Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer Research Articles

Calcific Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy-Achilles Repair With Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer: Case Series and Surgical Technique

Calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy (CIAT) is a relatively common musculoskeletal entity that results in significant pain and disability, as well as posterior muscle group weakness. There is a lack of evidence criteria to support the timing of operative intervention, choice of procedures, or whether equinus requires treatment. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review 45 patients (48 feet) who have undergone surgical management of CIAT with concomitant posterior muscle group weakness with the single heel rise testing. All patients underwent debridement and repair of the Achilles tendon with reattachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, ostectomy of the calcaneus, and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. Those patients with equinus also underwent gastrocnemius recession. The focus includes patient-reported satisfaction, time to return to normal shoe gear, and the incidence of revision surgery. The overall average of time to weightbearing was 4.3 weeks. After surgery, 73.3% (n = 33) of the 45 patients responded to the following question: “Would you have this surgery done again?” Of these patients, 93.9% (n = 31) responded “Yes” and 6.1% (n = 2) responded “Unsure.” Of the same 33 patients, 84.8% (n = 28) responded that they were “Very Satisfied” with the procedure and 15.2% (n = 5) responded that they were “Satisfied.” Twelve patients (26.7%) did not respond to either question. One of the 12 patients (8.3%) who did not respond had bilateral procedures. None of the patients experienced tendon rupture, deep vein thrombosis, or the need for revision surgery. Four patients (8%) experienced a superficial infection, whereas 1 patient (2%) had development of a deep infection. No correlations were found when looking at the relationship between body mass index and return to weightbearing/normal shoe gear with Spearman analysis.

Treatment of chronic injury associated with Achilles insertional tendinopathy using posterior ankle arthroscopy

Ruptures of the calcaneal tendon, when neglected, cause marked disturbance to gait and support at the tip of the foot. Most causes of pain in this region are related to overload injuries. Previous studies have shown that surgical treatment is the best option for chronic injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe a new endoscopic surgical technique used for treatment of chronic injury of the calcaneal tendon by reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer and fixation with an interference screw at the calcaneus in an elderly diabetic patient with signs of Achilles insertional tendinopathy. Level of Evidence V; Therapeutic studies; Expert opinion.

Evaluation of the results of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for chronic Achilles tendinopathy

Objective: To demonstrate that transfer of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) through a single access site for Achilles tendinosis provides good results and can allow satisfactory recovery of ankle flexion strength. Methods: This is a case-control study with 28 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for Achilles tendon debridement and FHL transfer between January 2009 and July 2015. The patients’ body mass index (BMI), plantar flexion strength and ankle dorsiflexion strength were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer (Humac Norm model, CSMi) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale. Results: Of the 28 patients, 53.8% were women, and the mean age was 55 years. After a median follow-up of 3.1 years, the plantar flexion strength of the operated ankles was 26.42 Nm (± 2.18), and the dorsiflexion strength was 16 Nm (± 1.99). The final AOFAS score was 85.3 points, with 82.1%of patients achieving good and excellent results. The results showed a significant difference in plantar flexion strength (p=0.0001) between the operated foot and the contralateral foot. No significant difference was found when comparing patients with different BMIs in relation to muscle strength and AOFAS score.Conclusion: FHL transfer surgery using a single posteromedial route for chronic Achilles tendinopathy presents good functional results and is a safe technique with a low complication rate. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Studies; Case Control Study.

Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for Chronic Noninsertional Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Operative management of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures is challenging, and numerous techniques have been described. Risk of infection and wound breakdown have been described after open techniques, and minimally invasive methods have been proposed to avoid them. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiological results obtained after endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer in patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Between 2012 and 2015, a total of 22 patients were endoscopically treated for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Mean age was 69 years (range, 59-84 years). Mean follow-up was 30.5 months (range, 18-46 months). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained and tendon gap measured. An MRI was obtained at 9 to 12 months following surgery to evaluate Achilles tendon changes. Preoperative MRI examination showed a mean tendon gap of 6.3 cm (range, 3-10.7 cm). The MRI control was obtained only in 12 patients, and a normal or close to normal Achilles tendon was observed in all but 1 patient. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score increased from 55 preoperatively (range, 26-75) to 91 (range, 74-100) at final follow-up. All patients returned to their daily activities without difficulties. No patients reported complaints or symptomatic deficits of great toe flexion strength. No major complications were encountered. Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures were successfully treated by an all-endoscopic procedure. The endoscopically assisted FHL transfer provided excellent results while benefiting from the minimally invasive procedure advantages. However, it entailed some technical challenges and may not be suitable for less experienced surgeons. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer: a definitive procedure for Achilles tendon tear in Achilles tendinopathy. A 2-year prospective study

Background: Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer aims to relieve pain and restore function after Achilles tendon rupture in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. The choice of operative treatment for chronic Achilles tendon disease is based on the size of the tendon rupture. Our aim was to convey our experience in treating Achilles tendon rupture using FHL tendon transfer. Methods: This study included 22 patients (22 ankles) with Achilles tendon rupture after a history of Achilles tendinopathy in the form of ankle pain and edema for a mean period of 1 yr before trauma. Patients were followed for a mean period of 2 yr. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score was used for outcome measurement. Results: Twenty-two patients (22 ankles) had FHL tendon transfer (mean age 50.3 yr, follow-up period 2 yr). The AOFAS score improved from 68.9 to 88 (P<0.001), revealing significant improvement in ankle pain, function, and stability. Conclusions: This study supports the concept that FHL tendon transfer for Achilles tendon rupture in patients with Achilles tendinopathy is the procedure of choice and provides excellent clinical and functional results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective cohort study.

Biomechanical Impact of FHL Tendon Harvest on Forefoot and Great Toe Push-off Strength and Its Correlation to Knot of Henry Crossover Variation

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is commonly used for tendon transfers in reconstructive Achilles tendon procedures. A subset of patients who undergo this procedure complain of first great toe weakness and loss of push off strength after FHL tendon transfer. Despite the frequency of this procedure, there is currently little information available to surgeons to help understand this potential complication. Therefore, the objective of this biomechanical cadaveric study was to quantify plantar flexion strength after FHL harvest and correlate it to variations in anatomy to determine if distinct tendon crossover patterns at the Knot of Henry are more likely to lead to forefoot weakness. Methods: Cadaveric specimens were procured from an approved tissue bank. The proximal end of the tibia was potted and secured to the Mechanical Testing System. A pressure mapping system was used to measure plantar force though the great toe and lesser toes. The Achilles, FHL, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons were attached to linear actuators for load application. Pressure under the toes was measured with the Achilles alone, Achilles with FHL, Achilles with FDL, and Achilles with both FHL and FDL. The resultant loading patterns were recorded in the greater and lesser toes and compared between the different states. After biomechanical testing, all specimens were carefully dissected and the tendinous slips between the FHL and FDL were documented and classified based on a previously determined system (Types I-V, LaRue; Edama) Functional and anatomical relationship between the classification type and loading patterns were statistically analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: 23 specimens (13M / 10F) with a mean age of 71 years (range: 54-90) were used in this study. 61% were anatomically classified as type I, followed by type II (26%), IV (9%), and type V (4%), and type III (0%). Simulated FHL harvest in type I specimens resulted in a 29% decrease in great toe flexion pressure and an 21% decrease in total forefoot flexion pressure, p<0.05. In type II feet, FHL harvest led to a greater reduction in flexion pressure in the great toe (34%) and forefoot (25%), p<0.05. Type IV specimens also had a decrease in flexion pressure in both the great toe (21%) and forefoot (15%), p<0.05. Type V specimens trended similar to type I specimens. Conclusion: This study is the first to quantify loss of great toe and lesser toe flexion pressure after FHL harvest. In addition, it is the first to correlate these losses to variations in anatomic crossover patterns at the Knot of Henry. Specimens classified as type II had the greatest reduction in flexion pressure, followed by type I and type IV. This information is clinically important for preoperative discussions about post-surgical expectations and surgical planning.

