Reconstructive Strategies for Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture / 대한족부족관절학회지

ABSTRACT

Chronic Achilles tendon rupture is likely to result in functional impairment in gait and sports activity. The presence of a large defect secondary to retraction of the tendon ends, atrophy of the calf muscles, and vulnerable vascularity of the soft tissue envelope make it a challenging problem to treat. Surgical reconstruction aims to restore the length and tension of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex. Various surgical treatment options have been described, depending on several factors, including residual gap size after scar tissue removal, remaining tissue quality, and vascularity. Despite good results being reported, there is a lack of high-level, evidence-based clinical guidelines available to select the first-line surgical procedure. This paper overviews the current available surgical options for patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture.