OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of autologous osteochondral tissue and periosteum transplantation on tendon-bone healing of rotator cuff in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into autologous osteochondral tissue and periosteum transplantation group (experimental group, n=12) and simple suture group (control group, n=12). Both groups were subjected to acute supraspinatus tendon injury and repaired with corresponding techniques. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, 4 specimens from each group were taken from the right shoulder joint for histological examination (HE staining, Masson staining, and Safranin O-fast green staining), and the left shoulder was subjected to biomechanical tests (maximum tensile load and stiffness). RESULTS: Both groups of animals survived until the completion of the experiment after operation. At 4 weeks after operation, both groups showed less collagen fibers and disorder at the tendon-bone junction. At 8 weeks, both groups showed reduced inflammation at the tendon-bone junction, with more organized and denser collagen fibers and chondrocytes. The experimental group showed better results than the control group. At 12 weeks, the experimental group showed typical tendon-bone transition structure, with increased generation of collagen fibers and chondrocytes, and the larger cartilage staining area. Both groups showed an increase in maximum tensile load and stiffness over time ( P<0.05). The stiffness at 4 weeks and the maximum tensile load at 4, 8, and 12 weeks in the experimental group were superior to control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in stiffness at 8, 12 weeks between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Autologous osteochondral tissue and periosteum transplantation can effectively promote the fiber and cartilage regeneration at the tendon-bone junction of rotator cuff and improve the biomechanical effect of shoulder joint in rabbits.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Male ; Wound Healing ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Periosteum/transplantation* ; Rotator Cuff Injuries ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Tendons/surgery* ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Chondrocytes/transplantation* ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the channel-assisted minimally invasive repair (CAMIR) technique combined with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer in the treatment of Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 17 patients with Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion who underwent CAMIR technique combined with FHL transfer between January 2019 and January 2023. The cohort comprised 13 males and 4 females, aged 32 to 65 years (mean, 49.7 years). Etiologies included sports-related injuries in 15 cases and blunt trauma in 2 cases. The interval from injury to surgery ranged from 4 to 368 days (median, 15 days). All patients exhibited calcification at the Achilles tendon insertion site, with 7 cases complicated by Haglund deformity. Postoperative complications were meticulously monitored, and tendon healing was assessed via MRI. Clinical outcome were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, Tegner activity level rating scale, ankle activity score (AAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score, and subjective clinical scoring systems preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation time was 50-62 minutes (mean, 56 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 5-50 mL (mean, 19.7 mL). All patients were followed up 12-67 months (mean, 38 months). No postoperative complication, such as Achilles tendon re-rupture, incision infection, deep vein thrombosis, heel raise insufficiency, or sural nerve injury, was observed. At last follow-up, MRI examination confirmed satisfactory tendon healing in all cases. Significant improvements were noted in VAS scores, Tegner activity level rating scale, AAS scores, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores, and VISA-A scores compared to preoperative ones ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, the subjective clinical score ranged from 6 to 10 (median, 9). CONCLUSION The CAMIR technique combined with FHL tendon transfer is a good treatment for repair of Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion, with good recovery of ankle function and few complications.
Humans ; Achilles Tendon/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Tendon Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate of effectiveness of free fascia lata flap assisted by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in treatment of Myerson type Ⅱ and Ⅲ chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. METHODS: A clinical data of 14 patients with Myerson type Ⅱ and Ⅲ chronic Achilles tendon ruptures between March 2020 and June 2024 was retrospectively analyzed. All Achilles tendon defects were repaired with the free fascia lata assisted by ICGA during operation. There were 12 males and 2 females with an average age of 45.4 years (range, 26-71 years). The causes of Achilles tendon rupture included sports injury in 10 cases, Achilles tendon-related tendinopathy in 3 cases, and glass laceration injury in 1 case. The time from Achilles tendon rupture to operation was 4-40 weeks (median, 4.5 weeks). Preoperative MRI examination showed that the defect length of the Achilles tendon was 2-5 cm (mean, 3.2 cm). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and MRI were taken to observe the foot blood vessels and the tendon healing. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Achilles Tendon rupture score (ATRS), and range of motion of the ankle joint were used to estimate the pain and function of ankle joint. RESULTS: All operations of the 14 patients were successfully completed. The operation time ranged from 3.00 to 4.50 hours (mean, 3.60 hours). The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 10 to 50 mL (mean, 36.4 mL). After operation, 1 patient had exudation at the recipient site, which healed after dressing change; the other incisions healed by first intention. All incisions at the donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 11.4 months). The CDU of the foot at 1 month after operation showed that the blood flow signal of the perforating vessels of the fascia lata flap was clear. The ankle MRI at 2 months after operation showed the good continuity of the Achilles tendon. No complication such as the Achilles tendon re-rupture, ankle stiffness, or scar contracture occurred during follow-up. Compared with preoperative score, the AOFAS score, ATRS score, and plantar flexion range of motion significantly increased at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation ( P<0.05), while the VAS score and dorsiflexion range of motion significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The AOFAS score, ATRS score, and VAS score at 3 and 6 months further improved when compared with those at 1 month ( P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the range of motion of the ankle joint ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in above indicators between 3 and 6 months after operation ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION The treatment of Myerson type Ⅱ and Ⅲ chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with free fascia lata flaps under the guidance of ICGA has the advantages of precise design, fast healing, and a wide range of adaptability.
Humans ; Achilles Tendon/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Indocyanine Green ; Rupture/surgery* ; Aged ; Fascia Lata/transplantation* ; Angiography/methods* ; Free Tissue Flaps/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Tendon Injuries/diagnostic imaging* ; Treatment Outcome ; Chronic Disease

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of partial translocation of flexor carpi radialis tendon in the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint. METHODS: The clinical data of 6 patients with traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint who met the selection criteria between March 2020 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 3 females with an average age of 33.5 years (range, 16-42 years). All the 6 cases were treated with plaster immobilization for 4-6 weeks, and the time from injury to operation was 6-12 weeks, with an average of 8.8 weeks. All patients underwent reconstruction of the metacarpophalangeal anterior oblique ligament and dorsal posterior oblique ligament of the first carpometacarpal joint with partial translocation of flexor carpi radialis tendon. The pain relief was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score before and after operation, and the pinch force, palmar abduction and radial abduction angles of the affected side and the healthy side were recorded before and after operation, and the ratio of the above indexes between the affected side and the healthy side was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness. RESULTS: All the incisions healed by first intention after operation, and there was no complication related to operation such as neurovascular injury. All patients were followed up 6-19 months (mean, 12.7 months). The range of motion of the thumb on the affected side was the same as that on the healthy side, the first carpometacarpal joint was stable without recurrent dislocation and pain. At last follow-up, the VAS score, the pinch force of the affected side, the abduction angle of the palmar side of the affected thumb, the abduction angle of the radial side of the affected thumb, and the pinch force ratio, the palmar abduction angle ratio of the thumb, and the radial abduction angle ratio of the thumb of the affected side to the healthy side significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Partial translocation of the flexor carpi radialis tendon to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal and dorsal radial ligaments for the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint is a reliable surgical method.
Humans ; Carpometacarpal Joints/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Retrospective Studies ; Joint Dislocations/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Tendons/surgery* ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Ligaments, Articular/injuries*

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel arthroscopic technique of modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge in repairing medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears and evaluate the early effectiveness. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2024, 26 patients with medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears who underwent arthroscopic modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge repair and met the selective criteria were included. There were 11 males and 15 females with an average age of 61.4 years (range, 43-74 years). Five patients had a significant history of trauma, while the remaining 21 patients had no apparent cause. The time from symptom onset to hospitalization was 3-25 months (mean, 7.9 months). The effectiveness was evaluated during follow-up, including the scores of University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), visual analogue scale (VAS), the range of forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and patient's satisfaction. Either MRI or ultrasound examination were used to evaluate structural integrity of the tendon. RESULTS: The operation time was 65-110 minutes (mean, 81.8 minutes). All patients were followed up 12-43 months (mean, 23.0 months). At 3 and 12 months after operation, the shoulder range of flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and the scores of VAS, UCLA, and ASES significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The improvement was further observed at 12 months compared to 3 months ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, 13 patients were very satisfied with the effectiveness, 11 patients were satisfied, 1 was relatively satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied. During follow-up, 15 patients underwent imaging examination and imaging reexamination showed that the re-tear rate of tendon was 6.6%(1/15). The remaining 11 patients refused imaging examination. Complications included partial anchor withdrawal in 1 case, shoulder stiffness in 5 cases, and mild pain in shoulder joint in 2 cases in physical activity or heavy physical activity. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge technique is a novel surgical technique that uses double-loaded suture anchors as medial- and lateral-row anchors. In repairing medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears, 6 sets of double-pulley suture-bridges can be created from one medial-row anchor; knotless medial-row can reduce re-tear rate of the tendon; good early effectiveness is obtained.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/surgery* ; Aged ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Anchors ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Patient Satisfaction

