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Patients › Ankle

跟腱断裂

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Updated Sep 2026
Illustration: ankle

本页面由机器翻译，尚未经临床医生审核。英文版本为权威版本。

您的感受

跟腱断裂通常会有明显的征兆。大多数人会描述脚踝后侧突然发出“啪”的一声，感觉像是被踢了一脚或被子弹击中腿部，尽管实际上并没有任何东西碰到他们。这种情况通常发生在蹬地动作期间，例如弓步、跳跃或短跑时，此时小腿肌肉正在用力工作，而跟腱正处于拉伸状态。

断裂最常发生在跟腱上的一个特定位置，大约位于其与跟骨附着点上方5至6厘米处。该区域的血液供应比跟腱其他部分更差，这有助于解释为何断裂常发生在此处。有些人在受伤前几天或几周会注意到同一部位出现疼痛或僵硬，但许多人在跟腱断裂前感觉不到任何异常。

之后，您可能会注意到：

  • 跟腱处可触及的间隙，即原本肌腱索状结构所在处的柔软区域
  • 用该脚蹬地时力量减弱，因此您可能会发现自己用脚趾来代偿
  • 患侧脚踝的位置比健侧更低或更松弛

行走、爬楼梯和从椅子上站起都依赖于小腿肌肉和跟腱的协同工作，因此这些动作会明显变得困难。推购物车、下车或从路缘石上跨步可能会让您措手不及。

如果距离受伤已过去一段时间，症状可能不那么明显。脚踝可能只是感觉虚弱和不稳定，而不是疼痛，这是导致高达25%的病例中跟腱断裂被漏诊的原因之一。您的外科医生通常能够通过您的病史描述和体格检查判断发生了什么，只有在某些情况下才需要影像学检查来确认损伤或制定治疗方案。

实际发生了什么

跟腱是您在脚踝后部可以触摸到的粗大肌腱。它是人体中最大、最强的肌腱，长约 12 至 15 厘米。它将小腿的两块肌肉连接到您的跟骨上，每当这些肌肉收缩时，肌腱就会牵拉，使您能够蹬地。

可以将其想象为一根被要求承担繁重工作的绳索。由于它工作强度大，其某些部分的血液供应比其他部分差。跟骨上方约 5 至 6 厘米处的部位血液供应最少，而这正是大多数撕裂发生的位置。随着人们年龄增长，肌腱的血液供应进一步减少，绳索本身变得僵硬且弹性降低。微小的拉伤积累的速度快于肌腱修复的速度，直到某次强烈的蹬地动作超过了其承受极限。这就是您感受到的断裂声。

当肌腱撕裂时，两端会拉开，原本连接小腿和脚跟的肌腱不再相连。这就是为什么蹬地感觉无力，为什么您可能需要用脚趾来弥补，以及为什么脚踝比另一侧位置更低或更松弛。您的身体会试图自行弥合间隙，但在这一过程中，肌腱两端需要被紧密地保持在一起，这正是治疗发挥作用的地方。

值得了解的是，恢复是一场持久战。受伤后数年，小腿和脚踝仍在不断适应，无论接受何种治疗，大多数人在两年后仍未恢复到另一条腿的感觉。肌腱最终往往比之前略长，这会改变脚踝的工作方式。从一开始了解这一点，有助于您根据现实情况而非过早期望过高来评估自己的进展。

我们能做什么

对于新鲜撕裂，通常仅通过体格检查即可明确诊断，因此除非我们需要排查其他损伤或制定手术计划，否则通常无需影像学检查。

由于这是一种结构性损伤，而非缓慢的退行性问题，我们可能会建议立即进行治疗，而不是先尝试运动疗法。主要有两条治疗路径，我们会与您详细讨论这两种方案。一种是保守治疗：在身体愈合过程中，将肌腱断端保持靠近状态，通常使用支具或石膏固定，并在该方案下允许早期负重。另一种是手术治疗：将撕裂的断端缝合在一起，有时还会使用支撑材料带以加固修复。两条路径的目标相同，即恢复肌腱功能，使您能够再次蹬地发力。对于许多人而言，无论选择哪种路径，12 个月时的疗效相似。

