title: Repair of chronic Achilles tendon rupture with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer.
abstract: A new technique is described for reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon rupture using the flexor hallucis longus tendon. Follow-up on seven patients (mean age 52 years) is provided (average follow-up 17 months, range 3-30 months). All patients were re-examined to assess postoperative range of motion, scar healing, and sensation. Motor strength was assessed by Cybex testing. Subjective satisfaction was examined by completion of a questionnaire. There were no postoperative infections, skin losses, or re-ruptures. Each patient developed a small but functionally insignificant loss in range of motion in the involved ankle and great toe. All patients had a satisfactory return of function. One patient required a molded foot-ankle orthosis for extended ambulation but was able to play golf.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Wapner
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Pavlock
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hecht
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Naselli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Walther
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*