Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society (대한족부족관절학회지)

Korean Foot & Ankle Society (대한족부족관절학회)
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Surgical Outcome of Achilles Reconstruction Using Allotendon and a Calcaneal Tunneling Technique in Patients with Chronic Achilles Rupture

동종건과 종골 터널을 이용한 만성 아킬레스건 파열 환자의 아킬레스건 재건술의 수술적 결과

  • Gab-Lae Kim (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital) ;
  • Sung-Yup Hong (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital) ;
  • Jung Hyun Cho (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital) ;
  • Tong Young Yoon (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital)
  • Received : 2023.10.27
  • Accepted : 2023.12.08
  • Published : 2024.03.15
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

References

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