Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm in an 85-Year-Old Male Hemodialysis Patient: A Surgical Case Report.

BACKGROUND Coronary artery pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare condition. In this report, we describe an 85-year-old hemodialysis male patient who developed a coronary artery pseudoaneurysm due to physical damage associated with coronary artery calcification. CASE REPORT An 85-year-old man on hemodialysis had undergone emergency percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending artery for acute coronary syndrome 9 years ago. He presented to the emergency room with a fever and chest pain and was admitted to the cardiology department with a urinary tract infection and acute coronary syndrome. On day 21 after admission, when the urinary tract infection had resolved, coronary angiography was performed, which revealed a pseudoaneurysm proximal to the left anterior descending artery stent. The patient was scheduled to undergo surgery due to the pseudoaneurysm's risk of rupture. Surgical manipulation was performed under cardiac arrest using the median sternotomy approach. A highly calcified coronary intima was found inside the pseudoaneurysm, which was completely ruptured on the proximal side of the pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was closed after endarterectomy. A coronary artery bypass graft was also performed in the great saphenous vein graft of the left anterior descending artery. Histopathological examination showed no obvious signs of infection, and a diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was established. Postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed patency of the coronary artery bypass graft and no pseudoaneurysm recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Coronary artery pseudoaneurysms are extremely rare, but this case demonstrates that atherosclerotic changes can lead to the formation of a pseudoaneurysm in an elderly hemodialysis patient.

Assessment of fibrillin-2 and elastin gene polymorphisms in patients with a traumatic Achilles tendon rupture: Is Achilles tendon rupture a genetic disease?

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the polymorphism of fibrillin-2 (FBN2) and elastin genes in patients with Achilles tendon rupture and to compare the results with a control group of participants who did not experience such an injury. METHODS: In this prospective study, 106 consecutive patients in whom traumatic Achilles tendon rupture was diagnosed and treated were included. The control group consisted of randomly selected 92 athletes (10 women and 82 men) 85 of whom had practiced sports in the past, aged 40-76 years, who during their sports career did not experience Achilles tendon ruptures. Material for genetic tests was obtained by the swab from the oral cavity epithelium of all the study population. RESULTS: 102 (96%) of patients with traumatic Achilles tendon ruptures were people with polymorphism B or heterozygotes for the elastin gene. 97 (92%) of patients with traumatic Achilles tendon ruptures were people with polymorphism B and heterozygotes for the FBN2 gene. Patients with homozygote A of the elastin gene and homozygote A of the FBN2 gene demonstrated a considerably lower incidence rate of sport-related Achilles tendon rupture. The type of sport that led to the Achilles tendon rupture and the amount of experience practicing it, as well as BMI and drug usage, did not contribute to a higher rate of incidence of any additional musculoskeletal problems or a longer time to return to their pre-injury sports activity. Polymorphisms of the fibrillin 2 (P=.0001) and elastin (P=.0009) genes impact the occurrence of traumatic injury to the Achilles tendon. However, it does not affect the length of full recovery time (P =.2251). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive and, above all, safe collection of genetic material from the epithelium of the oral cavity in order to assess the polymorphic state of the FBN and elastin genes may allow the identification of a group of players at risk of Achilles tendon rupture resulting in long-term injury, which will significantly affect their sports career in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognostic Study.

Chronic quadriceps tendon rupture: quadriceps tendon reconstruction using ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon graft.

Ruptures of the quadriceps tendon (QTRs) are uncommon. If the rupture is not diagnosed, chronic ruptures may develop. Re-ruptures of the quadriceps tendon are rare. Surgery is challenging because of tendon retraction, atrophy and poor quality of the remaining tissue. Multiple surgical techniques have been described. We propose a novel technique in which the quadriceps tendon is reconstructed using the ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in fibromyalgia patients had comparable outcomes to a matched control group.

BACKGROUND: Although fibromyalgia is associated with poor outcomes following orthopedic surgeries, several studies show some benefit from surgical intervention and nevertheless recommend operative treatment when indicated. There is sparse evidence of the effect of fibromyalgia on the outcomes of shoulder surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fibromyalgia on patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). METHODS: All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia who underwent ARCR in one institution between 2010 and 2021 were included. Data retrieved from medical records included demographics, characteristics of the cuff tear and the surgical procedure, and preoperative and last follow-up (minimum 1 year) postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Subjective Shoulder score (SSV), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). A matched controlled group of patients without fibromyalgia who had undergone ARCR was selected according to age, sex, and preoperative DASH, SSV, and NPRS scores. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics, cuff tear and surgical procedure characteristics, and preoperative scores between the fibromyalgia and control groups. The fibromyalgia patients' postoperative scores for all 3 measurements showed significant improvement: SSV by 32.1 (P = 0.004), DASH by 20.3 (P = 0.016), and NPRS by 2.33 (P = 0.017). There were no significant differences in the postoperative DASH, SSV, and NPRS between the fibromyalgia and control groups. CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia patients with rotator cuff tears who undergo ARCR do not have inferior patient-reported outcomes compared with non-fibromyalgia controls. Fibromyalgia should not be a considered a contraindication for ARCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Rupture of the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon from the Metacarpophalangeal Sesamoid and Joint in a Rheumatoid Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: A 54-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis presented with a flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint secondary to attritional damage from metacarpophalangeal (MCP) degenerative changes and exostoses from the radial sesamoid. She underwent direct tendon repair with debridement of the MCP joint and radial sesamoidectomy. CONCLUSION: Rheumatoid arthritis can potentially lead to rupture of the FPL tendon in locations distal to the carpus, namely at the level of the MCP joint. Contrary to other reports, a quality outcome may be obtained with direct repair and may not necessarily require tendon transfer, fusion, or grafting.

Rerupture outcome of conservative versus open repair versus minimally invasive repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rerupture rate after conservative treatment, open repair, and minimally invasive surgery management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to August 2022. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials involving different treatments for Achilles tendon rupture were included. The primary outcome was rerupture. Bayesian network meta-analysis with random effects was used to assess pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals. We evaluated the heterogeneity and publication bias. RESULTS: Thirteen trials with 1465 patients were included. In direct comparison, there was no difference between open repair and minimally invasive surgery for rerupture rate (RR, 0.72, 95% CI 0.10-4.4; I2 = 0%; Table 2). Compared to the conservative treatment, the RR was 0.27 (95% CI 0.10-0.62, I2 = 0%) for open repair and 0.14 (95% CI 0.01-0.88, I2 = 0%) for minimally invasive surgery. The network meta-analysis had obtained the similar results as the direct comparison. CONCLUSION: Both open repair and minimally invasive surgery were associated with a significant reduction in rerupture rate compared with conservative management, but no difference in rerupture rate was found comparing open repair and minimally invasive surgery.

Repair of meniscus root tear - Is there a difference between medial meniscus root repair and lateral meniscus root repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Complete meniscus root tear is associated with meniscus extrusion; this causes a loss of meniscus function and accelerated osteoarthritis of the knee. Existing small-scale retrospective case-control studies suggested that the outcomes were different between medial and lateral meniscus root repair. This meta-analysis aims to study whether such discrepancies exist via a systematic review of the available evidence in the literature. METHODS: Studies evaluating the outcomes of surgical repair of posterior meniscus root tears, with reassessment MRI or second-look arthroscopy, were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The degree of meniscus extrusion, healing status of the repaired meniscus root, and functional outcome scores after repair were the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Among the 732 studies identified, 20 studies were included in this systematic review. 624 knees and 122 knees underwent MMPRT and LMPRT repair, respectively. The amount of meniscus extrusion following MMPRT repair was 3.8 ± 1.7 mm, which was significantly larger than the 0.9 ± 1.2 mm observed after LMPRT repair (p < 0.001). Significantly better healing outcomes were observed on reassessment MRI after LMPRT repair (p < 0.001). The postoperative Lysholm score and IKDC score was also significantly better after LMPRT than MMPRT repair (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LMPRT repairs resulted in significantly less meniscus extrusion, substantially better healing outcomes on MRI, and superior Lysholm/IKDC scores, when compared to MMPRT repair. This is the first meta-analysis we are aware of that systematically reviews the differences in the clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic results of MMPRT and LMPRT repair.

Evaluation of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters with Arthroscopic Validation of Subscapularis Tendon Abnormalities in 187 Patients at a Single Center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND This study from a single center in Turkey aimed to evaluate preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters with arthroscopic validation of subscapularis (SS) tendon abnormalities in 187 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Preoperative MRI scans of 187 patients who had undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery by the senior author (all in lateral decubitus position) were evaluated by 3 researchers. Patients with arthroscopically proven SS tendon rupture (n=69) and without rupture (n=118) were divided into 2 groups and compared with various distances and angles. The following parameters were measured: coracohumeral distance (CHD), coracoid morphology, coraco-glenoid angle (CGA), coracoid angle (CA), coraco-humeral angle (CHA), coracoid overlap (CO), coracoid body-glenoid angle (CBGA), coracoid tip-glenoid angle (CTGA), coracoid tip-body angle (CTBA), coraco-scapular angle (CSA), lesser tuberosity angle (LTA), and lesser tuberosity height (LTH). RESULTS CHD, CHA, CA, and LTA values decreased in the SS tendon rupture group; coracoid type grade and CO increased (all P<0.001, excluding LTA [P=0.022]). The cut-off values of these measurements were CHD=7.25 mm, CHA=107.25°, CA=111.5°, LTA=31.7°, and CO=16.5 mm. The differences in CGA and CBGA values were not statistically significant (P=0.11, 0.441, respectively). CTGA, CTBA, LTH, and CSA measurements were not included in the intergroup comparisons due to insufficient inter-observer reliability (kappa=0.478, 0.239, 0.496, 0.309, respectively). Power (1- b) in post hoc analysis was calculated as 0.941. CONCLUSIONS SS tendon rupture was associated with a reduction in the parameters of CHD, CHA, CA, and LTA and an increase in CO on MRI.

Assisted vaginal births: women who tear or have a surgical cut need prompt antibiotics.

The studyHumphries ABC, Linsell L, Knight M. Factors associated with infection after operative vaginal birth-a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of infection following operative vaginal birth. AJOG 2023;228:328.To read the full NIHR Alert, go to: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/assisted-vaginal-births-women-need-prompt-antibiotics/.

Right-sided luxation of the heart caused by blunt traumatic pericardial rupture.

Cardiac luxation is a rare condition in cases of blunt thoracic trauma, yet it is quite fatal. We present a case of a 28-year-old man, admitted to the emergency room after a motorcycle accident in a hemodynamically unstable condition and radiographic presentation of multiple rib fractures, bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and significant dislocation of the heart to the right. After performing emergency bilateral tube thoracostomy and achieving hemodynamic stability, a CT scan was performed and the patient was diagnosed with pericardial rupture with right-sided luxation of the heart. An emergency sternotomy was performed with repositioning of the heart and pericardial reconstruction. In the postoperative period, suspicion of myocardial infarction was ruled out and the patient was discharged with persistent traumatic monoplegia of the left upper limb and Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome. An analysis of this very rare type of chest trauma has been made and the probable mechanism for its occurrence has been discussed.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of cysto-gastric fistula out of an hepatic hydatid cyst. Unusual case.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst is an endemic zoonotic infection that annual incidence ranges from <1 to 200 per 100,000 individuals. The most common complication of hepatic hydatid cyst reported is rupture of the cysts, most commonly intrabiliary rupture. Direct rupture to hollow visceral organs is rarely seen. We describe here an unusual cystogastric fistula in a patient with liver hydatid cyst. CASE PRESENTATION: The 55-year-old male patient presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. After radiological imaging studies, the diagnose was of hydatid cyst involving the left lateral segment of the liver ruptured into the gastric lumen and resulted in a cystogastric fistula. Gastroscopy revealed that the cyst and its contents protruding from anterior wall to the gastric lumen. Partial pericystectomy and omentopexy were performed and the gastric wall was primarily repaired. There were no complications in the postoperative period and 3-month follow up. CONCLUSION: This case, to our knowledge, is the first reported case of cystogastric fistula surgically treated in a patient with liver hydatid cyst in the literature. Our clinical experience shows that, although it is a benign disease, complicated hydatid cysts should be evaluated in detail preoperatively, and after the detailed diagnostic work-up, surgical therapy might be planned individually for each case. KEY WORDS: Cysto-gastric fistula, Hydatid Cyst, Liver hydatidosis.

Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicle function during heel-rise after non-operative repair of Achilles tendon rupture.

BACKGROUND: To better understand muscle remodelling in dynamic conditions after an Achilles tendon rupture, this study examined the length of medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles during a heel-rise at 6- and 12-months after non-operative ATR treatment. METHODS: Participants (15 M, 3F) were diagnosed with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Medial gastrocnemius subtendon length, fascicle length and pennation angle were assessed in resting conditions, and fascicle shortening during bi- and unilateral heel-rises. FINDINGS: Fascicle shortening was smaller on the injured side (mean difference [95% CI]: -9.7 mm [-14.7 to -4.7 mm]; -11.1 mm [-16.5 to -5.8 mm]) and increased from 6- to 12 months (4.5 mm [2.8-6.3 mm]; 3.2 mm [1.4-4.9 mm]) in bi- and unilateral heel-rise, respectively. The injured tendon was longer compared to contralateral limb (2.16 cm [0.54-3.79 cm]) and the length decreased over time (-0.78 cm [-1.28 to -0.29 cm]). Tendon length correlated with fascicle shortening in bilateral (r = -0.671, p = 0.002; r = -0.666, p = 0.003) and unilateral (r = -0.773, p ≤ 0.001; r = -0.616, p = 0.006) heel-rise, at 6- and 12-months, respectively. In the injured limb, the change over time in fascicle shortening correlated with change in subtendon length in unilateral heel-rise (r = 0.544, p = 0.02). INTERPRETATION: This study showed that the lengths of the injured tendon and associated muscle can adapt throughout the first year after rupture when patients continue physiotherapy and physical exercises. For muscle, measures of resting length may not be very informative about adaptations, which manifest themselves during functional tasks such as unilateral heel-rise.

[Effectiveness analysis of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff. Methods: The clinical data of 11 patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff who met the selection criteria between October 2020 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 3 males and 8 females, aged 39-79 years, with an average of 61.0 years. Rotator cuff injury was caused by traumatic fall in 8 cases, and the time from injury to admission was 1-4 months, with an average of 2.0 months; the remaining 3 cases had no obvious inducement. The active range of motion of the affected shoulder was limited, with an active forward flexion range of motion of (64.1±10.9)°, abduction of (78.1±6.4)°, internal rotation of (48.2±6.6)°, and external rotation of (41.8±10.5)°; 5 cases had shoulder stiffness. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.8±0.8 and the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 23.9±6.4. The patients were treated with "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy, and the pain and functional recovery were evaluated by VAS score, ASES score, and active range of motion of shoulder joint at last follow-up; MRI was performed after operation, and the integrity of rotator cuff was evaluated by Sugaya classification system. Results: All the 11 patients were followed up 2-22 months, with an average of 13.5 months. All incisions healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as infection, rotator cuff re-tear, and anchor falling off. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.8±0.7 and the ASES score was 93.5±4.2, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). All 11 patients had no significant swelling in the shoulders, and the active range of motion was (165.1±8.8)° in flexion, (75.3±8.4)° in abduction, (56.6±5.5)° in internal rotation, and (51.8±4.0)° in external rotation, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Shoulder MRI showed adequate tendon thickness and good continuity in 9 cases, including 4 cases with partial high signal area; and 2 cases with inadequate tendon thickness but high continuity and partial high signal area. According to Sugaya classification system, there were 4 cases of type 1 (36.4%), 5 cases of type 2 (45.5%), and 2 cases of type 3 (18.1%). Conclusion: For the patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff, the "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy is simple and effective.

Percutaneous achilles tendon repair with absorbable suture: Outcomes and complications / Reparación percutánea del tendón de Aquiles con sutura reabsorbible: resultados y complicaciones

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications of percutaneous achilles tendon repair with absorbable sutures. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study including patients treated for an achilles tendon rupture from January 2016 to March 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria: ≥18 years of age, non-insertional (2–8cm proximal to insertion) achilles tendon ruptures. Open or partial ruptures were excluded. The diagnosis was based on clinical criteria and confirmed by ultrasonography in all patients. Epidemiological data, rupture and healing risk factors, previous diagnosis of tendinopathy, pre-rupture sport activity, job information, mechanism of rupture and the time in days between lesion and surgery were collected. Patients were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) at the 1, 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. The achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) were assessed at the 6 and 12 month follow-up. Ultrasound was performed at the 6-month follow-up. The re-rupture rate and postoperative complications were also collected. Conclusions: In our experience, percutaneous achilles tendon repair with absorbable sutures in patients with an acute achilles tendon rupture has shown good functional results but with a high incidence of complications. Although most complications were transitory sural nerve symptoms, this complication would be avoided in patients treated conservatively. For this reason, conservative treatment associated with an early weightbearing rehabilitation protocol should be considered a viable option for patients with achilles tendon ruptures, mainly in cooperative young patients.(AU)

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es evaluar los resultados clínicos y las complicaciones de la reparación percutánea del tendón de Aquiles con suturas reabsorbibles. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluye pacientes tratados por una rotura del tendón de Aquiles desde enero de 2016 hasta marzo de 2019. Criterios de inclusión: ≥18años de edad, roturas del tendón de Aquiles no insercionales (de 2 a 8cm proximales a la inserción). Se excluyeron roturas abiertas o parciales. El diagnóstico se basó en criterios clínicos y se confirmó mediante ecografía en todos los pacientes. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, factores de riesgo de rotura y cicatrización, diagnóstico previo de tendinopatía, actividad deportiva previa a la rotura, información laboral, mecanismo de rotura y tiempo en días entre la lesión y la cirugía. Los pacientes fueron evaluados utilizando la escala analógica visual (VAS) en el seguimiento de 1, 3, 6 y 12meses. La puntuación de rotura del tendón de Aquiles (ATRS) se evaluó a los 6 y 12meses de seguimiento. La ecografía se realizó a los 6meses de seguimiento. También se recogieron la tasa de re-ruptura y las complicaciones postoperatorias. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, la reparación percutánea del tendón de Aquiles con suturas reabsorbibles en pacientes con rotura aguda del tendón de Aquiles ha mostrado buenos resultados funcionales pero con una alta incidencia de complicaciones. Aunque la mayoría de las complicaciones fueron síntomas transitorios del nervio sural, esta complicación se evitaría en pacientes tratados de forma conservadora. Por esta razón, el tratamiento conservador asociado a un protocolo de rehabilitación con carga temprana debe considerarse una opción viable para pacientes con roturas del tendón de Aquiles, principalmente en pacientes jóvenes colaboradores.(AU)

Reparación percutánea del tendón de Aquiles con sutura reabsorbible: resultados y complicaciones / Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with absorbable suture: Outcomes and complications

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications of percutaneous achilles tendon repair with absorbable sutures. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study including patients treated for an achilles tendon rupture from January 2016 to March 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria: ≥18 years of age, non-insertional (2–8cm proximal to insertion) achilles tendon ruptures. Open or partial ruptures were excluded. The diagnosis was based on clinical criteria and confirmed by ultrasonography in all patients. Epidemiological data, rupture and healing risk factors, previous diagnosis of tendinopathy, pre-rupture sport activity, job information, mechanism of rupture and the time in days between lesion and surgery were collected. Patients were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) at the 1, 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. The achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) were assessed at the 6 and 12 month follow-up. Ultrasound was performed at the 6-month follow-up. The re-rupture rate and postoperative complications were also collected. Conclusions: In our experience, percutaneous achilles tendon repair with absorbable sutures in patients with an acute achilles tendon rupture has shown good functional results but with a high incidence of complications. Although most complications were transitory sural nerve symptoms, this complication would be avoided in patients treated conservatively. For this reason, conservative treatment associated with an early weightbearing rehabilitation protocol should be considered a viable option for patients with achilles tendon ruptures, mainly in cooperative young patients.(AU)

