• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.68-73
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• 2018

Purpose: This study compared the clinical outcomes of open repair, percutaneous repair, and minimal incision repair by Achillon in ruptured Achilles tendon. Materials and Methods: The outcomes of 12 patients with open repair (group 1), 8 patients with percutaneous repair (group 2), and 10 patients with minimal incision repair by Achillon (group 3) from February 2013 to March 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The postoperative clinical evaluations were done by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Arner-Linholm scale, mid-calf circumference difference, one-leg heel raise difference, visual analogue scale (VAS) for postoperative scarring, time to return to work, and complications. Results: No significant difference in the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, Arner-Linholm scale, and time to return to work was observed among three groups (p=0.968, 0.509, and 0.585). The mean differences in the mid-calf circumference in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1.09, 0.73, and 0.58, respectively; groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher than group 1 (p=0.002). In addition, the mean VAS scores for postoperative scarring in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 7.0, 9.1, and 9.1, respectively; groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher than group 1 (p=0.001). The mean differences in one-leg heel raising in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2.03, 1.91, and 1.33, respectively; group 3 was significantly higher than groups 1 and 2 (p=0.010). The complications encountered were one case of deep infection in group 1 and one case of sural nerve hypoesthesia in group 2. Conclusion: Minimal incision repair by Achillon is recommended as an effective surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture because it minimizes the risk of complications, leads to an improved tendon strength and healing, and achieves cosmetic satisfaction.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.123-129
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• 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between the fibrillar pattern of the Achilles tendon on ultrasonography (US) and functional outcomes in patients who underwent open tendon repair after Achilles tendon rupture. Materials and Methods: Data of 44 patients who had been subjected to US at least 6 months after repair, during the period between July 2012 and July 2019 were reviewed. Those with bilateral tendon rupture, re-rupture, open injury, and chronic or insertional rupture, were excluded from the review. We divided them into two groups, the homogenous group (HoP) and the heterogenous group (HeP) based on the fibrillar pattern on US. We also divided the HoP into linear and wavy subgroups, and the HeP into no hypoechoic lesion and hypoechoic lesion subgroups. The rupture type of the Achilles tendon, radiographic factors including US and magnetic resonance images, patient-related, surgical factors, and clinical results at the last visit after repair were assessed retrospectively. Results: The tendon thickness was 11.4±1.7 mm in the HoP, and 14.5±3.0 mm in the HeP (p<0.001). A shredded pattern was observed in 17 cases (65.4%) in the HoP, and in 17 cases (94.4%) in the HeP (p=0.031). The mean value of the number of sutures used was 8.9±3.05 in the HoP and 11.39±1.75 in the HeP (p=0.001). The mean value of the difference in calf circumference was 0.9±0.67 cm in the HoP and 1.36±0.71 cm in the HeP (p=0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in the fibrillar patterns and patient-related factors. Conclusion: The fibrillar pattern observed after repair was correlated with the functional outcome and showed a significant relationship with the rupture pattern and the number of sutures used. Therefore, we suggest a careful individualized postoperative rehabilitation protocol to maximize functional outcomes by referring to the fibrillar pattern in US, especially in shredded ruptures.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.228-234
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• 2019

Background The management of flexor tendon injuries has evolved in recent years through industrial improvements in suture materials, refinements of repair methods, and early rehabilitation protocols. However, there is no consensus on the ideal suture material and technique. This study was conducted to compare the tensile strength, repair time, and characteristics of 4-strand cruciate, modified Kessler, and 4-strand horizontal intrafiber barbed sutures for flexor tenorrhaphy with a 12-mm suture purchase length in an animal model. Methods The right third deep flexors of 60 adult Leghorn chicken feet were isolated and repaired with a 12-mm suture purchase length. The tendons were randomly assigned to three groups of equal number (n=20 each). Groups 1 and 2 received 4-strand cruciate and modified Kessler repair with conventional suture materials, respectively. A 4-strand horizontal intrafiber barbed suture technique was used in group 3. The repaired tendons were biomechanically tested for tensile strength, 2-mm gap resistance, and mode of failure. Repair times were also recorded. Results The maximum tensile strength until failure was $44.6{\pm}4.3N$ in group 1, $35.7{\pm}5.2N$ in group 2, and $56.7{\pm}17.3N$ in group 3. The barbed sutures were superior to the other sutures in terms of the load needed for 2-mm gap formation (P<0.05). Furthermore, the barbed sutures showed the shortest repair time (P<0.05). Conclusions This study found that 4-strand horizontal intrafiber barbed suture repair with a 12-mm purchase length in a chicken flexor tendon injury model showed promising biomechanical properties and took less time to perform than other options.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.99-102
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• 2009

