Correlation between the Fibrillar Pattern in Ultrasonography and Clinical Factors after Achilles Tendon Repair
10.14193/jkfas.2022.26.3.123
- Author:
Young Jin CHOI
1
;
Soo-Hyung AHN
;
Su-Young BAE
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
2022;26(3):123-129
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To evaluate the correlation between the fibrillar pattern of the Achilles tendon on ultrasonography (US) and functional outcomes in patients who underwent open tendon repair after Achilles tendon rupture.
Materials and Methods:Data of 44 patients who had been subjected to US at least 6 months after repair, during the period between July 2012 and July 2019 were reviewed. Those with bilateral tendon rupture, re-rupture, open injury, and chronic or insertional rupture, were excluded from the review. We divided them into two groups, the homogenous group (HoP) and the heterogenous group (HeP) based on the fibrillar pattern on US. We also divided the HoP into linear and wavy subgroups, and the HeP into no hypoechoic lesion and hypoechoic lesion subgroups. The rupture type of the Achilles tendon, radiographic factors including US and magnetic resonance images, patient-related, surgical factors, and clinical results at the last visit after repair were assessed retrospectively.
Results:The tendon thickness was 11.4±1.7 mm in the HoP, and 14.5±3.0 mm in the HeP (p<0.001). A shredded pattern was observed in 17 cases (65.4%) in the HoP, and in 17 cases (94.4%) in the HeP (p=0.031). The mean value of the number of sutures used was 8.9±3.05 in the HoP and 11.39±1.75 in the HeP (p=0.001). The mean value of the difference in calf circumference was 0.9±0.67 cm in the HoP and 1.36±0.71 cm in the HeP (p=0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in the fibrillar patterns and patient-related factors.
Conclusion:The fibrillar pattern observed after repair was correlated with the functional outcome and showed a significant relationship with the rupture pattern and the number of sutures used. Therefore, we suggest a careful individualized postoperative rehabilitation protocol to maximize functional outcomes by referring to the fibrillar pattern in US, especially in shredded ruptures.
