• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.224-228
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• 2002

Ossification of the Achilles tendon is a rare condition to be distinguished from the more frequently occuring tendon calcification. It is characterized by the presence of an ossific mass contained within the fibrocartilaginous substance of the tendon and is usually associated with prior surgery or trauma to the tendon. We treated a 13 year old girl with ossification of the Achilles tendon after sprain-like injury. We excised it one year later and the microscopic finding of the extirpated bony mass revealed fully maturated lamellar bone.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.201-203
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• 2005

Although Achilles tendinitis is a relatively common disease, tuberculous involvement of Achilles tendon is rare. We report a case of tuberculous Achilles tendinitis, which was successfully treated with chemotherapy and a combined surgical procedure (Achilles tendon parital excision and FHL tendon transfer).

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.194-196
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• 1999

Xanthoma is a localized collection of tissue histocytes containing lipid. The majority of tendinous xanthomas probably occurs in the setting of hypercholesterolemia especially in bilateral Achilles tendon xanthomas. Xanthoma of the Achilles tendon is a rather rare, interesting orthopaedic condition that has important ramifications in internal medicine and dermatology because the lesion is associated with a specific disturbance of lipid metabolism. We experienced one case of normolipidemic and symptomatic Achilles tendon xanthoma. Surgical intervention was carried out for cosmetic and symptomatic reasons, the patient undergoing total resection and a reconstruction of the Achilles tendon by the combinedV-Y muscle flap and modified Lindholm technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.217-221
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• 2007

Purpose: Reconstruction of the soft tissue defect exposing Achilles tendon is a formidable challenge because of the paucity of soft tissue and relatively poor blood supply. This article describes the reconstruction of soft tissue defect exposing Achilles tendon using gracilis muscle free flap and split-thickness skin graft. Methods: From 2000 to 2005, four patients with soft tissue defect exposing Achilles tendon and infection were operated using gracilis muscle free flap and split-thickness skin graft. The defect size ranged from 3.5 to 5cm wide and 6.5 to 8cm long. The mean postoperative follow-up was twenty months. Results: All the flaps were survived without necrosis and infection. We obtained the satisfactory results with good functional and aesthetical outcomes. All cases showed good results with the characteristics of a relatively thin flap without additional debulking procedure. Conclusion: Gracilis muscle free flap with split thickness skin graft could be a good option for reconstruction of soft tissue defect of posterior ankle, exposing Achilles tendon with minimal morbidity of the donor site.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.539-542
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• 2005

Reconstructions of soft tissue defect of the posterior ankle including Achilles the tendon should take into account not only coverage but functional outcome. Various methods of tendon transfer and tendon graft have been reported as a single-stage procedure. With advances and refinements in microsurgical techniques, several free composite flaps including tendon, fascia, or nerve have been used in single-stage reconstructions of large defects in this area minimizing further damage to the traumatized leg. However, when free flap is not feasible for some reasons, this cannot be accomplished successfully. Here we present a patient with Achilles tendon and circumferential large soft tissue defect. Because of circulatory compromise of the lower extremity, free flap reconstruction could not be applied. Instead, cross-leg composite flap of the dorsalis pedis flap including the extensor hallucis brevis musle and tendon, and tendon strips of the Second, third and fourth extensor digitorum logus were employed, Functional reconstruction of the tendon and resurfacing were obtained at the same time. The flap was detached 3 weeks postoperatively, and the transplanted flap has survived without any complications. By 3 months after surgery, full weight bearing, tip-toe standing and even walking without crutch assistance was possible. When functional reconstruction with the free flap is unattainable in the large defect of the posterior ankle including the Achilles tendon, cross-leg composite island flap of dorsalis pedis flap and tendon strips of the extensor digitorum longus tendon is a viable alternative.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.218-220
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• 2004

It is known that steroids increase the risk for tendon ruptures. Despite this local steroids are still used in the treatment of achilles tendinitis. 46-year-old women had occurred achilles tendon rupture after repeated local steroid injection. Intraoperatively, necrotic change were seen at both side of ruptured end. Like this, tendon rupture after repeated steroid injection often result in a large defect, which needed surgical repair. After debridement of ruptured end, tenorrhaphy with single Krackow method and plantaris tendon augmentation was done. The patient showed favorable result with return to range in a degree of activity levels.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.75-78
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• 2017