Anatomic Basis for Minimally Invasive Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer in Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture

The present cadaveric study was designed to measure the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon length and obtain anatomic data regarding the graft-to-tunnel length ratio in an interference screw fixation model for the FHL short-harvest single-incision technique to the calcaneus. Ten fresh-frozen paired cadaveric specimens were used for the FHL short-harvest technique. The length of the osseous tunnel in the calcaneus was measured. At harvesting of the FHL tendon, the length of the tendon that traverses the osseous tunnel was measured with the ankle in neutral and maximal plantarflexion from the tip of the osseous tunnel to the transected end of the tendon within the bone tunnel. The mean length of the osseous tunnel was 42.7 ± 2.3 (range 38 to 46) mm. With the ankle in neutral position, the mean length of the FHL tendon traversing the bone tunnel was 31 ± 1.7 (range 29 to 34) mm. This mean length increased to 38.8 ± 1.6 (range 36 to 41) mm with the ankle placed in maximal plantarflexion. The ratio of the mean length of the tendon graft to the mean length of the osseous tunnel with the ankle in neutral was 0.727 ± 0.046 (range 0.667 to 0.81), and the ratio was 0.91 ± 0.042 (range 0.864 to 0.976) when the ankle was maximally plantarflexed. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time that the short-harvest technique provides >70% (ratio 0.727) of the FHL tendon graft in the osseous tunnel at all times, even when then ankle is in neutral, resulting in sufficient tendon length for FHL tendon transfer to the calcaneus for chronic Achilles tendon rupture.

Flexor hallucis longus transfer clinical outcome through a single incision for chronic Achilles tendon rupture

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of single-incision flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in chronic Achilles tendon rupture. A prospective study of a series of cases of chronic Achilles tendon rupture that were treated with single-incision flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer, from April 2015 to December 2016. The study included 21 patients (15 men and 6 women), with mean age 40.3 ± 17.5years. The average follow-up time was 15 (12-24) months. Flexor hallucis longus transfer was fixed with a titanium interference screw in an intraosseous calcaneal tunnel. The average operative time was 52.9 ± 8.7 minutes. The AOFAS-hindfoot score was significantly improved from the mean pre-operative value of 57.4 ± 10.3 to mean value of 95.3 ± 4.4 (p value < 0.001). There was no effect on the big toe function. The complication recorded was one superficial wound infection which resolved by dressing and appropriate antibiotic coverage. All patients were satisfied with the results of surgery. Single-incision flexor hallucis longus transfer for chronic Achilles tendon ruptures is a simple method with minimal morbidity and complications. The technique resulted in great patients' satisfaction as well as excellent functional and clinical outcomes.

Chronic insertional achilles tendon ruptures treated by suture anchor repair and augmentation with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Different surgical procedures have been used for treatment of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon with varying results. This study assesses the functional outcomes and complications of chronic insertional tears of Achilles tendon.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;10 patients with chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon were followed for a mean period of 10.3 months. Only ruptures at or near (within 1 cm) insertion were included. They were treated by direct repair of tendon to calcaneum by suture anchor. Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer fixed to calcaneal tunnel with an interference screw was used to augment the repair&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Outcome was assessed by AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot (AHS) score. The mean preoperative score of 41.2 improved to 85.4 at final follow-up out of a total 100 points. We achieved excellent results in 80% and good outcome in 20% cases. No re-ruptures were noted. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;In insertional chronic ruptures of Achilles tendon, FHL transfer to calcaneum with interference screw fixation and repair of Achilles tendon with suture anchor is a reliable technique with good outcome and is recommended.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Outcomes of flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders

BackgroundIn patients with chronic Achilles tendon disorders, Achilles tendon debridement can be supplemented with a tendon transfer, with the flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL) transfer representing the most common used technique. Our study describes clinical and functional results of patients treated with flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendon disorders. MethodsRetrospective study of prospectively collected data of thirteen patients (15 feet) that underwent FDL tendon transfer as part of the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon disorders. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, SF-36 survey and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). The average follow-up was 26.4 (range, 14–56) months. Patients were also assessed for ability to perform single leg heel rise test, muscle power for plantar flexion of the lesser toes, surgical scar condition and associated complications. ResultsAt final follow-up, we found significant postoperative improvement in VAS score (6.6 ± 2.99 vs 1.06 ± 1.43; p < .0001), SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) (28.20 ± 10.71 vs 45.04 ± 11.19; p < .0001) and LEFS (36.13 ± 20.49 vs 58.73 ± 18.19; p < .0001). Twelve patients (92%) could perform a single leg heel rise test in the operated extremity, although there was significant difference when comparing operated and uninvolved sides (4.86 ± 3.36 cm vs 7.18 ± 3.40 cm; p = .0002). One patient reported weakness for plantar flexion of the lesser toes, without balance or gait disturbances. Two patients (2 feet, 13.3%) had superficial infections and one patient (one foot, 6.6%) needed operative debridement for a deep infection. ConclusionsFDL tendon transfer represent an operative alternative in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon disorders. Our study showed good clinical outcomes with low complications and donor site morbidity. Level of evidenceObservational study, case series – level IV.

Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle and Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Wounds.

Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle and Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Wounds.

The anatomy and clinical applications of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy using different technique. Methods Sixty-four embalmed feet of 32 cadavers were analyzed and classified anatomically with respect to the individual cross links in the Henry's knot. These three techniques were then combined to determine the total potential tendon graft length obtainable using single incision, double incision and minimally invasive incision. From January, 2012 to June, 2015, 10 patients (10 feet) with chronic Achilles tendinopathy were treated with double incision technique. The score was 63.04 ±7.75 according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system. Results Only two different configurations were found. Type 1, a tendinous slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT was 96.9% (62 of 64 feet) . Type 2, a slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT and another slip from the FDLT to FHLT was 3.1% (2 of 64) . The average length of the FHLT graft available from a single incision measured (5.08±1.09) cm, double incision technique measured (6.72 ± 1.02) cm, and minimally invasive incision measured (17.49 ± 1.80) cm. The difference between the lengths obtained from these three techniques was statistically significant. Ten patients were followed-up 12-36 months (mean, 13.7 months) . At 12 months after operation, the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 93.28 ± 3.72, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation. The results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 90%. No sural nerve injury, posterior tibial nerve injury, medial plantar nerve injury, and lateral plantar nerve injury occurred. Conclusion In over 96% of the feet, a proximal to distal connection from the FHLT to the FDLT was found, which might contribute to the residual function of the lesser toes after FDLT transfer. The distal stump of the FHLT tendon should be sutured onto the FDLT tendon under tension to enable a co-activation of the great toe, preserved hallux plantar flexion. Chronic Achilles tendinopathy reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus tendon harvested using double incision technique offers a desirable outcome in operative recovery, tendon fixation, preserved hallux plantar flexion and less complications. Key words: Flexor hallucis longus; Flexor digitorum longus; Achilles tendon disorders; Tendon transfer

Minimal Invasive Reconstruction of Neglected Achilles Tendon Rupture

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Recently minimal invasive reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon autograft was shown to be safe and successful for neglected Achilles tendon ruptures. We hypothesized that allograft could also result in similar result like in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. Methods: Between December 2013 and September 2015, 19 consecutive neglected Achilles tendon rupture cases underwent minimally invasive reconstruction using semitendinosus allograft tendon regardless of rupture time and gap. Out of them, 5 patients had flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer additionally. Thirteen were male, and the average age at the time of surgery was 63(30~82). MRI was checked to confirm the diagnosis in all cases. The Achilles tendon total rupture score(ATRS) was measured for clinical outcome at both pre and post surgery. Thompson squeezing test, knee flexion test, and single-heel-rise test were recorded. Isokinetic strength of plantar flexion by peak torque with plantar flexion at speeds of 30 and 120°/sec was measured to check triceps muscle power after surgery. Results: The mean follow-up period was 13.6(6~26) months. The ATRS was improved from 34(7~72) to 70(48~97) after the surgery(p&lt;0.0001). At the latest visit, all patients showed negative Thompson squeezing test, and in knee flexion test 16 patients showed normal ankle plantar flexion. Thirteen patients could raise their affected heel at the time. In the affected leg at speeds of 30 and 120°/sec, the isokinetic strength was 14.9(6.0~31.9) and 10.0 Nm (2.8~ 19.0) Nm preoperatively, and 37.3(12.1~90) and 19.6(7.8~47) Nm at the latest follow-up. (P=0.012, 0.017) There was no wound problem, rerupture or other complications related to the surgery. Conclusion: Minimally invasive reconstruction using semitendinosus allograft tendon seems to safe and effective for the treatment of neglected Achilles tendon without sacrificing other healthy tissues. We think that this technique can provide a significant improvement of symptoms and function with fewer complications.

