674
Jiang N, Wang B, Chen A, Dong F, Yu B (2012) Operative versus nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a meta-analysis based on current evidence. Int Orthop 36:765–773
Willits K, Amendola A, Bryant D, Mohtadi NG, Giffin JR, Fowler P et al (2010) Operative versus nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: a multicenter randomized trial using accelerated functional rehabilitation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 92:2767–2775
Keating JF, Will EM (2011) Operative versus non-operative treatment of acute rupture of tendo Achillis: a prospective randomised evaluation of functional outcome. J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 9:1071–1078
Nilsson-Helander K, Silbernagel KG, Thomee R, Faxen E, Olsson N, Eriksson BI et al (2010) Acute Achilles tendon rupture: a randomized, controlled study comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatments using validated outcome measures. Am J Sports Med 38:2186–2193
Metz R, van der Heijden GJ, Verleisdonk EJ, Andrlik M, van der Werken C (2011) Persistent disability despite sufficient calf muscle strength after rerupture of surgically treated acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Foot Ankle Specialist 4:77–81
Scott WN, Inglis AE, Sculco TP (1979) Surgical treatment of reruptures of the tendoachilles following nonsurgical treatment. Clin Orthop Relat Res 140:175–177
Maffulli N (1999) Rupture of the Achilles tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Am 81:1019–1036
Maffulli N (1998) The clinical diagnosis of subcutaneous tear of the Achilles tendon. A prospective study in 174 patients. Am J Sports Med 26:266–270
Simmonds FA (1957) The diagnosis of the ruptured Achilles tendon. Pract 179:56–58
Matles AL (1975) Rupture of the tendo Achilles. Another diagnostic sign. Bull Hosp Joint Dis 36:48–51
Maffulli N, Spiezia F, Longo UG, Denaro V (2010) Less-invasive reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures using a peroneus brevis tendon transfer. Am J Sports Med 38:2304–2312
Maffulli N, Ajis A (2008) Management of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90:1348–1360
Maffulli N, Loppini M, Longo UG, Maffulli GD, Denaro V (2013) Minimally invasive reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures using the ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon graft and interference screw fixation. Am J Sports Med 41:1100–1107
Maffulli N, Tallon C, Wong J, Lim KP, Bleakney R (2003) Early weightbearing and ankle mobilization after open repair of acute midsubstance tears of the Achilles tendon. Am J Sports Med 31:692–700
Nilsson-Helander K, Thomee R, Silbernagel KG, Thomee P, Faxen E, Eriksson BI et al (2007) The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS): development and validation. Am J Sports Med 35:421–426
Boyden EM, Kitaoka HB, Cahalan TD, An KN (1995) Late versus early repair of Achilles tendon rupture. Clinical and biomechanical evaluation. Clin Orthop Relat Res 317:150–158
Lapidus LJ, Ray BA, Hamberg P (2012) Medial Achilles tendon island flap-a novel technique to treat reruptures and neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon. Int Orthop 36:1629–1634
Kołodziej L, Bohatyrewicz A, Kromuszczyńska J, Jezierski J, Biedroń M (2013) Efficacy and complications of open and minimally invasive surgery in acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective randomised clinical study-preliminary report. Int Orthop 37:625–629
Maffulli N, Ajis A, Longo UG, Denaro V (2007) Chronic rupture of tendo Achillis. Foot Ankle Clin 12:583–596
Jacob HA (2001) Forces acting in the forefoot during normal gait—an estimate. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 16:783–792
Kirane YM, Michelson JD, Sharkey NA (2008) Contribution of the flexor hallucis longus to loading of the first metatarsal and first metatarsophalangeal joint. Foot Ankle Int 29:367–377
Pintore E, Barra V, Pintore R, Maffulli N (2001) Peroneus brevis tendon transfer in neglected tears of the Achilles tendon. J Trauma 50:71–78
Maffulli N, Spiezia F, Pintore E, Longo UG, Testa V, Capasso G, Denaro V (2012) Peroneus brevis tendon transfer for reconstruction of chronic tears of the Achilles tendon: a long-term follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 94:901–905
Carmont MR, Maffulli N (2007) Less invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 8:100
Maffulli N, Longo UG, Spiezia F, Denaro V (2010) Free hamstrings tendon transfer and interference screw fixation for less invasive reconstruction of chronic avulsions of the Achilles tendon. Knee Surg Sports Traum Arthr 18:269–273
Ardern CL, Webster KE, Taylor NF, Feller JA (2010) Hamstring strength recovery after hamstring tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison between graft types. Arthroscopy 26:462–469
Maffulli N, Longo UG, Oliva F, Ronga M, Denaro V (2009) Minimally invasive surgery of the Achilles tendon. Orthop Clin North Am 40:491–498
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Maffulli, N., Oliva, F., Del Buono, A. et al. Surgical management of Achilles tendon re-ruptures: a prospective cohort study. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 39, 707–714 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2686-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2686-x