Tendoachilles rupture has recently seen an increase in frequency, accounting for up to 40% of all tendon ruptures. However, an acute segmental rupture of the Achilles tendon is very rare with only one case caused by predisposing factors, such as steroid injection. In this report, we highlight an unusual clinical presentation of a segmental rupture of the Achilles tendon without any underling predisposing factor and without direct trauma. Herein, we discuss its mechanism. Twelve months after surgical repair with open technique, this patient became fully functional again in daily activity.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2024

Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture is a frequently encountered ankle pathology associated with a substantial burden of intense pain and functional deficits. Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with considerable defects pose intricate repair challenges that are often marred by complications such as re-rupture and persistent pain. Various treatment methods, including allograft transplantation, have been proposed, but the literature on this technique is limited. In this study, we propose a surgical approach utilizing allotendon transplantation and a calcaneal tunneling technique and provide clinical evaluation details. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with chronic Achilles tendon ruptures treated with allotendon between 2020 and 2022 were included in the study. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Scores (ATRSs). Complications were assessed postoperatively. Results: The average VAS score was 7 before surgery, 7.3 immediately after surgery, and 4.3 at 1 month, 2.5 at 3 months, and 1.3 at 6 months after surgery. Because the sample was limited to 15 individuals and distributions were non-normal, the analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and statistical significance was accepted for p-values<0.05. Results showed a significant improvement in ATRS and VAS scores versus preoperative and immediate postoperative values. VAS scores showed a decreasing trend after surgery, whereas average ATRS scores increased from 14 before surgery, 33.8 at 1 month, 82.7 at 3 months, and 93.9 at 6 months. Conclusion: This study suggests that allograft transplantation using the described calcaneal tunnel technique provides an effective treatment for chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. However, extensive research and long-term clinical trials are required to validate and better understand the technique's efficacy.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.196-202
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• 2013

Purpose: To report the clinical results from using absorbable suture materials instead of nonabsorbable materials which have been used more commonly to repair Achilles tendon. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture, treated surgically from 2004 to 2011. Mean follow-up period is 6 months. We repaired Achilles tendon using size 1 Vicryl (Polyglactin 910, Ethicon) for core suture and size 3-0 Vicryl for epitendinous suture. At three months after surgery, we evaluated clinical results with single heel raise height by centimeters, differences of calf circumference and passive range of motion of ankle joint, compared to contralateral side. Also we recorded clinical results with subjective satisfaction grades. Results: At three months after surgery, 20 of 21 patients were able to perform single heel raise over 5 cm in height. Calf circumference differences were less than 1 cm in 12 cases, between 1 cm to 3 cm in 5 cases, more than 3 cm in 4 cases. There was no difference in range of passive motion in 19 cases. All patients satisfied with daily activity except 2 cases with mild discomfort. There was no complication such as rerupture, elongation or infection. Conclusion: We experienced excellent clinical results from repairing Achilles tendon with using absorbable suture materials in terms of functional outcomes and patient's satisfaction without any complication. So we may consider using absorbable suture materials instead of nonabsorbable materials to repair Achilles tendon.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 2015

There are many traumatic foot and ankle problems in orthopaedic fields. Though it is not life-threatening problems, a delay in accurate diagnosis and treatments can danger limb function and therefore correct diagnosis can prevent long-term complications. Achilles tendon rupture is relatively common injury for active sports people. Ultrasonography is cost-effective, irradiation -free, effective for evaluation of soft tissues and dynamic analysis. It has been growing importance in Achilles tendon rupture. Ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool in Achilles tendon rupture. Physical examination and patient history is needed to diagnose Achilles tendon without image, but it is missed up by 20% in private clinic. Discontinuity of normal fibrillar architecture seen on an ultrasonographic image is diagnostic for Achilles tendon rupture, and can be accentuated by the performance of dorsi-flexion and plantar flexion, while observing in real time. And ultrasonography is a reliable method for serial observation after surgical treatment or conservative treatment.