Outcomes of Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Category: Hindfoot, Sports Introduction/Purpose: Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is a common surgical technique used for augmentation during the surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy and reconstruction. Flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer represents a viable surgical alternative for patients with failed FHL transfers or athletes where compromise of the hallux push off strength could negatively impact their level of activity. There is no reported clinical outcome data about this technique in the current literature. Our study describes the clinical and functional results after FDL tendon transfer for the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Methods: We retrospectively assessed prospectively collected data on patients that underwent FDL tendon transfer in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (March 2012 - March 2015). Charts were reviewed for clinical data, associated treatments and complications. Preoperative assessment included the Visual Analogue Score (VAS), SF-36 health status survey and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). At final follow up we evaluated pain level, range of motion of the ankle and the toes, ability to perform single leg raise and toe walking, calf atrophy and complications. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by Visual Analogue Score (VAS), SF-36 health survey, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Foot Function Index (FFI), VISA-A score and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Fifteen patients (seventeen feet), 6 males and 9 females, mean age of 53.6 years (27- 76 years) and an average body mass index of 31.4 kg/m2 (20.5 to 45.4 kg/m2) were included in the study. Results: Mean follow-up was 27.5 months (15-49). Four patients (6 feet) had prior surgeries, including two patients with failed FHL transfer. We found significant clinical improvement when comparing pre-operative and postoperative VAS scores (6.0±3.3 versus 1±1.36; p&lt;0.001), SF-36 physical component summary (28.2±10.7 versus 45.0±11.1; p&lt;0.002) and LEFS (36.4±22 versus 57.9±20.5; p&lt;0.011). At final follow up, 6/7 patients (86%) returned to prior levels of recreational sport activities. No differences were found on single leg raise test when compared to uninvolved side. One patient reported weakness for plantar flexion of the toes, without gait complaints. Mean VISA-A was 52.6 points (15-85), Foot Function Index (FFI) 21.2% (0-65%) and FAAM 86.2% (55.3-100%) for the FAAM. Three patients had superficial infection and two patients had deep infection, requiring surgical debridement. Conclusion: FDL tendon transfer represents a safe surgical alternative as a method of augmentation during the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Our study showed comparable clinical and functional outcomes to FHL tendon transfer and minimal complications or donor site morbidity.

A Biomechanical Analysis of Interference Screw Versus Bone Tunnel Fixation of Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfers to the Calcaneus

The flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer is commonly used to restore function in chronic Achilles tendon ruptures and chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The tendon is often secured to the calcaneus either through a bone tunnel or by an interference screw. We hypothesized that tenodesis using the bone tunnel method would be mechanically superior to interference screw fixation for flexor hallucis longus transfers. Eight matched pairs of cadaveric specimens were assigned randomly to the bone tunnel or interference screw technique and were loaded to failure. Biomechanical analysis was performed to evaluate the ultimate strength, peak stress, Young's modulus, failure strain, and strain energy. Unpaired comparison, paired comparison, and linear regression analyses were used to determine statistical significance. A slight 22% ± 9% decrease in Young's modulus and a 52% ± 18% increase of strain energy were found in the interference screw group. However, no differences in ultimate strength, peak stress, or failure strain were seen between the 2 groups on paired comparison. Our findings suggest that interference screw fixation provides similar spontaneous biomechanical properties to the use of a bone tunnel for flexor hallucis longus transfer to the calcaneus. The interference screw is a practical option for fixation of the flexor hallucis longus tendon to the calcaneus and can be performed through a single incision approach.

