• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.88-92
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• 2011

The incidence of acute Achilles tendon rupture is increasing as sporting activities are becoming more popular nowadays. There are many reports on the merits and disadvantages of surgical or conservative treatment for the injury. We performed a conservative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with a serial casting and observed the progression of tendon healing ultrasonographically.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2024

Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture is a frequently encountered ankle pathology associated with a substantial burden of intense pain and functional deficits. Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with considerable defects pose intricate repair challenges that are often marred by complications such as re-rupture and persistent pain. Various treatment methods, including allograft transplantation, have been proposed, but the literature on this technique is limited. In this study, we propose a surgical approach utilizing allotendon transplantation and a calcaneal tunneling technique and provide clinical evaluation details. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with chronic Achilles tendon ruptures treated with allotendon between 2020 and 2022 were included in the study. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Scores (ATRSs). Complications were assessed postoperatively. Results: The average VAS score was 7 before surgery, 7.3 immediately after surgery, and 4.3 at 1 month, 2.5 at 3 months, and 1.3 at 6 months after surgery. Because the sample was limited to 15 individuals and distributions were non-normal, the analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and statistical significance was accepted for p-values<0.05. Results showed a significant improvement in ATRS and VAS scores versus preoperative and immediate postoperative values. VAS scores showed a decreasing trend after surgery, whereas average ATRS scores increased from 14 before surgery, 33.8 at 1 month, 82.7 at 3 months, and 93.9 at 6 months. Conclusion: This study suggests that allograft transplantation using the described calcaneal tunnel technique provides an effective treatment for chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. However, extensive research and long-term clinical trials are required to validate and better understand the technique's efficacy.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2009

Purpose: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the treatment results of chronic Achilles tendon rupture by Lindholm method. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2006, we performed the reconstruction of the Achilles tendon by using of the gatrocnemius-sloeus fascia known as Lindholm method. Ten cases of ten patients were enrolled in this study (8 men and 2 women). The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 49 years (range, 32${\sim}$66 years). The mean follow-up duration was 15.2 months (range, 12${\sim}$19 months). The retrospective review of the clinical history, physical examination, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were conducted. Results: The mean AOFAS score before surgery was 74.10${\pm}$2.56 and that of the latest follow-up was 90.60${\pm}$5.72. The excellent results were six and good results were four patients. Eight patients were normal triceps power and the others were good. The average of heel to floor distance was 4.5 mm less in the operated legs than the contralateral ones in each patient, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05). The average of calf muscle circumference in the mid-leg was 7.5 mm less in the operated legs than the contralateral ones and there was significant difference (p<0.05). The active range of motion of the ankles, mean plantarflexion was 40 degrees and dorsiflexion was 16.8 degrees in operated side. The contralateral side was 43 degrees in plantarflexion and 19 degrees in dorsiflexion. No case showed rerupture of the reconstructed Achilles tendon. One patient had the superficial wound infection which was treated successfully by antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: It was suggested that the overall results of Lindholm method for the chronic Achilles tendon rupture indicated satisfactory outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.196-202
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• 2013

Purpose: To report the clinical results from using absorbable suture materials instead of nonabsorbable materials which have been used more commonly to repair Achilles tendon. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture, treated surgically from 2004 to 2011. Mean follow-up period is 6 months. We repaired Achilles tendon using size 1 Vicryl (Polyglactin 910, Ethicon) for core suture and size 3-0 Vicryl for epitendinous suture. At three months after surgery, we evaluated clinical results with single heel raise height by centimeters, differences of calf circumference and passive range of motion of ankle joint, compared to contralateral side. Also we recorded clinical results with subjective satisfaction grades. Results: At three months after surgery, 20 of 21 patients were able to perform single heel raise over 5 cm in height. Calf circumference differences were less than 1 cm in 12 cases, between 1 cm to 3 cm in 5 cases, more than 3 cm in 4 cases. There was no difference in range of passive motion in 19 cases. All patients satisfied with daily activity except 2 cases with mild discomfort. There was no complication such as rerupture, elongation or infection. Conclusion: We experienced excellent clinical results from repairing Achilles tendon with using absorbable suture materials in terms of functional outcomes and patient's satisfaction without any complication. So we may consider using absorbable suture materials instead of nonabsorbable materials to repair Achilles tendon.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.12-16
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• 2023

