Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer And V-Y Plasty: An Effective Treatment Modality for Chronic Achilles Rupture - A Case...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Chronic Achilles rupture, often due to insertional Achilles tendinopathy, presents significant functional challenges.
• Surgical interventions aim to restore tendon integrity and ankle function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer combined with V-Y plasty for chronic Achilles rupture.
• To assess the impact of this surgical technique on ankle range of motion and patient-reported functional scores.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 12 patients with chronic Achilles rupture underwent FHL tendon transfer and gastrocnemius lengthening via V-Y plasty.
• Patients were allowed full weight-bearing at six weeks post-surgery.
• Outcomes were assessed at three and six months using ankle range of motion and the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were observed by six months post-surgery compared to three months.
• The mean EFAS score significantly improved from 18.6 at three months to 25.5 at six months.
• Males showed higher EFAS scores at six months than females, and a negative correlation was found between EFAS score and age.

Conclusions:

• FHL tendon transfer with V-Y plasty is an effective surgical option for chronic Achilles rupture associated with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
• The procedure leads to restoration of ankle range of motion and enhanced functional outcomes.