这一选择是共同决策，取决于您个人情况。您的年龄、整体健康状况、期望的活动水平以及肌腱断端能否迅速对合，都会影响我们给出的建议。与保守治疗相比，手术降低了肌腱再次撕裂的风险，但这需要与任何手术固有的风险进行权衡。如果撕裂发生时间较久，或者肌腱表面皮肤存在问题，我们可能会建议采取其他措施以使修复成为可能，并保护愈合中的皮肤。无论采取哪种方式，与物理治疗师共同制定的结构化康复计划都是治疗方案的一部分，因为肌腱愈合后，小腿肌肉需要重建。

预期情况

跟腱断裂的恢复需要时间。无论采取何种治疗方案，大多数人至少需要 12 个月才能恢复完全功能。精英足球运动员通常需要 1 年才能再次达到巅峰比赛参与度。小腿和踝关节会在数年内持续适应，大多数人在受伤两年后，患侧腿的感觉仍未能完全恢复到与健侧腿一致。

某些改变可能会长期存在。小腿肌肉可能持续较弱且更易疲劳，这种情况在受伤 7 年后仍可能显现。愈合后的跟腱弹性也不如受伤前，且往往略微变长，这会改变踝关节的蹬伸方式。您的身体通常会在您未察觉的情况下进行代偿，腿部其他肌肉和关节会分担部分工作。

治疗选择既影响风险，也影响预后。与保守治疗（非手术治疗）相比，手术降低了跟腱再次断裂的风险，且采用微创（小切口）技术进行的修复在至少 24 个月后未显示再次断裂。权衡之处在于手术本身存在风险，主要是踝关节后方的伤口问题和感染。非手术治疗避免了这些伤口风险，但跟腱再次断裂的可能性较高。对于许多人来说，只要严格遵循康复计划，无论选择哪种路径，12 个月时的效果相似。

时机也很重要。在受伤后 48 小时内进行手术与等待超过 72 小时相比，术后并发症更少。即使距跟腱断裂已超过 2 周，修复手术仍可能取得良好效果。

有一点值得了解：在穿着行走靴或石膏固定期间，腿部出现血凝块可能会影响 3 年后踝关节的功能，因此如果出现新的小腿疼痛或肿胀，请立即告知您的外科医生。

何时就医

跟腱断裂需要及时处理，时机至关重要。请在受伤后数天内寻求专科医生评估，因为与等待超过72小时相比，在48小时内进行手术与术后并发症减少相关。如果您感到之前描述的突然断裂感且完全无法用该脚蹬地，或者小腿变得发热、发红、肿胀且疼痛（这可能提示需要当日处理的严重感染），请前往急诊科。如果您在穿着支具或石膏期间出现新的小腿疼痛或肿胀，也需要紧急评估，因为血凝块可能会影响踝关节日后的功能。如果您发现肌腱处有间隙、蹬地无力，或一侧踝关节位置低于另一侧，即使受伤已过去数周，也应前往全科医生处获取转诊。

Reviewed by AI synthesis (v2) — pending human review · 9 September 2026.

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Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Anatomy