Purpose: Postoperative exercise for acute Achilles tendon rupture is important for a patient's return to daily life and sports. On the other hand, the protocol requires considerable effort to educate patients and continuous checking. This study evaluated the outcome of a new simple and delayed rehabilitation protocol after Achilles tendon rupture repair. Materials and Methods: From July 2014 to November 2020, one hundred eighty-three patients were operated on by one surgeon. The exercise protocol was classified into two methods. One group (immediate protocol, control group) started immediate full weight bearing with a 20° plantar flexion range of motion from two days postoperatively. Ankle dorsiflexion was restricted to 0°. The other group (delayed protocol, case group) started full weight bearing with a controlled ankle motion boot from two weeks postoperatively. No range of motion exercise was allowed until six weeks postoperatively. Age, sex, body mass index, ankle range of motion, muscle power, time to return to previous physical activity, functional score, and complication rate were evaluated. The results of the two groups were compared using a Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Results: The range of motion, double heel rising, and one-leg standing were achieved faster in the control group (p<0.05). However, single-heel rising, repeated single-heel rising, return to previous activity (work, run, and sport), and functional scores showed no statistical difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: Simple and delayed postoperative rehabilitation of acute Achilles tendon rupture without active range of motion exercises showed satisfactory functional results and a low complication rate.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.241-248
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in muscle strength, kinematics, and kinetics between injured and non-injured sides of the leg after Achilles Tendon Rupture surgery during walking and running. Method: The subjects (n=11; age = 30.63 ± 5.69 yrs; height = 172.00 ± 4.47 cm; mass = 77.00 ± 11.34 kg; time lapse from surgery = 29.81 ± 10.27 months) who experienced Achilles Tendon Rupture (ATR) surgery participated in this study. The walking and running trials were collected using infrared cameras (Oqus 300, Qualisys, Sweden, 100 Hz) on instrumented treadmill (Bertec, U.S.A., 1,000 Hz) and analyzed by using QTM (Qualisys Track Manager Ver. 2.15; Qualisys, U.S.A). The measured data were processed using Visual 3D (C-motion Inc., U.S.A.). The cutoff frequencies were set as 6 Hz and 12 Hz for walking and running kinematics respectively, while 100 Hz was used for force plate data. Results: In ATR group, muscle strength there were no difference between affected and unaffected sides (p> .05). In kinematic analysis, subjects showed greater ROM of knee joint flexion-extension in affected side compared to that of unaffected side during walking while smaller ROM of ankle dorsi-plantar and peak knee flexion were observed during running (p< .05). In kinetic analysis, subjects showed lower knee extension moment (running at 2.2 m/s) and positive ankle plantar-flexion power (running at 2.2 m/s, 3.3 m/s) in affected side compared to that of unaffected side (p< .05). This lower positive ankle joint power during a propulsive phase of running is related to slower ankle joint velocity in affected side of the subjects (p< .05). Conclusion: This study aimed to investigate the functional evaluation of the individuals after Achilles tendon rupture surgery through biomechanical analysis during walking and running trials. Based on the findings, greater reduction in dynamic joint function (i.e. lower positive ankle joint power) was found in the affected side of the leg compared to the unaffected side during running while there were no meaningful differences in ankle muscle strength and walking biomechanics. Therefore, before returning to daily life and sports activities, biomechanical analysis using more dynamic movements such as running and jumping trials followed by current clinical evaluations would be helpful in preventing Achilles tendon re-rupture or secondary injury.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.74-77
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• 2018

