Free gracilis tendon graft in neglected tears of the achilles tendon.
OBJECTIVE
To report the results of a longitudinal study on reconstruction of neglected Achilles tendon rupture using a free autologous gracilis tendon graft.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients underwent surgery for a neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon occurring between 65 days and 9 months before the operation.


METHODS
All participants were prospectively followed up for 2 years, and final review was performed at 28.4 +/- 3.5 months from the operation. Functional (anthropometric measurements, isometric strength, return to activities) and clinical assessment was performed.


RESULTS
No patients experienced any problems in the wound used to harvest the tendon of gracilis. Five patients were managed conservatively following a superficial infection of the Achilles tendon surgical wound. No patients developed a deep vein thrombosis or sustained a rerupture. All patients were able to walk on tiptoes, and no patient used a heel lift or walked with a visible limp. The maximum calf circumference remained significantly decreased in the operated leg at final review. The operated limb was significantly less strong than the nonoperated one.


CONCLUSIONS
The management of neglected tears of the Achilles tendon by free gracilis tendon grafting is safe but technically demanding. It affords good recovery, even in patients with a neglected rupture of a duration of 9 months. These patients should be warned that they are at risk for postoperative complications, and that their ankle plantar flexion strength can remain reduced.
Maffulli
Nicola
N
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, North Staffordshire Hospital, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 7QB, England, UK. n.maffulli@keele.ac.uk
Leadbetter
Wayne B
WB
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome