Tendon Lengthening Research Articles

Is percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening safe and effective for older children with idiopathic toe walking?

Is percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening safe and effective for older children with idiopathic toe walking?

Complications of Percutaneous Tendo-Achilles Lengthening for Treatment and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review

Percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening is an effective surgical procedure to treat and prevent forefoot and midfoot ulcerations in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes are prone to plantar ulcerations due to a combination of factors, such as peripheral neuropathy, decreased tendon elasticity, peripheral vascular disease, and hyperglycemia. Complications such as re-ulceration and transfer lesion to the heel, associated with a calcaneal gait secondary to over-lengthening, are possible with percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening. Although percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening is well accepted, the overall incidence of complication has not been well described. A systematic review of the reported data was performed to determine the incidence of complication for percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening when used for the treatment and prevention of diabetic plantar ulcerations. Nine studies involving 490 percutaneous lengthening procedures met the inclusion criteria. The overall complication rate was 27.8% (8% with transfer heel ulcerations). Given the high rate of complications associated with a percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening, careful patient selection and consideration of these risks should be considered prior to proceeding with this procedure. Additional prospective comparative analyses with standardization of surgical technique, degrees of lengthening achieved, and post-operative weightbearing and immobilization modalities are needed to decrease incidence of complication and achieve higher healing rates.

Localized Volkmann Contracture: The Role of Tendon Lengthening for Early Treatment

Localized Volkmann Contracture: The Role of Tendon Lengthening for Early Treatment

Investigation of walking speed and plantar pressure after chopart amputation.

In foot amputation, Chopart amputation is considered to have a high risk of deformity, and can result in poor function. We experienced a case in which Chopart amputation combined with tendon transfer and tendon lengthening was performed, and the patient was eventually able to walk independently with a foot prosthesis without experiencing deformity of the foot. We investigated walking speed and plantar pressure after Chopart amputation with and without a foot prosthesis. A 78-year-old man underwent Chopart amputation with tendon transfer and tendon lengthening. As a result, he was able to stand up and walk, both while bearing weight on the heel of the affected foot, but he was unable to push off the ground using that foot. When a foot prosthesis was introduced, the patient's walking speed increased from 0.6 m/s without the prosthesis to 0.8 m/s with the prosthesis, which was an increase of 33%. The plantar pressure at the stump decreased from 129.3 N/cm2 on average without the prosthesis to 51.6 N/cm2 with the prosthesis, which was a 59% decrease. Wearing a foot prosthesis improved the patient's walking speed and decreased plantar pressure at the amputation stump.

The Impact of Operative Correction of Equinus in Cerebral Palsy on Gait Patterns.

This study aimed to evaluate gait outcomes and strength following the surgical correction of equinus in cerebral palsy (CP) based on different surgical procedures. We included the Baumann and Strayer procedures, as well as the Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL). A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with infantile, bilateral CP who received instrumental 3D gait analysis before and after surgical correction (18.66 months postoperatively). Patients were divided into 3 groups: Strayer surgery, Baumann surgery, and ATL. Gait performance and muscle strengths were compared between studied surgeries. A total population of 204 patients (15.43 years) with 341 operated lower limbs (LLs) was analyzed. Dorsiflexion in swing and stance phases significantly improved in all groups postoperatively. The Strayer and the ATL group showed higher postoperative dorsiflexion than the Baumann group. However, no loss of strength was observed with the Baumann method. Maximum power improved in this group postoperatively. An 8.2% loss in calf muscle strength was recorded in the Strayer group. Operative pes equinus treatment successfully improved the gait of children and adults with CP postoperatively. There were differences in postoperative results between studied operative techniques regarding range of motion and power. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Treatment of Dynamic Claw Toe Deformity Through Lengthening of the Flexor Tendons of the Hallux and Toes at the Midfoot Level.

The claw toe deformity is characterized by the flexion of interphalangeal joints (IPJs) with hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It can be flexible and reducible or rigid and irreducible, or dynamic. The most common cause of dynamic claw toes is a neurological disorder, like sequelae of an ischemic contracture of the muscle belly after a compartment syndrome. Most of the surgical techniques require multiple procedures and may be associated with complications such as toe stiffness, persisting metatarsalgia, and toe malalignment. The aim of this study is to present an option for the surgical treatment of the dynamic claw toe deformity, by simultaneous tenodesis and lengthening of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons at Henry's knot through a single midfoot incision.Levels of Evidence: V; Therapeutic Study; Expert Opinion.

Release of retromalleolar flexor retinaculum and combined flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus Z-plasty in checkrein deformity: a case report

BackgroundCheckrein deformity is a rare abnormality comprising flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon entrapment in the posterior foot due to post-traumatic or ischemic retraction of the FHLtendon following soft tissue trauma. The diagnosis is essentially clinical, but complemented by imaging to rule out unrecognized causes and evaluate the fracture healing process. This case report is the first Indonesian study to describe release of the flexor retinaculum and Z-plasty (lengthening) of flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and FHL tendons through a medial retromalleolar approach to repair the deformity. Case DescriptionWe present the case of a 51-year-old male who complained of clawing of his right first and second toes. The interest of this study lies in the fact that this patient had never experienced ankle or distal tibial fractures, only a trivial injury two years back when the patient kicked a stone at work and had a bruise on his right second toe with no fracture. Exploration of FHL tendons was performed at the level of the midfoot. The patient was planned for surgery with a medial retromalleolar ankle approach, which facilitates the release of the flexor retinaculum, in conjunction with a Z-tenotomy on the FHL and FDL tendons. ConclusionA correction was achieved, and two months post-surgery there were no recurrences of the deformity. However, this surgical procedure requires more cases to support an evaluation of its effectiveness. We suggest that exploration at the ankle and midfoot should be the primary surgical intervention in similar cases of checkrein deformity.

Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Using the Iliopsoas Air Bursogram Technique to Hit the Target

Iliopsoas tendinitis following total hip arthroplasty has been linked to retroverted acetabular cup position with associated anterior overhang. For severely malpositioned components, preferred treatment is in the form of revision arthroplasty. However, for a substantial number of cases, iliopsoas tendinitis as well as associated pain and disability are observed in the presence of modest acetabular overhang. In such cases, patients may benefit substantially from arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening. Given altered postarthroplasty anatomy, we present an arthroscopic approach employing an iliopsoas air bursogram. In such a way, safe and predictable access can be provided for efficient tendon lengthening without capsular violation or inadvertent instrumentation of the nearby medial neurovascular bundle.

Effect of flatfoot correction on the ankle joint following lateral column lengthening: A radiographic evaluation.

The effects of foot deformities and corrections on the ankle joint without osteoarthritis has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of flatfoot correction on the ankle joint of patients without osteoarthritis. Thirty-five patients (24 men and 11 women; mean age 17.5 years) who underwent lateral column lengthening for flatfoot deformities were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 20.5 months (standard deviation [SD]: 15.7 months). Radiographic indices were measured pre- and postoperatively, including anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles, naviculocuboid overlap, position of the articulating talar surface, and lateral talar center migration. Postoperative changes in the radiographic indices were statistically analyzed. There was significant postoperative improvement in flatfoot deformity in terms of AP and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and naviculocuboid overlap (p<0.001). On lateral radiographs, the talar articulating surface dorsiflexed by 7.3% (p<0.001), and the center of the talar body shifted anteriorly by 0.85 mm (p<0.001) postoperatively. Flatfoot correction using lateral column and Achilles tendon lengthening caused dorsiflexion and an anterior shift of the articular talar body in patients without osteoarthritis. Correction of flatfoot deformity might affect the articular contact area at the ankle joint. The biomechanical effects of this change need to be investigated further.

Whole Genome Expression Profiling of Semitendinosus Tendons from Children with Diplegic and Tetraplegic Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disorder in children, with a prevalence ranging from 1.5 to 4 per 1000 live births. CP is caused by a non-progressive lesion of the developing brain, leading to progressive alterations of the musculoskeletal system, including spasticity, often leading to the development of fixed contractures, necessitating tendon lengthening surgery. Total RNA-sequencing analysis was performed on semitendinosus tendons from diplegic and tetraplegic CP patients subjected to tendon lengthening surgery compared to control patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery. Tetraplegic CP patients showed increased expression of genes implicated in collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, while only minor changes were observed in diplegic CP patients. In addition, tendons from tetraplegic CP patients showed an enrichment for upregulated genes involved in vesicle-mediated transport and downregulated genes involved in cytokine and apoptotic signaling. Overall, our results indicate increased ECM turnover with increased net synthesis of collagen in tetraplegic CP patients without activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, similar to observations in athletes where ECM remodeling results in increased tendon stiffness and tensile strength. Nevertheless, the resulting increased tendon stiffness is an important issue in clinical practice, where surgery is often required to restore joint mobility.

Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology.

Achilles tendon injuries occur throughout the lifespan and can negatively affect quality of life and overall health. Achilles tendinopathy is generally classified as an overuse injury associated with fusiform tendon thickening, neovascularization, and interstitial tendon degeneration. Current literature suggests these structural changes are associated withsymptoms and lower physical activity levels, as well assymptoms and lower extremity function in the long term. Surgically and non-surgically managed Achilles tendon ruptures result in increased tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and a lengthened Achilles tendon. Both structural outcomes have clinical implications, as larger CSA positively predicts function, whereas increased tendon lengthening predicts reduced function after Achilles tendon rupture. Given the relationship between structural changes associated with Achilles tendon injuries for both injury severity and injury recovery, it is critical to be able to quantify Achilles tendon structure reliably and accurately. Silbernagel's group has established a valid and reliable method for efficiently evaluating triceps surae muscle and tendon structure. In this protocol, B-mode musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is used to measure triceps surae structure, including Achilles tendon thickness and CSA, soleus thickness, and the presence of additional findings (calcifications and bursitis). B-mode extended field-of-view is used to measure Achilles tendon length and gastrocnemius anatomical CSA. Finally, power Doppler is used to identify intratendinous neovascularization. Quantification of triceps surae structure allows for comparison between limbs as well as longitudinal changes in response to exercise and treatment for healthy individuals and those with Achilles tendon injuries. This protocol has been used in many research studies to date and proves valuable in understanding the relationship between tendon structure and injury development, severity, and recovery. As ultrasound devices are becoming more affordable and portable, this protocol proves promising as a clinical tool, given its quick and efficient methods.

A Case of Cavus: Tackling Post Operative Recurrence

Pes cavovarus deformities of the foot and ankle pose significant challenges for patients and clinicians, often leading to debilitating symptoms and sequelae. This case study presents a 67-year-old female patient who underwent multiple surgical corrections for recurrent cavus foot deformity. The initial surgery involved Tendo-Achilles Lengthening, Dwyer Calcaneal Osteotomy, and Total Ankle Arthroplasty. However, over time, the deformity migrated to the forefoot and midfoot, necessitating further interventions, including dorsiflexory wedge osteotomy and IPJ fusion. Despite these efforts, the cavus deformity recurred in the rearfoot in 2022, leading to a comprehensive surgical approach. The procedures included soft tissue and osseous corrections, such as posterior tibial tendon lengthening, deltoid release, hardware removal, lateral calcaneal sliding osteotomy, and polyethylene replacement of the ankle arthroplasty. The patient experienced pain relief and improved function following this intervention. The study highlights the challenges associated with managing cavovarus deformities and the importance of a systematic approach to address both soft tissue contractures and osseous abnormalities. Furthermore, it underscores the potential for recurrence in such cases, necessitating vigilant postoperative monitoring and adaptable treatment strategies. While the patient achieved positive outcomes twelve months postoperatively, this case emphasizes the need for careful pre-operative planning and consideration of various surgical techniques to effectively manage pes cavovarus deformities and their recurrent nature.

The Impact of Tendon Lengthening Following Achilles Tendon Repair on Foot Kinetics, a Finite Element Analysis

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Triceps surae muscle force is transferred through the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus and from the calcaneus to the plantar fascia and then to the metatarsal heads and the toes which exert force on the ground. Achilles tendon ruptures occur in tendons that have reached a critical point of intrasubstance degeneration. The Achilles tendon almost always heals but frequently lengthens during the healing process, leading to an alteration in the triceps surae force production profile. We hypothesized that Achilles tendon overlengthening has implications not only for force generation but likely has many other impacts throughout the foot. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of a lengthened Achilles tendon following tendon repair on the kinetics of the foot. Methods: A validated finite element model of the foot was used to compare foot biomechanics between the foot with a functional and non-functional Achilles tendon. The model of the foot constructed from CT scan images of a female cadaveric foot weighing 60 kg included all 28 bones, 72 ligaments, cartilage, and an encapsulating soft tissue. The model was loaded with 0.5 body weight applied at the center of mass and 0.25 body weight applied to the Achilles tendon simulating quiet stance. The tendon forces were applied using force vectors in the direction of their lines of action. The foot with a non-functional Achilles tendon was created by unloading the Achilles tendon since triceps surae muscle shortening due to tendon lengthening significantly decreases force production. The force transmitted through the joints, force in the ligaments, and plantar pressure were determined for both the foot with a functional and non-functional Achilles tendon. Results: We found that the force transmitted through all the joints decreased when the Achilles tendon force was removed (Figure 1a). In addition, removing the Achilles tendon decreased the force within the plantar fascia, long and short plantar ligaments, and deep deltoid ligament, while it increased the force within the spring and superficial deltoid ligaments (Figure 1b). The plantar fascia experienced the greatest reduction in ligament force after unloading of the Achilles tendon (from 93 N to 26 N). Moreover, the maximum plantar pressure in the heel fat pad increased from 164 kPa to 231 kPa when the Achilles tendon was removed. Conclusion: The varying changes in the force in the ligaments and joints due to Achilles lengthening suggest that Achilles tendon rupture with sequent healing with overlengthening can alter the force distribution throughout the entire foot. A major implication of this work is that in treating Achilles ruptures, an extended period of protection with heel wedges beyond the customary six weeks may be needed to prevent over lengthening of the Achilles. Moreover, this study supports the efficiency of surgical lengthening of the Achilles in the treatment of diabetic forefoot foot ulcers by shifting the plantar pressure towards the calcaneus.

Posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for symptomatic adult talocalcaneal coalition

Objective: To investigate the functional outcomes of posterior arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis (PASTA) for adult patients presenting with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition. Methods: The study was a retrospective case-series research.The data of 17 adult patients (17 feet) with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalitions,treated with PASTA from March 2018 to February 2022 in Xuzhou Central Hospital were collected.This procedure involved 10 males and 7 females,aged (42.4±7.5) years(range:31 to 58 years).There were 9 cases on the right side and 7 cases on the left side.According to the Rozansky classification,there were 4 cases of type Ⅰ,7 cases of type Ⅱ, 3 cases of type Ⅲ,3 cases of type Ⅳ.The following items such as wound healing and bony union of the subtalar joint were observed.Clinical assessment was performed using pain visual analogue scale (VAS),American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scores.The paired t test was used for data comparison. Results: The follow-up time was (24.8±6.9) months(range:12 to 40 months).There were no complications such as wound infection,deep vein thrombosis,nonunion,or screw breakage.One patient with preoperative spasm,relieved after the second surgical procedure (peroneal brevis tendon lengthening).The union time of the subtalar joint was (8.8±2.2) weeks(range:6 to 12 weeks).At the final follow-up,the VAS decreased from (6.4±1.3) to (1.3±0.9)(t=14.114,P<0.01), the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from (49.0±8.1) to (90.0±5.1)(t=38.782,P<0.01),and the SF-36 score increased from (50.8±9.5) to (91.0±4.9)(t=20.468,P<0.01). Conclusion: PASTA for adult patients presenting with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition offers advantages of minimal trauma,fast recovery,and few complications,which is an effective method.

Split transfer of tibialis anterior for equinovarus foot deformity in cerebral palsy

: Foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy are common. The various foot deformities are equinus, planovalgus, equinovarus, equinovalgus. Treatment for the flexible foot deformity should be with orthotics and manual therapy initially and then with tendon lengthening. Equinovarus deformity of the foot is a result of the muscle imbalance in which invertors of the foot, posterior and anterior tibialis muscle, overpower evertors. Untreated spastic equinovarus deformity may cause severe fixed foot deformity and painful callosities under metatarsal heads and on the lateral side of foot. To evaluate the effectiveness of split transfer of tibialis anterior for equinovarus foot deformity in spastic cerebral palsy children.40 spastic cerebral palsy (13 diplegic and 27 hemiplegic) children between the age of 5-15 years with equinovarus foot deformity were selected. The procedure adopted in all the cases was tendoachilles lengthening and split anterior tibialis tendon transfer to cuboid. The result was graded as good, fair and poor. In 28 of the cases varus deformity of the forefoot and midfoot got corrected with plantigrade foot, in 10 of the cases forefoot and midfoot supination was corrected but heel was in varus and in 2 of the cases there was no improvement.: Spastic T.A. is most often the cause of varus of forefoot. Split transfer utilises the spastic nature of the muscle to counter balance the deformity caused by the original muscle. Hence, it is better solution to the problem. However accurate diagnosis of deforming muscle, i.e, T.A or T.P. is essential to produce good result.

Soft Tissue Lengthening for Flexion Dislocation of Patella.

Obligatory dislocation of the patella (also known as habitual dislocation) is a rare subset of patellofemoral instability in which the patella dislocates every time the knee is flexed. The problem arises due to contracture of the quadriceps muscles. Soft tissue lengthening procedures such as quadriceps tendon lengthening are the mainstay of treatment, in contrast to medial patellofemoral reconstruction (MPFL-R) for the more common recurrent lateral patellar dislocation. The current review explores the existing literature surrounding the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for this unique cause of knee instability. Flexion dislocation of the knee often presents in children when they begin to walk. It is also termed obligatory or habitual because the patella dislocates laterally with each flexion and extension cycle of the knee. In contrast to other forms of patellar dislocation, the displacement is painless in obligatory dislocation. Likewise, the underlying biomechanical cause of this issue is related to contracture of tissues lateral to the patella rather than disruption of medial soft tissues as seen in recurrent/traumatic dislocation or subluxation of the patella. A number of procedures have been described for management of obligatory dislocation of the patella, with the general consensus that a combination of procedures including release/lengthening of the proximal lateral soft tissues as a critical component for a successful outcome. Soft tissue release/lengthening has been performed for over 50years to treat obligatory dislocation of the patella. This procedure must be used in combination with other proximal and distal reconstructive with careful intraoperative assessment of knee flexion and patellar tracking for satisfactory outcomes. Further research using standardized outcome measures is needed to identify the optimal step-wise approach in treatment of obligatory patellar dislocation.

Approach for Neglected Calcaneal Fracture-Dislocation and Associated Complications

Calcaneal fractures lead to significant debility that can be increased due to delayed or improper surgical repair and are commonly complicated by nonunion. This report explores a unique case of neglected calcaneal fracture with malalignment complicated by subluxing peroneal tendons, arthritis of the hindfoot, and tear of the peroneal retinaculum. The operative intervention consisted of open Achilles tendon lengthening, bone block distraction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint with talonavicular and calcaneocuboid fusion, along with repair of subluxing peroneal tendons with fibular groove deepening. Postoperative imaging at 25 weeks revealed intact hardware, stable alignment, and complete osseous arthrodesis of involved joints, which was also redemonstrated at 1-year postoperative. Reports of reconstructive options for neglected calcaneal fractures that restore mobility, such as this case, are important due to the significant patient burden these injuries impose and the paucity of viably restorative options currently available. Level of Evidence: Level-IV.

Bosworth Plasty: Experience of the Orthopedical and Traumatological Department of Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat

The old rupture of the calcaneal tendon can be explained by a lack of knowledge of the initial diagnosis, an ultrasound falsely reassuring or after the failure of an initial treatment. Before the third week, the direct suture is frequently possible. The chronic rupture is between the third week and the third month. Calcaneal tendon lengthening techniques can then be indicated if the loss of substance, which exceeds 2.5 cm. After three months, tendon retraction requires tendon reconstruction or transfer for treat the old break. A surgical indication can be justified in case of pain, instability or when autonomy may be compromised in the elderly subject. Many surgical techniques have been described. They use tendon transfers, autografts or synthetic ligaments. The repair technique using a reversal aponeurosis of the triceps sural was popularized by Bosworth.

Elongating achilloplasty and the original tenorraphy technique for cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND:In cerebral palsy, shortening of the triceps muscle of the lower leg leads to impaired coordination and gait and orthopedic consequences that disrupt the quality of life and complicate rehabilitation. Many surgical techniques are aimed at eliminating contractures and restoring ankle joint movements. However, treatment results are not always satisfactory, and the number of complications remains high, such as recurrence of deformation and failure of the tendon suture after tenotomy.&#x0D; AIM:To analyze the results of calcaneal tendon lengthening plastic surgery with the original tendon suture technique in patients with cerebral palsy complications and consider the features of surgical technique onaclinical example.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study describes the lengthening plastic surgery of the calcaneal tendon with the original tendon suture technique performed in four patients with complications of cerebral palsy. The clinical observations of the surgical treatment ofa30-year-old patient with spastic paresis of the triceps muscle of the left tibia were presented. The treatment results were followed from 1 to 12 months postoperatively. The amplitude of active and passive movements in the joints, muscle tone, presence and nature of postoperative complications, and functional outcome were evaluated.&#x0D; RESULTS:The results 1 year after the operation were evaluated as good in two initially more severe cases and excellent in two cases. In all patients, decreased pain level, restoration of movements, decreased hypertension, and hypotrophy of the triceps muscle of the lower leg were observed, and no complications were noted.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS:The results revealed data on the pathogenetic validity of calcaneal tendon elongation in patients with spastic paralysis of the triceps muscle of the lower leg. The proposed original method of surgical treatment ensures the correct anatomical comparison and density of the contact of the tendon ends, reduces the tone of the calf-flounder complex, preserves joint physiological mobility, begins early rehabilitation, and reduces the likelihood of relapse.

Anaesthesia for a child with α-dystroglycan-related congenital muscular dystrophy

α-Dystroglycanopathy is a newly emerging subcategory of autosomal recessive inherited muscular dystrophies which encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical severity. Mutation of at least 18 genes which are responsible for O-mannose glycosylation of α-dystroglycan has been linked to these congenital muscular dystrophy phenotypes. α-Dystroglycan-related congenital muscular dystrophy (αDG-CMD), which may be associated with multisystem involvement, poses a challenge in perioperative management. Yet, there is a dearth of resources available for reference. We report successful anaesthesia for a 6-year-old child with αDG-CMD who underwent bilateral hamstring lengthening, left Achilles tendon lengthening, and above-the-knee fibreglass for bilateral hamstring tightness. Anaesthesia was performed using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) without muscle relaxant. Bilateral sciatic nerve blocks were performed for postoperative pain control, allowing opioid-free analgesia. The patient was extubated at the end of the surgery. Perioperative considerations in αDG-CMD include anticipation of difficult airway, maintenance of thermoregulation and precautions against malignant hyperthermia with the employment of TIVA, techniques that avoid opioids and neuromuscular blocking agents (particularly suxamethonium), as well as minimizing the risk of aspiration and of raised intracranial pressure.