  • The Achilles tendon is the largest and most powerful tendon in the ankle [6].
  • The Achilles tendon is formed from the fibers of two muscle units: the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle [6].
  • The gastrocnemius muscle attaches above the knee to the posterior aspect of the medial and lateral femoral condyles [6].
  • The soleus muscle originates from the upper part of the posterior tibia, fibula, and interosseous membrane [6].
  • The gastrocnemius muscle is most effective in plantarflexion of the ankle with the knee extended [6].
  • The soleus muscle is most effective in plantarflexion of the ankle with the knee flexed [6].
  • After coursing through the calf in the superficial posterior compartment, the fibers of the Achilles tendon rotate 90 degrees toward the insertion into the calcaneal tuberosity [6].
  • At the insertion point, gastrocnemius fibers lie lateral and soleus fibers lie medial [6].
  • The Achilles tendon is innervated by the tibial nerve [9].
  • The Achilles tendon is the only musculotendinous unit that crosses two major joints (knee and ankle, as well as subtalar) in the body [9].
  • The Achilles tendon undergoes a 90° internal rotation such that the fibers from the medial gastrocnemius muscle lie posteriorly at its insertion on the calcaneus [9].
  • The Achilles tendon acts as an inverter of the heel because it runs just medial to the hindfoot axis of rotation [9].
  • The Achilles tendon is the major plantar flexor of the ankle joint [9].
  • The Achilles tendon acts as a weak knee flexor because of the contribution of the gastrocnemius muscle insertion on the posterior femoral condyles [9].
  • The Achilles tendon is surrounded by a paratenon instead of a true tendon sheath [9].
  • Lubrication of the Achilles tendon is aided by two bursae, one anterior (retrocalcaneal) and one posterior (superficial) to the tendon [9].
  • The lack of a true synovial sheath and the local anatomy result in a vascular watershed region in the tendon 2 to 6 cm above the insertion on the calcaneus [9].
  • The sural nerve runs in the midline of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle to the musculotendinous junction, where it crosses over to the lateral side of the tendon [9].
  • The Achilles tendon is formed by a confluence of the gastrocnemius and soleus tendons in the distal calf and inserts at the calcaneal tuberosity [18].
  • The Achilles tendon is separated from the underlying bone by the retrocalcaneal bursa [18].
  • The Achilles tendon is covered medially, posteriorly, and laterally by a paratenon consisting of loose areolar tissue [18].
  • Anteriorly, the Achilles tendon is marginated by Kager fat pad [18].
  • On MRI, the normal Achilles tendon may appear as a cord of uniform caliber, measuring 4 to 7 mm in AP dimension [18].
  • The plantaris tendon is variably seen as a thin tendon slip coursing from superolateral to inferomedial along the ventral surface of the Achilles tendon [18].
  • The plantaris tendon inserts onto either the distal Achilles tendon or the calcaneal tuberosity [18].

Vascularity

  • Vascularity is supplied to the tendon through the paratenon on the deep surface of the tendon [6].
  • Vascularity is supplied to the tendon through muscular arterial branches within the gastrosoleus complex proximally [6].
  • Vascularity is supplied to the tendon through small interosseous vessels at the insertion of the tendon into the calcaneus distally [6].
  • There is a zone of relative avascularity 2 to 6 cm proximal to its insertion into the calcaneus [6].
  • The major blood supply of the tendon is through its mesotendon, with the richest supply through the anterior mesentery [16].
  • With increasing age, the anterior mesenteric supply becomes reduced [16].

