Minimal Invasive Reconstruction of Neglected Achilles Tendon Rupture

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Recently minimal invasive reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autograft was shown to be safe and successful for neglected Achilles tendon ruptures. We hypothesized that allograft could also result in similar result like in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. Methods: Between December 2013 and September 2015, 19 consecutive neglected Achilles tendon rupture cases underwent minimally invasive reconstruction using semitendinosus allograft tendon regardless of rupture time and gap. Out of them, 5 patients had flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer additionally. Thirteen were male, and the average age at the time of surgery was 63(30~82). MRI was checked to confirm the diagnosis in all cases. The Achilles tendon total rupture score(ATRS) was measured for clinical outcome at both pre and post surgery. Thompson squeezing test, knee flexion test, and single-heel-rise test were recorded. Isokinetic strength of plantar flexion by peak torque with plantar flexion at speeds of 30 and 120°/sec was measured to check triceps muscle power after surgery. Results: The mean follow-up period was 13.6(6~26) months. The ATRS was improved from 34(7~72) to 70(48~97) after the surgery(p