Biomechanical Analysis of Suture Anchor vs Tenodesis Screw for FHL Transfer.

Chronic Achilles injury is often treated with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the calcaneus using 1 or 2 incisions. A single incision avoids the risks of extended dissections yet yields smaller grafts, which may limit fixation options. We investigated the required length of FHL autograft and biomechanical profiles for suture anchor and biotenodesis screw fixation. Single-incision FHL transfer with suture anchor or biotenodesis screw fixation to the calcaneus was performed on 20 fresh cadaveric specimens. Specimens were cyclically loaded until maximal load to failure. Length of FHL tendon harvest, ultimate load, stiffness, and mode of failure were recorded. Tendon harvest length needed for suture anchor fixation was 16.8 ± 2.1 mm vs 29.6 ± 2.4 mm for biotenodesis screw ( P = .002). Ultimate load to failure was not significantly different between groups. A significant inverse correlation existed between failure load and donor age when all specimens were pooled (ρ = -0.49, P < .05). Screws in younger specimens (fewer than 70) resulted in significantly greater failure loads ( P < .03). No difference in stiffness was found between groups. Modes of failure for screw fixation were either tunnel pullout (n = 6) or tendon rupture (n = 4). Anchor failure occurred mostly by suture breakage (n = 8). Adequate FHL tendon length could be harvested through a single posterior incision for fixation to the calcaneus with either fixation option, but suture anchor required significantly less graft length. Stiffness, fixation strength, and load to failure were comparable between groups. An inverse correlation existed between failure load and donor age. Younger specimens with screw fixation demonstrated significantly greater failure loads. Adequate harvest length for FHL transfer could be achieved with a single posterior incision. There was no difference in strength of fixation between suture anchor and biotenodesis screw.

The clinical effects of V-Y advancement and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in the treatment of Kuwad III type chronic achilles tendon injury

Objective To investigate the operative technique and clinical effects of V-Y advancement and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in the treatment of chronic achilles tendon ruptures. Methods Twenty-six patients with chronic achilles tendon ruptures treated between February 2012 and February 2013 were involved in the study, including 20 males and 6 females, at age of 22 to 58 years(average 33.6 years). The length of achilles tendon defect after intra-operative debridement is ranging from 3 to 5 cm. Limited open repair of chronic achilles tendon ruptures using V-Y advancement and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer were performed and the healing time and complications were recorded. The pre- and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores, visual analog scale scores for pain and Leppilahti achilles tendon repair score were compared. Results Twenty-one patients were followed up for 12 to 26 months (average 16.4 months) and five cases were lost.All incisions were in primary healing, without any complications such as infection, nerve injury and secondary rupture. The average healing time of achilles tendons was 12 weeks according to MRI imaging and the average ossification time of interference screws was 18 months. At latest follow up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores improved from (52.6±15.4) preoperatively to (96.8±2.5). Similarly, preoperative Visual analog scale score was (5.71±1.56), and mean postoperative Visual analog scale was (1.24±0.44). Besides, Leppilahti achilles tendon repair score was improved from (68.56±7.43) to (92.58±5.1). There were significant differences between the pre- and postoperative scores in all the three evaluations (P<0.05). Conclusions Limited open repair of chronic achilles tendon ruptures using V-Y advancement and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer may be a good option for a defect gap ranging 3 to 5 cm. It is a safe and effective surgery due to its simpleness and less complications. Key words: Chronic achilles tendon injury; V-Y advancement; Tendon transfer; Fracture healing; Treatment outcome; Postoperative complications

Combined flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer and gastrocnemius recession for reconstruction of gapped chronic achilles tendon ruptures