Pathophysiology

  • Achilles tendon rupture has been related to a relatively hypovascular area of the tendon, shown by angiography to be 2 to 6 cm above the tendon insertion into the calcaneus [16].
  • Age-dependent changes in collagen crosslinking result in increased stiffness and loss of viscoelasticity, predisposing to injury [16].
  • Repetitive microtrauma to the hypovascular area may make it impossible for the reparative process to keep pace, and a degenerative attrition may be responsible for many Achilles tendon ruptures [16].
  • Another theory concerning the cause of Achilles tendon rupture is the failure of inhibiting mechanisms at the musculotendinous unit as a result of fatigue, with resultant eccentric overload [16].
  • The cause of Achilles tendon rupture is probably a combination of a relatively hypovascular area and repetitive microtrauma that causes an inflammatory reparative process that is unable to keep up with the stresses because of decreased vascularity [16].
  • A mechanical overload completes the rupture [16].
  • Most ruptures occur as an indirect loading mechanism during eccentric muscle contracture [2].
  • Seventy-five percent of ruptures occur between 5 and 6 cm proximal to the insertion on the calcaneal tuberosity, which correlates to a zone of relative hypovascularity [2].
  • A subgroup of patients with an acute rupture have antecedent pain at the Achilles and these tendons frequently show degenerative changes on histopathologic evaluation [2].
  • Tendinosis of the Achilles tendon is most commonly due to hypoxia, which has a predisposition for the critical zone because of its relative hypovascularity, resulting in a thickened tendon [18].
  • Myxoid degeneration is the second most frequent etiology of Achilles tendinosis, referring to the accumulation of mucoid vacuoles among tendon fibers, which may coalesce to form interstitial tears [18].
  • Less common causes of Achilles tendinosis include lipoid and ossific degeneration, which describe the accumulation of fat and ossification within the tendon [18].
  • Degenerative ossification of the Achilles tendon occurs proximal to its insertion, in contrast with enthesopathy, which occurs at the insertion [18].
  • Tears of the Achilles tendon tend to occur in the critical zone, 2 to 6 cm proximal to the calcaneus [18].
  • Tears of the myotendinous junction proximally may occur in athletes [18].
  • Insertional tears at the calcaneal tuberosity are associated with Haglund deformity [18].
  • Tendon injury is thought to be caused by a failed healing process resulting in altered tendon structure, neovascularization, and nerve ingrowth [7].
  • The risk for developing Achilles tendinopathy is likely to be multifactorial and related to an interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that lead to tendon overloading [7].
  • Lower extremity impairments that lead to abnormal kinetics and/or kinematics that specifically produce an eccentric overload can result in Achilles tendon injury [7].
  • Genes associated with the collagen-production pathway may functionally affect tendon strength and stiffness, leading to an abnormal tendon response during loading [7].
  • Those with a family history of tendinopathy have five times the risk of developing Achilles tendinopathy [7].
  • The most common mechanisms of Achilles tendon rupture are pushing off with the weight-bearing forefoot while extending the knee, sudden unexpected dorsiflexion of the ankle, and violent dorsiflexion of the plantar flexed foot, as in a fall from a height [19].
  • Disruption can also occur from a direct blow to the contracted tendon or from a laceration [19].
  • Insertional tendinopathy may be characterized by one or a combination of conditions, including retrocalcaneal bursitis, pretendinous bursitis, or insertional Achilles tendinopathy with or without calcification [17].
  • A true Haglund deformity refers to a large exostosis off the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneal tuberosity located anterior to the Achilles tendon [17].
  • The retrocalcaneal bursa lies between the tuberosity and the Achilles tendon just anterior and proximal to the Achilles’ insertional footprint [17].
  • Increased or repetitive abrasion of the tendon against the tuberosity creates inflammation of retrocalcaneal bursa (retrocalcaneal bursitis) [17].
  • With prolonged inflammation and worsening symptoms, degenerative changes occur and osteophytes form within the tendon [17].
  • A superficial bursitis (pretendinous) separates the Achilles tendon from the overlying skin [17].
  • With insertional thickening from tendinosis and calcification, the pretendinous bursa becomes inflamed by chronic irritation from a shoe heel counter [17].
  • Noninsertional tendinosis typically occurs in the watershed area of the Achilles tendon, 2 to 6 cm proximal to its insertion into the calcaneus [10].
  • Noninsertional disorders occur as three main types: peritendinitis without tendinosis, peritendinitis with tendinosis, and tendinosis [10].
  • Peritendinitis without tendinosis involves inflammation primarily of the paratenon and peritendinous structures [10].
  • Peritendinitis with tendinosis involves inflammation of the paratenon and degenerative changes within the Achilles tendon [10].
  • Tendinosis involves thickening and degenerative changes within the Achilles tendon without inflammation of the paratenon [10].
  • Acute peritendinitis causes pain and swelling, but chronic tendinosis can be a relatively asymptomatic condition characterized by a bulbous nodularity that moves with passive flexion and extension of the ankle [10].
  • Calcification within the tendon may ensue from chronic, degenerative tendinosis [10].
  • Tendinitis typically refers to an acute, reversible inflammatory process with healing potential [6].
  • Tendinosis refers to a chronic, irreversible process characterized by fibrous degeneration without reparative, inflammatory cells [6].
  • Achilles tendon disorders are classified by nodularity, location of pain, and the presence or absence of redness and warmth [9].
  • In acute paratenonitis/tendinitis, there is no nodularity, pain is located in the entire tendon with no effect from ROM, and redness and warmth are present [9].
  • In paratenonitis/tendinitis with tendinosis, there is nodularity, pain is located in the entire tendon with no effect from ROM, and redness and warmth are present [9].
  • In tendinosis, there is nodularity, pain moves with ROM, and redness and warmth are absent [9].

Clinical Presentation

Epidemiology and Mechanism

  • Achilles tendon ruptures occur most frequently in recreational male athletes in the third to fifth decades [2].
  • Most Achilles tendon ruptures occur as an indirect loading mechanism during eccentric muscle contracture [2].
  • Seventy-five percent of Achilles tendon ruptures occur between 5 and 6 cm proximal to the insertion on the calcaneal tuberosity [2].
  • The location of rupture 5 to 6 cm proximal to the insertion correlates with a zone of relative hypovascularity [2].
  • A subgroup of patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture have antecedent pain at the Achilles [2].
  • Tendons in patients with antecedent pain frequently show degenerative changes on histopathologic evaluation [2].

History and Physical Examination

  • The diagnosis of a suspected Achilles tendon rupture is based largely on history and physical examination [2].
  • Patients typically report a sensation of being kicked or shot in the leg despite no contact occurring to the tendon [2].
  • Physical examination reveals decreased resting tension compared with the contralateral side [2].
  • Physical examination reveals plantar flexion weakness with recruitment of toe flexors to substitute for the power of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex [2].
  • Physical examination reveals a palpable gap at the site of the rupture [2].
  • Thompson testing is positive in Achilles tendon rupture, indicating the absence of passive ankle plantar flexion upon calf squeeze with the patient positioned prone [2].
  • Thompson testing is highly sensitive (96%) for a complete acute Achilles rupture [2].
  • Thompson testing is highly specific (93%) for a complete acute Achilles rupture [2].

Classification and Imaging

  • Achilles tendon ruptures are divided into acute versus chronic, with the distinction most commonly described as 4 to 6 weeks [2].
  • Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are often the result of missed initial diagnosis [2].
  • Missed initial diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture can occur in up to 25% of cases [2].
  • Diagnostic imaging is not needed in most cases of Achilles tendon rupture [2].
  • Diagnostic imaging can be useful to rule out alternative or additional injuries, confirm the diagnosis, or better define the injury for preoperative planning purposes [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography can be used to confirm an Achilles tendon rupture in the case of ambiguous physical examination findings [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography are not routinely necessary for the diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography may be helpful to localize the level of an acute rupture [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography may be helpful to identify any underlying tendinosis at the site of the rupture [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography may be helpful to quantify gapping of tendon ends [2].

Investigations

Clinical Examination

  • The diagnosis of a suspected Achilles rupture is based largely on history and physical examination [2].
  • Physical examination reveals a decreased resting tension compared with the contralateral side [2].
  • Thompson testing is positive indicating the absence of passive ankle plantar flexion upon calf squeeze with the patient positioned prone [2].
  • Thompson testing is highly sensitive (96%) and specific (93%) for a complete acute Achilles rupture [2].
  • The physical examination should include two or more of the following tests to establish the diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture: Clinical Thompson test (Simmonds squeeze test), decreased ankle plantar flexion strength, presence of a palpable gap (defect, loss of contour), or increased passive ankle dorsiflexion with gentle manipulation [13].

Imaging

  • Diagnostic imaging is not needed in most cases, but can be useful to rule out alternative or additional injuries, confirm the diagnosis, or better define the injury for preoperative planning purposes, especially in cases of delayed or unclear diagnosis [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography can both be used to confirm an Achilles tendon rupture in the case of ambiguous physical examination findings but are not routinely necessary [2].
  • MRI and ultrasonography may be helpful to localize the level of an acute rupture, identify any underlying tendinosis at the site of the rupture, and quantify gapping of tendon ends, which may influence treatment [2].
  • The use of routine magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and radiography to confirm the diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture has an inconclusive strength of recommendation [13].