Heterotopic ossification of Achilles tendon is known to be related with history of prior Achilles tendon surgery, trauma, Achilles tendon rupture. We report a case of heterotopic ossification of partially ruptured Achilles tendon and treated by surgical removal of ossification and V-Y advancement with tendon repair.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2006

Purpose: To investigate the early results of limited open repair technique of Achilles tendon ruptures, and to describe the surgical technique. Materials and Methods: From October 2004 to February 2005, a total of 10 patients with Achilles tendon rupture underwent limited open repair. The average age of the patients was 39.3 years, and the average follow-up period was 9 months. The causes of injury were sports injuries in 8 cases, and slip down in 2. The mean interval between the injury and the operation was 9 days. The clinical results were assessed by patient's satisfaction, incision length, hospitalization, the ankle-hindfoot scale of American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and complications. Results: Of 10 patients, 8 were very satisfied, and the remaining 2 were satisfied. The mean incision length was 2.0 cm, and the mean hospitalization was 2 days. The mean AOFAS score was 97 points, and there was no complications such as infection, rerupture, or nerve injury. All patients returned to work at approximately 2 months, and resumed light exercise such as jogging at approximately 3 months. Conclusion: Limited open repair technique of Achilles tendon ruptures is provided for better cosmetic results, high patient's satisfaction, and functionally successful results without postoperative complications.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.144-148
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• 2011

Purpose: To investigate the results of percutaneous repair technique of Achilles tendon ruptures, and to describe the surgical technique. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 73 patients with ruptured Achilles tendon from October 1995 to September 2009. 28 patients were excluded due to short follow up period. 34 patients were male and 11 patients were female. The mean patient age was 37.19 (10~62) years. The location of rupture site was 6.58 cm proximal to the tendon insertion into the calcaneus on average. Mean follow up period was 55 months and All patients were surgically repaired using percutaneous technique with sural nerve isolation. Results: Arner-lindholm score were excellent in 32 (71%), good in 12 (27%), poor in 1 (2%) case. 44 cases (98%) had the score more than good. Mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot function score was 92.93 (67~100). We had 1 case of superficial infection, 1 case of soft tissue irritation by suture knot. Conclusion: Percutaneous repair with sural nerve isolation in treating ruptured Achilles tendon showed low complication rate and reliable clinical outcome.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.117-120
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• 2005

Acute subluxation of the peroneal tendon is an uncommon injury which is predominantly associated with a trauma. Traumatic peroneal tendon subluxation in athletes is an uncommon cause of ankle pain. As a result, the diagnosis is often delayed. Numerous surgical techniques have been described for chronic peroneal subluxation or dislocation, however reports in acute cases are rare. Authors experienced two cases of acute subluxation of peroneal tendon in athletes which were treated by simple primary repair of superior peroneal retinaculum with good results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2005

An isolated tear of the subscapularis is uncommon, and there are a few literatures regarding the treatment of this problem. But, the incidence has increased with development of the arthroscopic techniques. An all-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a challenging procedure that can be effectively performed for treatment of subscapularis tendon tears. Often, tears of the subscapularis tendon do not involve entire tendon, and retraction of the torn edge is within to 2 cm of its attachment site. Occasionally, the entire tendon is torn and retracted medially to the glenoid. This article outlines the examination, preoperative planning and details the steps necessary to perform this procedure on upper third of subscapularis tears.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.36-41
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• 2022

Background: Distal biceps rupture is a relatively uncommon injury that can significantly affect quality of life. Early complications following biceps tendon repair are not well described in the literature. This study utilizes a national surgical database to determine the incidence of and predictors for short-term complications following distal biceps tendon repair. Methods: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing distal biceps repair between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017. Patient demographic variables of sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, and several comorbidities were collected for each patient, along with 30-day postoperative complications. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate risk ratios for these complications using patient predictor variables. Results: Early postoperative surgical complications (0.5%)-which were mostly infections (0.4%)-and medical complications (0.3%) were rare. A readmission risk factor was diabetes (risk ratio [RR], 4.238; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.180-15.218). Non-home discharge risk factors were smoking (RR, 3.006; 95% CI, 1.123-8.044) and ≥60 years of age (RR, 4.150; 95% CI, 1.611-10.686). Maleness was protective for medical complications (RR, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.005-0.126). Surgical complication risk factors were obese class II (RR, 4.120; 95% CI, 1.123-15.120), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR, 21.981; 95% CI, 3.719-129.924), and inpatient surgery (RR, 8.606; 95% CI, 2.266-32.689). Conclusions: Complication rates after distal biceps repair are low. Various patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors were all predictive of short-term complications.

• 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.