Introduction Acute rupture of the achilles tendon often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain may be missed in up to 25% Epidemiology incidence 18:100,000 per year demographics more common in men most common in ages 30-40 risk factors episodic athletes, "weekend warrior" flouroquinolone antibiotics steroid injections Mechanism usually traumatic injury during a sporting event may occur with sudden forced plantar flexion violent dorsiflexion in a plantar flexed foot Pathoanatomy rupture usually occurs 4-6 cm above the calcaneal insertion in hypovascular region Anatomy Achilles tendon largest tendon in body formed by the confluence of soleus muscle tendon medial and lateral gastrocnemius tendons blood supply from posterior tibial artery Presentation History patient usually reports a "pop" Symptoms weakness and difficulty walking pain in heel Physical exam inspection increased resting ankle dorsiflexion in prone position with knees bent calf atrophy may be apparent in chronic cases palpation palpable gap motion weakness to ankle plantar flexion increased passive dorsiflexion provocative test Thompson test lack of plantar flexion when calf is squeezed Imaging Radiographs indications used to rule out other pathology Ultrasound indications may be useful to determine complete vs. partial ruptures MRI indications equivocal physical exam findings chronic ruptures findings will show acute rupture with retracted tendon edges Treatment Nonoperative functional bracing/casting in resting equinus indications acute injuries with surgeon or patient preference for non-operative management sedentary patient medically frail patients outcomes equivalent plantar flexion strength compared to operative management increased risk of re-rupture compared to operative management new studies show that this may not be significant if functional rehabilitation used fewer complications compared to operative treatment Operative open end-to-end achilles tendon repair indications acute ruptures (approximately <6 weeks) outcomes decreased rate of re-rupture compared to non-operative management new Level 1 evidence has suggested no difference in re-rupture rates with functional rehab protocol no significant difference in plantar flexion strength with functional rehab protocol percutaneous Achilles tendon repair indications concerns over cosmesis of traditional scar outcomes higher risk of sural nerve damage lesser risk of wound complications/infection compared with open repair reconstruction with VY advancement indications chronic ruptures with defect < 3cm flexor hallucis longus transfer +/- VY advancement of gastrocnemius indications chronic ruptures with defect > 3cm requires a functioning tibial nerve Surgical Techniques Functional bracing/casting in resting equinus technique cast/brace in 20 degrees of plantar flexion early functional rehab for those treated without a cast End-to-end achilles tendon repair approach make incision just medial to achilles tendon to avoid sural nerve technique incise paratenon expose tendon edges repair with heavy non-absorbable suture postoperative care immobilize in 20° of plantar flexion to decrease tension on skin and protect tendon repair for 4-6 weeks Percutaneous achilles tendon repair technique Reconstruction with VY advancement technique make V cut with apex at musculotendinous junction with limbs divergent to exit the tendon V is incised through only the superficial tendinous portion leaving the muscle fibers intact Flexor hallucis longus transfer ± VY advancement of gastrocnemius technique excise degenerative tendon edges release FHL tendon at the Knot of Henry and transfer through the calcaneus residual hallux plantarflexion weakness Complications Re-rupture incidence higher with non-operative management (~10-40% vs 2%) new Level 1 evidence has shown no difference in re-rupture rates treatment surgical repair Wound healing complications incidence 5-10% risk factors smoking (most common) female gender steroid use open technique (versus percutaneous) treatment deep infection debridement of necrotic/infected Achilles tendon culture-specific antibiotics for 6 weeks Sural nerve injury incidence higher when percutaneous approach is used
Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair Orthobullets Team Foot & Ankle - Achilles Tendon Rupture
QUESTIONS 1 of 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Previous Next Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ13.146) A 58-year-old male with a history of chronic posterior ankle pain feels a "pop" and experiences a sharp pain in the back of his heel after jumping off a step. He is placed in a splint and is subsequently lost to follow-up. Six months later he presents complaining of weakness and pain. Examination reveals weakness to ankle plantarflexion and increased passive ankle dorsiflexion. An MRI of his ankle is shown in Figure A. Intraoperatively, a tendon defect a is measured to be 4cm in length. What is the most appropriate treatment plan: Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 4781 FIGURES: A Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Equinus casting for 6 to 8 weeks 1% (40/3885) 2 Surgical repair through an percutaneous approach with plantaris transfer 1% (35/3885) 3 Surgical reconstruction through an open approach with Achilles allograft 18% (718/3885) 4 Surgical repair through an open approach with flexor hallucis longus transfer 78% (3023/3885) 5 Surgical repair through an limited open approach with peroneus longus transfer 1% (37/3885) L 3 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 4 Review tested concept (OBQ13.51) Which of the following outcomes has been reported with surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures as compared to non-operative treatment with functional rehabilitation? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 4686 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Improved ankle dorsiflexion strength at 6 month follow-up 3% (126/4887) 2 Improved ankle dorsiflexion range-of-motion at 6 month follow-up 1% (69/4887) 3 Improved mean SMFA scores at 12 months 1% (69/4887) 4 A statistically significant decrease in re-rupture rates 25% (1243/4887) 5 Increased complication rates 69% (3348/4887) L 4 Question Complexity B Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (SBQ12FA.76) A 56-year old male presents 4 months after injuring his ankle when he misstepped off a curb. Figures A and B are sagittal and coronal MR images taken recently. He undergoes surgery and intra-operatively the surgeon elects to perform a tendon transfer to augment the repair. What deficit would be expected following a transfer of the most common tendon used in this scenario? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 3883 FIGURES: A B Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Weakness on resisted foot eversion 7% (138/2071) 2 Weakness on resisted hallux plantarflexion 78% (1614/2071) 3 Weakness on resisted hallux dorsiflexion 6% (124/2071) 4 Weakness on resisted ankle inversion 5% (110/2071) 5 Weakness on resisted ankle dorsiflexion 3% (70/2071) L 2 Question Complexity B Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 2 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (SBQ12FA.20) What would be the most appropriate treatment for the sub-acute injury seen in Figures A-C? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 3827 FIGURES: A B C Type & Select Correct Answer 1 End-to-end repair 4% (140/3457) 2 Carbon fiber composites synthetic graft 0% (17/3457) 3 Achilles tendon xenograft with medial and lateral aponeurotic fascial turndown flaps 5% (156/3457) 4 Posterior tibialis tendon transfer with medial and lateral aponeurotic fascial turndown flaps 3% (105/3457) 5 Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer with sliding V-Y advancement of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex aponeurosis 87% (3015/3457) L 1 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ12.36) A 36-year-old man presents with fever, pain, and wound drainage 4 months after repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture. A clinical image is shown in Figure A. Laboratory studies show an ESR of 29 (reference range 0-22 mm/hr). It is decided that he will undergo debridement and irrigation followed by culture specific antibiotic therapy. In the operating room, the Achilles tendon is found to have re-ruptured with a 5 cm defect. What is the most appropriate surgical treatment at this time? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 4396 FIGURES: A Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Primary repair of the re-ruptured Achilles tendon 1% (33/4166) 2 Debridement of necrotic and infected tendon tissue, with no attempt at reconstruction 78% (3230/4166) 3 V-Y plasty of the re-ruptured Achilles tendon 3% (121/4166) 4 Repair of the re-ruptured Achilles tendon with a turndown procedure 4% (157/4166) 5 Repair of defect with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer 14% (592/4166) L 2 Question Complexity B Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 2 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ10.36) A 58-year-old golfer fell stepping into a sand trap and ruptured his Achilles tendon one year ago. He initially chose non-operative treatment, but became unsatisfied with a tender fullness behind his ankle and ankle weakness noticeable during his tee shots. At the time of surgery, a large disorganized fibrous mass is found at the site of rupture. Following extensive debridement there is a 5 cm gap between viable tissue ends. Which of the following surgical techniques provides the greatest likelihood of a successful clinical outcome? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 3124 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Gastocnemius turndown repair augmented with transfer of the posterior tibial tendon 5% (140/2765) 2 Gastocnemius turndown repair augmented with transfer of the extensor digitorum longus 3% (75/2765) 3 Gastocnemius turndown repair augmented with transfer of the flexor hallucis longus 85% (2340/2765) 4 Reconstruction with hamstring autograft 6% (170/2765) 5 Primary repair with the foot in maximal plantarflexion followed by a gradual stretching program 1% (26/2765) L 1 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 3 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ08.269) What is the greatest advantage of surgical repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture with early range of motion compared to non-operative treatment with immobilization in a short-leg cast for 6 weeks? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 655 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Lower rate of infection 1% (14/2653) 2 Higher rate of normal skin sensation 0% (13/2653) 3 Better skin cosmesis 1% (37/2653) 4 Lower rate of dehiscence 1% (17/2653) 5 Lower rate of re-rupture 97% (2564/2653) L 1 Question Complexity C Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept (OBQ07.54) A 38-year-old patient has an acute Achilles tendon rupture. He is active in sports and is deciding between operative and nonoperative treatments. Which of the following statements applies to patients undergoing conservative treatment with a cast for 6 weeks followed by a course of physical therapy? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 715 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 They have lower patient satisfaction scores 4% (62/1755) 2 They are less likely to return to sport 4% (65/1755) 3 Their ultimate strength is decreased 11% (200/1755) 4 They have a higher risk for rerupture 79% (1391/1755) 5 They have a higher risk of skin problems 2% (31/1755) L 1 Question Complexity D Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 4 Review tested concept (OBQ06.270) Which factor increases the chance of wound complications after Achilles tendon repair? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 281 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Increased body mass index 4% (72/1756) 2 Immediate surgery 1% (26/1756) 3 Male gender 0% (8/1756) 4 Age over 40 years old 1% (16/1756) 5 Tobacco use 93% (1628/1756) L 1 Question Complexity D Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept (OBQ04.136) A 41-year-old female feels a pop in her ankle while playing tennis. She is diagnosed with an acute Achilles tendon rupture and elects to undergo nonoperative management. Which of the following is a difference seen with nonoperative management with early functional rehabilitation compared with operative treatment? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 1241 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Decreased incidence of deep venous thrombosis 8% (114/1391) 2 No significant difference in functional outcomes 46% (637/1391) 3 Increased rate of re-rupture 23% (322/1391) 4 Earlier return to sport 12% (163/1391) 5 Increased rate of complications 10% (143/1391) L 4 Question Complexity C Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 2 Review tested concept
All Videos (13) Podcasts (2) Upgrade to View Premium Videos Upgrade to View Premium Videos Tips in tendoachillis injury Ahmed Attar Foot & Ankle - Achilles Tendon Rupture 5/13/2020 110 views (0) Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 2018 Orthopaedic Summit Evolving Techniques Read the Literature- Canada Knows Best - Nonoperative Functional Treatment Yields Better Results - Mark Glazebrook, MD (OSET 2018) Foot & Ankle - Achilles Tendon Rupture 9/12/2019 407 views (2) Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 2018 Orthopaedic Summit Evolving Techniques Minimally Invasive Techniques for Achilles Tendon Ruptures - Phinit Phisitkul, MD (OSET 2018) Phinit Phisitkul Foot & Ankle - Achilles Tendon Rupture 9/12/2019 346 views (2) Question Session⎜Achilles Tendon Rupture, Femoroacetabular Impingement & TKA in Patella Baja (Infera) Orthobullets Team Foot & Ankle - Achilles Tendon Rupture Listen Now 28:52 min 11/11/2019 55 plays (0) Foot & Ankle ⎜Achilles Tendon Rupture Team Orthobullets (AF) Foot & Ankle - Achilles Tendon Rupture Listen Now 7:14 min 10/16/2019 202 plays (5) See More See Less
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