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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Murine Hind Limb Explant Model for Studying the Mechanobiology of Achilles Tendon Impingement
Published on: December 8, 2023
[Resection of infected achilles tendon. Results after soft tissue coverage without tendon reconstruction]
P Boorboor1, L U Lahoda, M Spies
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Plastische, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Verbrennungs- und Replantationszentrum, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Deutschland. boorboor.pejman@mh-hannover.de
Background:
Structural full-thickness defects of the Achilles tendon represent a severely disabling injury which should be treated by reconstruction. This study presents functional outcomes from standardised follow-up of non-reconstructed Achilles tendons with soft tissue coverage alone.
Patients And Methods:
Seven patients were treated with various techniques of soft tissue reconstruction without restoration of the Achilles tendon. After a mean of 11 months postoperatively, the lower extremity was evaluated generally with regard to function, AOFAS score (ankle and hindfoot), and isokinetic torque testing by the Biodex system.
Results:
All patients showed high mobility, muscle strength, and range of motion at follow-up. The average AOFAS score was 84.7 (maximum 100), and the torque loss in plantar flexion was 44.5% on average compared to the uninvolved side and thus comparable with results after secondary tendon reconstruction.
Conclusion:
After complete loss of the Achilles tendon, compensatory techniques can hinder significant loss of torque and endurance, compared with secondary tendon reconstruction, allowing unsupported mobility and even top athletic performance.