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es evaluar los resultados clínicos y las complicaciones de la reparación percutánea del tendón de Aquiles con suturas reabsorbibles. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluye pacientes tratados por una rotura del tendón de Aquiles desde enero de 2016 hasta marzo de 2019. Criterios de inclusión: ≥18años de edad, roturas del tendón de Aquiles no insercionales (de 2 a 8cm proximales a la inserción). Se excluyeron roturas abiertas o parciales. El diagnóstico se basó en criterios clínicos y se confirmó mediante ecografía en todos los pacientes. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, factores de riesgo de rotura y cicatrización, diagnóstico previo de tendinopatía, actividad deportiva previa a la rotura, información laboral, mecanismo de rotura y tiempo en días entre la lesión y la cirugía. Los pacientes fueron evaluados utilizando la escala analógica visual (VAS) en el seguimiento de 1, 3, 6 y 12meses. La puntuación de rotura del tendón de Aquiles (ATRS) se evaluó a los 6 y 12meses de seguimiento. La ecografía se realizó a los 6meses de seguimiento. También se recogieron la tasa de re-ruptura y las complicaciones postoperatorias. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, la reparación percutánea del tendón de Aquiles con suturas reabsorbibles en pacientes con rotura aguda del tendón de Aquiles ha mostrado buenos resultados funcionales pero con una alta incidencia de complicaciones. Aunque la mayoría de las complicaciones fueron síntomas transitorios del nervio sural, esta complicación se evitaría en pacientes tratados de forma conservadora. Por esta razón, el tratamiento conservador asociado a un protocolo de rehabilitación con carga temprana debe considerarse una opción viable para pacientes con roturas del tendón de Aquiles, principalmente en pacientes jóvenes colaboradores.(AU)

Outcomes of Open Repair Treatment for Acute Versus Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Long-Term Retrospective Follow-Up of a Minimum 10 Years-A Pilot Study.

The aim of the present study was to compare repaired Achilles tendon (AT) remodelling, whether its function was restored and what effects the surgery had on our patients' gait cycle in a long-term follow-up study. The study population comprised 30 human subjects treated acutely and chronically for AT ruptures, using the same surgical technique in all cases. The study group was divided into two subgroups regarding the age of their AT injury, i.e., how much time elapsed between the injury and when a correct diagnosis was made and when adequate treatment was applied. Following these criteria, persons presenting at less than 4 weeks postinjury were classified as acute rupture (AR) patients and those presenting at more than 4 weeks after injury were grouped as chronic rupture (CR) patients. Both patient groups were operated on using a surgical method favoured at least a decade ago, i.e., open repair through a posteromedial approach. The AT was augmented with a plantaris longus tendon autograft, followed by suturing using the pull-out suture technique. The results were measured using clinical, ultrasonographic (US) and pedobarographic methods. Our ultrasonographic and pedobarographic findings revealed differences between both patient groups, thus indicating that delayed surgery had negative impacts on treatment success, however, with good long-term functional score outcomes in both patient groups. Nevertheless, delayed treatment of AT ruptures did not leave individual gait phases unaffected, as it also affected the plantar surface and balance performance of the affected limb. As per the results, the Achilles tendon manifested decreased capacity following delayed treatment; however, its long-term functional outcomes were favourable, irrespective of whether it was for acute or chronic patients.

Fracture Line Distributions of Undisplaced Distal Radius Fractures in Relation to Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon.

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a known complication after undisplaced distal radius fracture (DRF). However, no report has revealed the relationship between EPL tendon rupture and the fracture pattern. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of fractures at risk of EPL tendon rupture using fracture line mapping of undisplaced DRFs. This study used computed tomography imaging data of undisplaced DRFs with (n=18) and without EPL tendon rupture (n=52). Fracture lines obtained from 3D reconstruction data were drawn manually after matching with a 2D template wrist model. Fracture maps represented the fracture line distribution by superimposing the fracture lines of all 70 patients. Heat maps showed the relative frequency of the fracture lines as a gradual color change. Fracture lines of cases with EPL tendon rupture were concentrated in the proximal border of Lister's tubercle. By contrast, fracture lines of cases without EPL tendon rupture were relatively dispersed.

Taekwondo Athlete's Bilateral Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Report.

(1) Background: Achilles tendon rupture is a common sports injury that may result in severe disability. The overall incidence of Achilles tendon rupture is increasing as a result of growing sports participation. However, cases of spontaneous bilateral Achilles tendon rupture with no underlying disease or risk factors, such as systemic inflammatory disease, steroid or (fluoro)quinolone antibiotics use, are rare. (2) Objective: Here, we report a case of a Taekwondo athlete's bilateral Achilles tendon rupture after kicking and landing. By sharing the experience of treatment and the patient's course, we suggest one of the possible treatment options and the need to establish a treatment method. (3) Procedure: A 23-year-old male Taekwondo athlete visited the hospital, presenting foot plantar flexion failure and severe pain in both tarsal joints, which had occurred upon kicking and landing on both feet earlier that day. During surgery, no degenerative changes or denaturation were observed in the ruptured areas of the Achilles tendons. Bilateral surgery was performed using the modified Bunnel method on the right side and minimum-section suturing on the left side was performed using the Achillon system, followed by lower limb casting. (4) Result: Good outcomes were observed on both sides at 19 months postoperatively. (5) Conclusion: The possibility of bilateral Achilles tendon rupture during exercise in young subjects with no risk factors should be acknowledged, especially in association with landing. In addition, in athletes, even if there is a possibility of complications, surgical treatment should be considered for functional recovery.

Evaluation of Graft Ligamentization by MRI After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The tendon graft used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) undergoes "ligamentization" after implantation, and the reported length of this process varies from 6 to 48 months. Some grafts have ruptured at subsequent follow-up evaluations. Although the progress of graft ligamentization can be followed with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for reassessment, it is not known whether a delay in ligamentization (as reflected by a higher signal of the graft) is associated with an increased chance of subsequent graft rupture. HYPOTHESIS: Signal intensity of the graft on reassessment MRI (signal-noise quotient [SNQ]) would be associated with the incidence of future graft rupture at subsequent follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 565 ACLRs with intact graft on first-time reassessment MRI after surgery were followed for a mean period of 67 months. The rates of 1-year and 2-year follow-up were 99.5% and 84.5%, respectively. The signal intensity of the intact graft on the first-time reassessment MRI was evaluated (1) quantitatively by the SNQ and (2) qualitatively with the modified Ahn classification. Among the 565 ACLRs, 23 additional graft ruptures developed during a time interval of 7 months to 9 years after the surgery. RESULTS: Higher SNQ was associated with increased chance of subsequent graft rupture (SNQ 7.3 ± 6 for subsequent graft rupture vs 4.4 ± 4 for grafts without subsequent rupture; P = .004, Mann-Whitney U test). The other important confounders that were associated with increased chance of graft rupture were younger age at the time of ACLR (P < .001) and longer follow-up time (P = .002). Multiple linear regression showed that all 3 factors (higher SNQ, younger age, and longer follow-up) were independent predictors of graft rupture (SNQ, P = .03; age, P < .001; follow-up, P = .012). When the reassessment MRI was performed in the second year after ACLR, the odds ratio of future graft rupture of a heterogeneous hyperintense graft when compared with a homogeneous hypointense graft was 12.1 (95% CI = 2.8 to 52.6) P < .001, Fisher exact test). CONCLUSION: Higher signal intensity of the intact graft on reassessment MRI (higher SNQ and heterogeneous hyperintense graft) was associated with increased chance of subsequent graft rupture.