title: Gravity Equinus Position to Control the Tendon Length of Reversed Free Tendon Flap Reconstruction for Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture.
abstract: Repair of chronic Achilles tendon rupture is a surgical challenge. We describe the use of a free turndown tendon flap augmentation raised from the proximal gastrocnemius aponeurosis. To control optimal tension or the reconstructed Achilles tendon length, we used an original method by referring to the gravity planter flexion ankle angle of the contralateral limb. Key aspects of the technique are described. A retrospective analysis of the short-term outcomes achieved in a case series (n = 56) is presented. The postoperative anthropometric findings are also presented to indicate the successful outcomes achieved with this technique.
authors.affiliation: Surgeon, Sports Orthopedics Surgery, Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kawasaki City, Japan. Electronic address: sanasana511@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Takaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sanada
authors.affiliation: Surgeon, Sports Orthopedics Surgery, Kanto Rosai Hospital, Kawasaki City, Japan.
authors.forename: Eiji
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uchiyama
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: gravity ankle angle; length control; trauma; turn down flap