Calcaneal apophysitis is a relatively common disease in young athletes. On the other hand, if not treated properly, it can lead to apophyseal avulsion fracture in rare cases. In the case of apophyseal avulsion fractures, it is often necessary to remove or preserve the bone fragment, which often requires a suture of the Achilles tendon. A 10-year-old badminton athlete visited the outpatients' clinic with pain in both heels from 10 months ago without any trauma history. After conservative therapy, the pain in the left heel was relived but the right heel pain persisted. After 10 months of conservative therapy, the patient visited the outpatients' clinic showing a calcaneal apophyseal avulsion fracture with a total rupture of the Achilles tendon. In the operation room, a bone fragment needed to be removed because of its poor viability and the fragment was too thin for fixation. After removing the bone fragment, the ruptured Achilles tendon was fixed with an anchor system.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.78-82
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• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of acute achilles tendon rupture patients treated by early mobilization after operative repair. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 12 patients of acute Achilles tendon rupture were surgically treated from May 2001 to November 2002, with follow-up period of at least 6 months. There were 10 men and 2 women, and mean age was 35.9 year. The repair method was single Krackow suture technique. Two to three weeks after the operation, early ROM with removable ankle-foot orthosis(AFO) was started. We used Amer-Lindholm scale for the clinical evaluation and analyzed patient's satisfaction and subjective strength deficit. Results: We had 11 excellent results(92%), and 1 good results(8%). One-leg heel raising was possible in all patients. All the patients returned to the preinjury occupations and 7 patients(58%) reached the preoperative level of sports activities. There was no significant difference in ankle ROM and ankle plantar flexion isokinetic strength compared to contralateral side. There was, no reruptures. Conclusion: Early mobilization proved to be a well tolerated, safe, and effective means for the compliant patient.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 2003

Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture has become more common in the recent years. As suture with foreign material has been blamed for impaired healing, better results should be expected from the use of autogenous material such as plantaris tendon. We have evaluated the surgical results of end-to-end anastomosis using the plantaris tendon as suture material. Materials and Methods: Between Jan 1997 and Jan 2002, the 60 patients were included this study during one year follow-up. We performed the operations with end-to-end suture technique using modified Lynn's method. The plantaris tendon has been used as a autogenous suture material and can be utilized in the end-to-end anastomosis of ruptured Achilles tendon with modifed Bunnel suture technique. We used a clinical scoring system reported by Leppilahti to evaluate the results. Results: The overall results were excellent in thirty eight(63.3%), good in sixteen(26.6%), fair in five(8.3%) cases, and poor in only one (1.6%) case. Fifty four cases(90%) had the score more than good. We had no deep infection, rerupture, deep vein thrombosis, and skin necrosis as major complication. In just 2 cases, although there were superficial skin infection, the wounds did not proceed necrosis due to using antibiotics. Conclusion: End-to-end anastomosis using the plantaris tendon as suture material was good treatment option that had low infection rate and no foreign body reaction because of using autogenous material, and therefore we can get rapid healing of ruptured tendon due to early ragne of motion and accerlerated rehabilitation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.181-189
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyse the clinical outcomes of minimal incision repair and open repair in ruptured Achilles tendon. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 10 patients with minimal incision repair (group 1) and 19 patients with open repair (group 2) from February 2007 to June 2011. The postoperative clinical evaluations were done by Arner-Lindholm scale, AOFAS score, overall patient's satisfaction and cosmetic satisfaction of scar. Results: There was no statistical difference between two groups in Arner-Lindholm scale, AOFAS score, overall patient's satisfaction (p=1.21, 0.87, 1.07). There was statistically high rate of cosmetic satisfaction in group 1(p<0.001). There were no complications in group 1. Complications occurred in three patients (deep infection, rerupture, deep vein thrombosis) of group 2. Conclusion: Treatment of minimal incision repair in Achilles's tendon ruptures showed high rate of cosmetic satisfaction and low rate of complication's, but there were no significant differences with open repair in other clinical outcomes. The minimal incision repair could be recommended as one of the effective treatment for the Achilles's tendon ruptures.