title: Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon with transverse skin incision.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The risk of various complications after Achilles tendon lengthening is mainly related to the length of surgical exposure and the lengthening method. A comprehensive technique to minimize the complications is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  The treatment of Achilles tendon tightness in 57 patients (95 ankles) were performed by using a short transverse incision on a skin crease of the heel and by Z-lengthening of the tendon. In the severe cases, two or three transverse incisions were required for greater lengthening of the tendon, and a serial cast or Ilizarov apparatus was applied for the gradual correction. The results of these 95 ankles were compared to those of 18 ankles, which underwent percutaneous sliding lengthening, and to the 19 ankles, which received Z-lengthening with a medial longitudinal incision.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The functional and cosmetic satisfaction was achieved among those who underwent the tendon lengthening with the new technique. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 56.1 to 81.8. The second operations to correct recurrence were performed in the two cerebral palsy patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new technique has a low rate of complications such as scarring, adhesion, total transection, excessive lengthening, and recurrence of shortening. The excellent cosmesis and the short operation time are the additional advantages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Hui Taek
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Seok
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Seo
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Tae Hoon
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D058971:Tenotomy / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Achilles tendon; Transverse skin incision; Z-lengthening