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  • Title: Augmented Compared with Nonaugmented Surgical Repair After Total Achilles Rupture: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial with Thirteen or More Years of Follow-up.
    Author: Heikkinen J, Lantto I, Flinkkilä T, Ohtonen P, Pajala A, Siira P, Leppilahti J.
    Journal: J Bone Joint Surg Am; 2016 Jan 20; 98(2):85-92. PubMed ID: 26791028.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: This prospective randomized trial with a mean fourteen-year follow-up compared simple end-to-end repair with fascial flap-augmented repair for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. METHODS: From 1998 to 2001, sixty patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to receive simple end-to-end repair or augmented repair; both groups were treated with postoperative bracing allowing free active plantar flexion. After a follow-up of thirteen years or more, fifty-five patients (twenty-eight in the nonaugmented-repair group and twenty-seven in the augmented-repair group) were reexamined. Outcome measures included the Leppilahti Achilles tendon score, isokinetic plantar flexion strength (peak torque and the work-displacement deficit at 10° intervals over the ankle range of motion), tendon elongation, and the RAND 36-item health survey. RESULTS: After a mean of fourteen years of follow-up, the mean Leppilahti score was 87.1 points for the nonaugmented repairs and 91.5 points for the augmented repairs, with a mean difference of 4.3 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.1 to 8.8 points). The surgical technique did not have an impact on strength parameters, with a mean peak torque of 112.6 Nm after the nonaugmented repairs and 107.3 Nm after the augmented repairs (mean difference, 5.3 Nm [95% CI, -22.2 to 11.6 Nm]) and a median work-displacement deficit of 6.7% to 20.3% after the nonaugmented repairs and 12.8% to 18.0% after the augmented repairs (p = 0.9). Strength did not significantly change between the twelve-month and fourteen-year follow-up examinations. At a mean of fourteen years, the injured side showed a 12.2% to 18.0% median work-displacement deficit compared with the unaffected side (p < 0.001). RAND-36 scores indicated no between-group difference in health domains. CONCLUSIONS: Augmented repair of total Achilles tendon ruptures provided no advantage over simple end-to-end repair. Achilles tendon ruptures result in a permanent calf muscle strength deficit, but its clinical relevance remains unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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