OBJECTIVE: To explore effectiveness of musculoskeletal ultrasound combined with Wide-Awake technique in extensor indicis proprius tendon (EIP) transfer for repairing extensor pollicis longus tendon (EPL) rupture. METHODS: A clinical data of 20 patients with EPL spontaneous rupture, who were admitted between January 2019 and June 2024 and met the selective criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. During EIP transfer surgery, the musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided incision marking combined with Wide-Awake technique was used in combination group (n=10) and the tourniquet-assisted surgery under brachial plexus block anesthesia in the control group. There was no significant difference in the baseline data between groups (P>0.05), including gender, age, affected side, cause and location of tendon rupture, and time from injury to hospitalization. The accuracy of preoperative musculoskeletal ultrasound in predicting the actual tendon rupture site was evaluated in the combination group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores during operation and at 6 hours after operation, total incision length, and postoperative complications were recorded. Surgical outcomes were assessed at 12 months after operation using the specific EIP-EPL evaluation method (SEEM), which included measurements of thumb elevation loss, thumb flexion loss, index finger dorsiflexion loss, and total score. RESULTS: In the combination group, the incision position marked by preoperative musculoskeletal ultrasound positioning was consistent with the actual tendon rupture position. Compared with the control group, the operation time and total incision length in the combination group were significantly shorter and the VAS score at 6 hours after operation was significantly higher (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss or intraoperative VAS score between groups (P>0.05). All incisions in both groups healed by first intention. Two patients in the control group developed swelling and blisters in the tourniquet area, which subsided spontaneously without special treatment. All patients were followed up 12-14 months, with an average of 12.5 months. The thumb dorsiflexion function of all patients recovered to varying degrees. At last follow-up, the thumb elevation loss in combination group was significantly lower than that in control group, and the total score was significantly higher (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in thumb flexion loss or index finger dorsiflexion loss between groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Musculoskeletal ultrasound can accurately locate the site of tendon rupture, assist the Wide-Awake technique in implementing precise anesthesia, and adjust tendon tension while reducing tissue trauma, with satisfactory effectiveness.
Humans ; Male ; Tendon Injuries/diagnostic imaging* ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography/methods* ; Rupture/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Operative Time ; Tendons/surgery* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress and challenges of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membrane in preventing tendon adhesion. METHODS: The relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years was extensively searched, covering the mechanism of tendon adhesion formation, the adaptation challenge and balancing strategy of PLLA, the physicochemical modification of PLLA anti-adhesion membrane and its application in tendon anti-adhesion. In this paper, the research progress and modification strategies of PLLA membranes were systematically reviewed from the three dimensions of tissue adaptation, mechanical adaptation, and degradation adaptation. RESULTS: The three-dimensional adaptation of PLLA membrane is optimized by combining materials (such as hydroxyapatite, polycaprolactone), structural design (multilayer/gradient membrane), and drug loading (anti-inflammatory drug). The balance between anti-adhesion and pro-healing is achieved, the mechanical adaptation significantly improve, and degradation is achieved (targeting the degradation cycle to 2-4 weeks to cover the tendon repair period). CONCLUSION In the future, it is necessary to identify the optimal balance point of three-dimensional fitness, unify the evaluation criteria and solve the degradation side effects through the co-design of physicochemical modification and drug loading system to break through the bottleneck of clinical translation.
