[Evaluation of results of leg tendon reconstruction. Ultrasonography features].
BACKGROUND
The role of ultrasound (US) in the postoperative assessment of tendon reconstruction is not clearly defined and there is no systematic arrangement of US patterns.


METHODS
We examined 34 patients submitted to surgery or conservative treatment for total/partial tear or musculotendinous detachment of patellar or Achilles tendon in the last 5 years. All patients underwent physical and US examinations.


RESULTS
The surgical tendon exhibited the same US patterns in 23/28 patients: it was markedly enlarged (three-/fourfold the normal diameter) and more rounded, with inhomogeneous and hypoechoic appearance not only at the tear/surgical site but also above and below it, for some cm. Small hyperechoic images, mainly dots, were seen in 19 cases, which were referrable to small calcifications and stitches. More and larger calcifications were found in 8 patients, where they were associated with anechoic degeneration areas. Color Doppler US showed moderate or strong hypervascularization around the tear in the first months postinjury. US patterns did not correlate with physical findings, but color Doppler patterns did. In 6 cases of musculotendinous detachment submitted to conservative treatment, US showed enlargement and hypoechogenicity in the injury site only, with no involvement of the remaining tendon. US was also used to time and guide drainage of perilesional hematomas, which were often quite large.


CONCLUSIONS
US is the method of choice in the postoperative follow-up of tendon tears and musculotendinous detachments because it shows abnormal signs which are missed at clinics and provides additional information needed for treatment planning.
Draghi
F
F
Istituto di Radiologia dell' Università, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia.
Calliada
F
F
Fulle
I
I
Madonia
L
L
Bottinelli
O
O
Campani
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D014463:Ultrasonography
Valutazione dei risultati della ricostruzione dei tendini della gamba. Aspetti ecografici.