• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.316-320
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• 2013

It has been reported that the gap between the tendon stumps in chronic Achilles tendon rupture is filled with interposed scar tissue. If it was available to use the interposed scar tissue for reconstruction or augmentation of Achilles rupture, possible damage of normal tissues could be avoided. Our results show that direct repair method using interposed scar tissue for chronic Achilles tendon rupture can successfully relieve pain and restore function of the ruptured Achilles tendon in carefully selected patients.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.72-75
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• 2021

The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture is increasing as more people participate in sports and physical activities. However, whether to treat a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, conservatively or operatively, is still controversial. Current studies show that the nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with short-term immobilization for up to two weeks and subsequent accelerated functional rehabilitation with protected weight-bearing results in similar functional outcomes and re-rupture rates compared to those treated surgically. Also, nonoperative treatment does not risk any surgical morbidity such as wound problems, infection, and nerve injury. Therefore, the treatment options for acute Achilles tendon rupture should be carefully chosen in consultation with patients regarding possible clinical outcomes and complications of both treatment options.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.39-42
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• 2023

A ruptured Achilles tendon at the calcaneus attachment, which does not include a bone that can be fixed, is called 'sleeve avulsion'. A small amount of tendon in the calcaneal region can be sutured to the proximal portion of the ruptured Achilles tendon or insufficient bone to be fixed. Hence, tendon-bone healing is expected, but the results are not good compared to other parts of the tear. The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture is 7 to 40 per 100,000 patients, and 25% of patients undergo direct suture or reconstruction surgery, and 7.6% of patients with sleeve avulsion injuries undergo surgery. Surgical treatment may be a better choice for Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion because no successful case of conservative treatment has been reported. Distal wounds above the ruptured tendon adjacent to the bony eminence can have wound healing problems because of the thin, soft tissue and hypovascularity. An appropriate surgical method must be selected for each patient.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.61-65
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• 2021

It is widely acknowledged that Achilles tendinopathy and resultant degeneration of the Achilles tendon could be either due to vigorous physical exertion or due to inflammation of the tendon associated with systemic disease. The overuse injuries are generally multifactorial in origin and are caused by repetitive strain of the affected tendon till the tendon can no longer endure the tensile stress. Various alignment and biomechanical faults are claimed to play a causative role. Only 2% of patients complaining of Achilles tendon pain are caused by systemic disease. However, to ensure the right approach to treatment, it is necessary to rule out inflammatory tendinitis caused by systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and seronegative spondyloarthrosis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2021

The surgical repair of an Achilles tendon acute rupture is a proven, traditional treatment for optimal functional recovery. However, concerns regarding complications such as re-rupture, wound problems and infections are driving new techniques, including minimally invasive approaches and nonoperative treatments. If we understand the characteristics and contemplate treatment strategies for possible complications, the surgical repair of the Achilles tendon is an attractive option and can be expected to yield satisfactory functional recovery.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the quantitative changes of the numbers of the mechanoreceptors in the experimentally tenotomized Achilles tendon of rabbits as compared with short-term immobilization and long-term immobilization. Materials and Methods: 14 white rabbits were used. After tenotomizing the right Achilles tendon, the subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the periods of immobilizaton. The left side of each Achilles tendon of the rabbits were used as controls. The tendons were stained with a modified gold-chloride method. Results: The number of mechanoreceptor was significantly decreased in the tenotomized Achilles tendon group than the control group (p<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two experimental groups in the numbers of the mechanoreceptors (p>0.01). Conclusion: The injured Achilles tendons may more vulnerable to injury because of the decreased numbers of mechanoreceptors, but no difference between the periods of immobilization. It may suggest that post-operative immobilization period may not affect on the outcome of operative treatment from the viewpoint of mechanoreceptors.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.133-137
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of the old Achilles tendon rupture treated with modified flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with old Achilles tendon rupture treated with modified FHL tendon transfer between March 2004 and February 2008 were enrolled in this study. Technically FHL was pass through the distal portion of the ruptured tendon instead of the drilled hole made on the calcaneus. The mean age of the patients was 37 years (range, 22~67 years), mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 12~30 months). Patients' subjective satisfaction, calf circumferential diameter, range of motion of ankle and AOFAS ankle-hind foot score and Arner-Lidholm score was evaluated. Results: The average gap between the ruptured tendon was 52 mm (range, 47~56 mm). The AOFAS score improved from 47 pre-operatively to 91 points at the last follow-up. Sixteen patients were satisfied with the result free from discomfort, a patient had mild discomfort who had DM. fourteen patients had decreased range of motion less than 5 degrees while 2 patients had more than 7 degrees decrease compared to the intact side but had no discomfort in daily activities. Nine patients had less than 1 cm calf circumferential diameter difference and 7 patients had 1 to 3 cm diameter difference compared to the intact side. One who had more than 3 cm diameter difference had deteriorated muscle strength. Conclusion: Modified FHL tendon transfer can be a useful technique for the treatment of old Achilles tendon rupture when the gap is with large gap placed too proximal.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the surgical outcome of reconstruction of neglected chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with various methods including Achilles tendon allograft. Materials and Methods: Between October 2003 and November 2008, 8 consecutive neglected chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with the defect gap of more than 4 cm underwent surgical reconstruction including V-Y advancement, gastrocnemius fascial turn-down flap, flexor hallucis longus transfer and Achilles tendon allograft. There were 7 males and 1 female who were evaluated at more than 18 months after surgery. At the time of followup, all patients were assessed with regard to postoperative complications, their self-reported level of satisfaction, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale, 10 repetitive single heel rise, single leg hopping test, and ankle range of motion. Results: The AOFAS score increased from average 71.4 (50-87) to 96.4 (86-100). All patients were able to perform 10-repetitive single heel raise and single leg hopping at the latest follow up. No patient experienced wound complications and deep infection. Six patients were rated as 'excellent' and the other two as 'good'. Conclusion: Neglected chronic Achilles tendon ruptures could be successfully treated with careful selection of the reconstruction method according to the amount of defect gap. With an extensive defect, Achilles tendon allograft can be a good option when the reconstruction is not feasible otherwise.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.107-109
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• 2011

We report here on a case of Achilles tendon rupture associated with ipsilateral bimalleolar fracture that was caused by ski injury. The association of an ankle fracture with rupture of the Achilles tendon is even more infrequent, although both injuries alone are extremely common. We treated as a operation of Achilles tendon repair with Krackow method and open reduction with Tension-band wiring technique for bimalleolar fracture.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.127-130
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• 2018

A 3rd degree burn on the heel including the Achilles tendon is vulnerable and requires active treatment to improve the functional outcomes. Previously, there have been a few treatments on severe burns, such as amputation, debridement or simple skin graft. The cooperative technique of an anterior lateral thigh flap with Achilles tendon reconstruction can be an innovative procedure that preserves the major arteries. The authors review a case and report the clinical outcome.