Tissue Adhesions/prevention & control* ; Polyesters/chemistry* ; Humans ; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry* ; Tendons/surgery* ; Membranes, Artificial ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Wound Healing ; Animals ; Durapatite/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the biomechanical research progress of biomaterials in rotator cuff injury repair and to explore how biomaterials can restore the native histological and mechanical properties of the rotator cuff. METHODS: The relevant literature at home and abroad was widely reviewed to analyze the biomechanical properties of synthetic biomaterials, naturally derived biomaterials, and tissue grafts in the repair of rotator cuff injuries. RESULTS: Synthetic biomaterials [such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polycaprolactone] can provide initial stable mechanical support due to their adjustable mechanical properties and degradation characteristics, while naturally derived biomaterials (such as collagen and hyaluronic acid) can promote cell adhesion and tissue integration due to their biocompatibility and bioactivity. Tissue grafts exhibit significant clinical utility by providing immediate mechanical stability and promoting tendon-to-bone healing. Three-dimensional bioprinting technology provides new possibilities for personalized repair of rotator cuff injuries by precisely controlling the spatial distribution and mechanical properties of biomaterials. CONCLUSION Future studies should further optimize the design of bioprinting materials, cell sources, and scaffolds to achieve better mechanical properties and clinical efficacy of biomaterials in the repair of rotator cuff injuries.
Humans ; Rotator Cuff Injuries ; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry* ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Polyesters ; Polyglycolic Acid/chemistry* ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry* ; Collagen/chemistry* ; Lactic Acid/chemistry* ; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer ; Bioprinting ; Wound Healing ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Tendon Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To explore early curative effect of upper joint capsule reconstruction combined with biceps tendon transposition in treating irreparable rotator cuff tears. METHODS: From October 2019 to March 2021, 16 patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear were underwent arthroscopic autogenous semitendinosus tendon transplantation for upper articular capsule reconstruction combined with biceps tendon transposition, included 12 males and 4 females, aged from 53 to 72 years old with an average of (62.13±5.35) years old; 3 patients on the left side and 13 patients on the right side. All patients had preoperatively limited joint mobility, resting pain, and mobility pain, and had a history of failure to respond to conservative treatment for more than 8 months. The duration of preoperative symptoms ranged from 45 to 144 months with an average of (85.25±32.08) months. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of shoulder pain, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Constant-Murley score, active and passive motion of shoulder joint were compared before operation and 2 years after operation, complications were recorded. RESULTS: All 16 patients were followed up for 21 to 32 months with an average of (24.25±3.57) months. There were no complications such as incision infection, vascular and nerve injury, retear occurred. VAS, UCLA and Constant-Murley scores were improved from (5.75±1.18), (11.88±3.38) and (33.38±9.34) before operation to (1.13±0.89), (32.56±2.71), (89.06±6.25) at 2 years after operation (P<0.05). Anterior flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation and lateral internal rotation of shoulder joint were improved from (79.75±21.36) °, (62.06±10.49) °, (19.19±5.41) °, (3.04±0.21) °, respectively to (156.94±13.18) °, (116.19±12.59) °, (42.63±6.07) °, (8.16±0.64) ° at 2 years after operation. Anterior flexion, abduction, lateral lateral rotation and lateral internal rotation of shoulder joint were improved from (116.28±21.47) °, (107.12±9.67) °, (27.62±4.70) °, (4.21±0.41) °, respectively to (165.28±7.15) °, (153.34±4.69) °, (52.46±4.46) °, (9.68±0.68) ° at 2 years after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Arthroscopic autograft of semitendinosus tendon combined with transposition of biceps tendon could achieve satisfactory early clinical results in treating patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear, which is a reliable and effective surgical method.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/physiopathology* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Shoulder Joint/surgery* ; Tendon Transfer

The connection between tendons and bones is called the tendon bone connection. With the continuous improvement of national sports awareness, excessive exercises and the related intensity are prone to damage the tendon bone connection. Tendon bone healing is a complex repair and healing process involving multiple factors, and good tendon bone healing is a prerequisite for its physiological function. The complexity of tendon bone structure also poses great challenges to the repair of tendon bone injuries. In recent years, researches have found that stem cells, growth factors, macrophages, and other factors are closely related to the healing process of tendon bone injuries, among which macrophages play an important role in the healing process. The authors reviewed relevant research literature in recent years and summarized the role of macrophages in tendon bone healing, in order to provide new ideas and directions for treatment strategies to promote tendon bone healing.
Humans ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Wound Healing ; Animals ; Tendons/physiology* ; Bone and Bones/injuries* ; Tendon Injuries