Achilles tendon repair with an absorbable polymer-carbon fiber composite.
Twenty-seven patients were surgically treated for Achilles tendon rupture using a composite implant. The implant is ribbon-like in configuration and composed of filamentous carbon fiber coated with an absorbable polymer. When used to secure an Achilles repair, the implant acts as a scaffold for the regrowth of collagenous tissue. Rapid attachment of host tissue assures good, early repair strengths which allows for a more vigorous rehabilitation program. Fourteen patients have at least 9 months of follow-up (average follow-up, 14.4 months) and have been objectively and subjectively evaluated on a temporal basis for return of function. To date, complications have been minimal. Results have been very encouraging with 90% return of function at 18 months.
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002244:Carbon; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012421:Rupture / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery
D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D002244:Carbon