Treatment

Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy

  • Acute peritendinitis causes pain and swelling [10].
  • Chronic tendinosis can be a relatively asymptomatic condition characterized by a bulbous nodularity that moves with passive flexion and extension of the ankle [10].
  • MRI is helpful in evaluating the extent of degenerative changes especially in preoperative planning and counseling [10].
  • Surgical management for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy is indicated for patients in whom conservative treatment of at least 6 months has failed [10].
  • Surgical treatments for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy include ventral paratenon stripping, open tendon debridement, and tendon reconstruction procedures with tendon transfers [10].
  • In extensive disease, reconstruction procedures have excellent results and remain the gold standard but are accompanied by significant recovery times and potential complications [10].
  • Gastrocnemius recession is becoming more popular as an alternative surgical treatment for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy with less morbidity and good results [10].
  • Endoscopic debridement of ventral paratenon adhesions has been reported to yield good results and shortened recovery [10].
  • Surgically treated patients with extensive disease (>50% of the tendon volume) may be candidates for tendon transfer augmentation [10].
  • Most literature supports the use of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfers for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy reconstruction [10].
  • Similar outcomes have been reported with flexor digitorum longus transfers for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy reconstruction [10].
  • The flexor hallucis longus can be harvested through a single- or double-incision technique [10].
  • Martin et al. reported decreased pain in 42 of 44 patients treated with complete excision of the diseased Achilles tendon and transfer of the FHL tendon [10].
  • Richardson et al. demonstrated decreased hallux pressure and FHL weakness after a single incision FHL transfer, but minimal patient morbidity was noted [10].
  • No differences were noted in the 1st and 2nd metatarsal head pressures when compared with the unaffected foot after single incision FHL transfer [10].
  • Schon et al. prospectively reported the results of surgical treatment in 46 patients with insertional or midsustance tendinosis [10].
  • After failed conservative treatment, patients were treated with Achilles debridement and FHL transfer [10].
  • At 24 months after surgery, significant improvement was recorded in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical scores, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, and performance of a single-leg heel rise [10].

Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

  • Bhandari et al. conducted a systematic overview and metaanalysis of the treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures [3].
  • Khan et al. conducted a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials for the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures [3].
  • Grassi et al. reported a meta-analysis showing reduced complications with similar outcomes after minimally invasive surgery compared to open repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Deng et al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing surgical treatment versus conservative management for acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Chiodo et al. published the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guideline on treatment of Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Ahmad et al. investigated the effect of obesity on surgical treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures [4].
  • Hillam et al. investigated the effect of obesity on Achilles rupture repair [4].
  • Barfod et al. conducted a blinded, randomized controlled trial of nonoperative dynamic treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Barfod et al. conducted an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of early controlled motion of the ankle compared with immobilization in non-operative treatment of patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • El-Akkawi et al. conducted a meta-analysis on the effect of early versus late weight-bearing in conservatively treated acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Aufwerber et al. reported that early mobilization does not reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis after Achilles tendon rupture in a randomized controlled trial [4].
  • Metz et al. conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing minimally invasive surgery versus nonoperative treatment with immediate full weightbearing for acute Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Gigante et al. conducted a randomized prospective study comparing open versus percutaneous repair in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Lim et al. conducted a prospective randomized controlled study comparing percutaneous vs. open repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon [3].
  • Crennik et al. conducted a comparative study of percutaneous versus open repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon [3].
  • Bradley et al. conducted a comparative study of percutaneous and open surgical repairs of Achilles tendon ruptures [3].
  • Kangas et al. conducted a prospective, randomized clinical study comparing early functional treatment versus early immobilization in tension of the musculoskeletal unit after Achilles tendon repair [3].
  • Calder et al. conducted a prospective study of early, active rehabilitation following mini-open repair of Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Lansdaal et al. reported the results of 163 Achilles tendon ruptures treated by a minimally invasive surgical technique and functional after treatment [3].
  • Jung et al. reported the outcome of Achilles tendon ruptures treated by a limited open technique [3].
  • Assal et al. reported findings of a prospective multicenter study on limited open repair of Achilles tendon ruptures [3].
  • Clanton et al. conducted a biomechanical comparison of an open repair and 3 minimally invasive percutaneous Achilles tendon repair techniques during a simulated, progressive rehabilitation protocol [4].
  • Grieco et al. conducted a biomechanical evaluation of varying the number of loops in a physiological model of Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Frantz et al. reported patient-reported outcomes of Achilles tendon repair using the modified gift-box technique with nonabsorbable suture loop in a consecutive case series [4].
  • Chegini Kord et al. described minimally invasive repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture using gift box technique [4].
  • Bisaccia et al. evaluated the validity and reliability of mini-invasive surgery assisted by ultrasound in Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Giannetti et al. described intraoperative ultrasound assistance for percutaneous repair of the acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Fortis et al. described repair of Achilles tendon rupture under endoscopic control [3].
  • Ceccarelli et al. described percutaneous and minimally invasive techniques of Achilles tendon repair [3].
  • Gorschewsky et al. described percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Ma et al. described percutaneous repair of acute closed ruptured Achilles tendon [3].
  • Davies et al. described minimal incision techniques for acute Achilles repair [3].
  • Lindholm et al. described a new method of operation in subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon [3].
  • Kellam et al. reviewed the operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Inglis et al. described surgical repair of ruptures of the tendo Achilles [3].
  • Beskin et al. described surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures [3].
  • Levy et al. described a method of repair for Achilles tendon ruptures without cast immobilization [3].
  • Mandelbaum et al. described a new method of repair, early range of motion, and functional rehabilitation for Achilles tendon ruptures [3].
  • Krackow et al. described a new stitch for ligament-tendon fixation [3].
  • Lynn et al. described repair of the torn Achilles tendon using the plantaris tendon as a reinforcing membrane [3].
  • Lieberman et al. described repair of Achilles tendon ruptures with Dacron vascular graft [3].
  • Bosworth et al. described repair of defects in the tendo Achilles [3].
  • Bugg et al. described repair of neglected rupture or laceration of the Achilles tendon [3].
  • Abraham et al. described treatment by V-Y tendinous flap for neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon [3].
  • Elias et al. described reconstruction for missed or neglected Achilles tendon rupture with V-Y lengthening and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer through one incision [3].
  • Maffulli et al. described management of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon [3].
  • Leslie et al. described neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon [3].
  • Lin et al. described tendon transfers for Achilles reconstruction [3].
  • Alhaug et al. conducted a retrospective study on flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for chronic Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Bullock et al. reported that repair of chronic Achilles ruptures has a high incidence of venous thromboembolism [4].
  • Cretnik et al. reported the incidence and outcome of operatively treated Achilles tendon rupture in the elderly [4].
  • Amendola et al. reported outcomes of open surgery versus nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Jacobs et al. compared conservative and operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Inglis et al. conducted an objective assessment of surgical and non-surgical management of ruptures of the tendo Achilles [3].
  • Lea et al. described non-surgical treatment of tendo Achilles rupture [3].
  • Kocher et al. conducted an expected-value decision analysis of operative versus nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture [3].
  • Holm et al. conducted a systematic review on Achilles tendon rupture treatment and complications [4].
  • Brumann et al. developed an evidence-based treatment protocol for accelerated rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture [4].
  • Glazebrook et al. described functional rehabilitation for nonsurgical treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Grassi et al. reported that 82 percent of male professional football (soccer) players return to play at the previous level two seasons after Achilles tendon rupture treated with surgical repair [4].
  • Kaniki et al. conducted a retrospective comparative study with historical control to determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma as part of nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture [4].
  • Keene et al. conducted the PATH-2 randomized trial on platelet rich plasma injection for acute Achilles rupture [4].
  • Lyras et al. investigated the influence of platelet-rich plasma on angiogenesis during the early phase of tendon healing [3].
  • Chen et al. investigated how tendon derived stem cells promote platelet-rich plasma healing in collagenase-induced rage Achilles tendinopathy [4].
  • Fildaro et al. described a nonoperative biological treatment approach for partial Achilles tendon lesion [4].
  • Claessen et al. identified predictors of primary Achilles tendon ruptures [4].

