Reconstruction of the Diseased Achilles Tendon Using an Acellular Human Dermal Graft Followed by Early Mobilization-A Preliminary Series

Abstract

When chronic Achilles tendinosis requires surgical intervention, the repair may often need to be supplemented with graft augmentation. The purpose of this paper is to describe an augmentation reconstruction technique of the Achilles tendon for chronic Achilles tendinosis and the preliminary results achieved using this surgical method. Twenty-one patients with Achilles tendinosis were treated with resection of the diseased tissue, acellular human dermal graft application and early mobilization. Patients were then assessed using a modified American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ankle scale preoperatively and 24 weeks postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale was also reported. At 24 weeks postoperatively, the patients had an average ankle scale of 77.4/82. Patients were able to return to full activity in 12.1 weeks. Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with graft augmentation and early mobilization shows good short-term results.