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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
A Novel Tenorrhaphy Suture Technique with Tissue Engineered Collagen Graft to Repair Large Tendon Defects
Published on: December 10, 2021
Repair of neglected Achilles tendon rupture using gastrocnemius fascial flaps
1Department of Orthopaedics, Shimane Medical University, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan. mtakao@shimane-med.ac.jp
Background:
Neglected Achilles tendon rupture is a rare disorder. In this article, we discuss the results of 10 patients with neglected Achilles tendon ruptures who were treated surgically.
Methods:
Between 1980 and 1997, we treated 10 patients (6 men and 4 women) using gastrocnemius fascial flaps according to the method described by Lindholm. The mean age of the patients at the time of the operation was 51 years (range 38-57 years). They were followed-up for 26-192 months.
Results:
There were significant differences between the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale score before the operation (72.6+/-5.3) and the score at the most recent follow-up (98.1+/-2.5) (p<0.0001). On Cybex isokinetic strength testing, the peak torque deficiencies in plantar flexion ranged from 8% to 68% at the low setting and from 19% to 33% at the high setting preoperatively, and ranged from -9% to 17% at the low setting and from -13% to 23% at the high setting postoperatively. There were no re-ruptures.
Conclusion:
Our data indicate that the reconstructive technique using gastrocnemius fascial flaps can result in an excellent clinical and functional outcome.