Open Repair Technique (Lindholm)

  • The patient is positioned prone for the Lindholm open repair of Achilles tendon rupture [11].
  • A posterior curvilinear incision is made extending from the midcalf to the calcaneus [11].
  • The deep fascia is incised in the midline to expose the tendon rupture [11].
  • The ragged ends of the tendon are debrided and apposed with a box type of mattress suture of heavy nonabsorbable suture material or wire [11].
  • Fine interrupted sutures are also used to appose the tendon ends [11].
  • Two flaps are fashioned from the proximal tendon and gastrocnemius aponeurosis, each approximately 1 cm wide and 7 to 8 cm long [11].
  • The flaps are left attached at a point 3 cm proximal to the site of rupture [11].
  • Each flap is twisted 180 degrees on itself so that its smooth external surface lies next to the subcutaneous tissue as it is turned distally over the rupture [11].
  • Each flap is sutured to the distal stump of the tendon and to one another so that they cover the site of rupture completely [11].
  • The wound is closed with care taken to approximate the tendon sheath over the site of repair [11].
  • In the Lynn technique, the tendon sheath is opened in the midline [11].
  • The foot is held in 20 degrees of plantar flexion without excising the irregular edges [11].
  • The ends of the Achilles tendon are sewn together with 2-0 absorbable sutures [11].
  • If the plantaris tendon is intact, its insertion on the calcaneus is divided [11].
  • The plantaris tendon is fanned out to form a membrane using forceps beginning distally [11].
  • The plantaris membrane is placed over the repair of the Achilles tendon and sutured in place with interrupted sutures [11].
  • When possible, the Achilles tendon is covered for 2.5 cm both proximal and distal to the repair [11].
  • If the plantaris tendon is also ruptured, it is dissected free from the Achilles tendon for several centimeters and divided proximally using a tendon stripper [11].
  • The ruptured plantaris tendon is pulled distally into the incision, fanned out as a free graft, and used to cover the repair [11].
  • The sheath of the Achilles tendon is closed as far distally as possible without tension [11].
  • Postoperative care for the Lindholm and Lynn techniques is the same as that used after treatment of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon [11].

References

[2] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Foot and Ankle Reconstruction > Achilles Tendon Rupture.

[3] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ACHILLES TENDON AUGMENTATION OF SUPERIOR PERONEAL RETINACULUM REPAIR > RUPTURE OF MUSCLES AND TENDONS > RUPTURE OF ACHILLES TENDON.

[4] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ACHILLES TENDON AUGMENTATION OF SUPERIOR PERONEAL RETINACULUM REPAIR > RUPTURE OF ACHILLES TENDON.

[6] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MULTIPLE Z-PLASTY RELEASE OF A CONGENITAL RING > DISORDERS OF THE ACHILLES TENDON.

[7] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation > Achilles Tendinopathy.

[9] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Tendon Disorders of the Foot and Ankle > I. Achilles Tendon Disorders.

[10] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MULTIPLE Z-PLASTY RELEASE OF A CONGENITAL RING > NONINSERTIONAL ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY.

[11] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT REPAIR WITH AN INTERNAL BRACE > OPEN REPAIR OF ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE—LINDHOLM.

[13] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT REPAIR WITH AN INTERNAL BRACE > AAOS Recommendations: Achilles Tendon Ruptures.

[16] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT REPAIR WITH AN INTERNAL BRACE > RUPTURE OF ACHILLES TENDON > ANATOMY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY.

[17] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MULTIPLE Z-PLASTY RELEASE OF A CONGENITAL RING > INSERTIONAL ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY.

[18] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Imaging of the Foot and Ankle > Achilles Tendon.

[19] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT REPAIR WITH AN INTERNAL BRACE > RUPTURE OF ACHILLES TENDON.

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