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the functional outcomes after a combined FHL transfer and a gastrocnemius recession for treatment of chronic ruptures of Achilles tendon with a gap and to investigate the patient's satisfaction about the great toe function after transfer. Material and methods19 patients with chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon with a gap were treated with a flexor halluces longus tendon transfer combined with a gastrocnemius recession, Clinical diagnosis depends on the presence of gap in the tendon on examination, inability of tip toe walking on the affected side and positive calf-squeeze test, MRI was used to confirm the clinical diagnosis. American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society hind foot score was used for assessment of the results. ResultsThe AOFAS score improved significantly from a mean of 65 preoperatively to 94 at the last follow up (p<0.001), there was no significant difference in the final outcome between patients with FHL tendon weaved through the stump of the Achilles tendon and those with trans osseous tunnels, the mean AOFAS score at the last follow up was 94.2, 93.8 respectively, no patient complained of big toe dysfunction. ConclusionManagement of chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon with a gap with flexor halluces longus tendon transfer combined with a gastrocnemius recession is a safe and reliable method with a significantly improved functional outcome, muscle advancement through gastrocnemius recession decreases the length of the gap without affecting the muscle function, flexor halluces longus tendon transfer doesn't harm the big toe function.

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer Fixation.

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the calcaneus is commonly used in the surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. This study assesses the integrity of FHL tendon biotenodesis screw fixation with respect to 2 variables: incorporation of a terminal whipstitch and tunnel depth. A total of 60 fresh-frozen cadaver FHL tendons and 28 calcanei were harvested for analysis in 4 sets of fixation constructs; 14 whipstitched tendons were compared against their nonwhipstitched paired tendon via pull-out strength load testing, and 16 tendon pairs were randomized for fixation in either a full-depth tunnel (bicortical) or a 25-mm partial tunnel (unicortical). All comparisons were carried out in native bone and synthetic models. Whipstitched tendons demonstrated significantly stronger mean clinical load (253.68 vs 177.24 N, P = .008) and maximum load to failure (294.31N vs 194.57 N, P = .001) compared with the nonwhipstitched tendons in synthetic bone. There were no statistical differences in mean clinical load (200.96 vs 228.31 N, P = .63) and maximum load to failure (192.69 vs 217.74 N, P = .73) between full and partial tunnel groups. There were no significant differences found in trials carried out in cadaveric bone. Use of a terminal whipstitch achieves greater fixation strength in FHL tendon biotenodesis transfers. Complete and partial tunnel constructs are equivocal in their pull-out strength. Data produced in a homogeneous bone substitute model demonstrate the biomechanical superiority of the whipstitch as well as the noninferiority of the partial tunnel technique. Level IIb.

Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures With Large Defects.

Background When Achilles tendon ruptures become chronic, a defect often forms at the rupture site. There is scant literature regarding the treatment of chronic Achilles ruptures with defects of 6 cm or larger. We examined outcomes from combining a turndown of the proximal, central Achilles with a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to treat this condition. Materials Between September 2002 and December 2013, 32 patients presented with a chronic Achilles rupture and a defect of 6 cm or more. Twenty patients were male and 12 were female. Patient age was between 20 and 74 years, with a mean of 53.3 years. Eighteen and 14 patients had their right and left Achilles tendon affected, respectively. The number of days between injury and surgery ranged from 30 to 315 days, with a mean of 102 days. Reconstruction of the Achilles involved a turndown of the proximal, central tendon and FHL augmentation. Final patient follow-up ranged from 18 to 150 months, with a mean of 62.3 months. At surgery, the gap between the ruptured ends of the Achilles ranged from 6 to 12 cm, with a mean gap of 7.5 cm. Full healing was achieved in all 32 patients (100%) by 5 months postoperatively. Mean Foot and Ankle Ability Measures scores increased from 36.3% to 90.2% between initial and latest follow-up (P < .05). Mean visual analogue scales of pain decreased from 6.6 to 1.8 of 10 between first and last encounter (P < .05). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (15.6%), including 3 (9.4%) superficial wound problems, 1 (3.1%) deep wound infection, and 1 (3.1%) deep vein thrombosis. Discussion Outcomes from treating chronic Achilles ruptures with large defects are scant within the orthopaedic literature. Our method of Achilles reconstruction results in a high rate of improved function and pain relief. Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series.