The use of Percutaneous Achilles’ Tendon Lengthening as an Adjunct Procedure in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Review

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Gabriel Santamarina, Emory University; George Zislis, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-10-12
• Publisher: Scientific Archives
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 Santamarina G, et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): https://www.scientificarchives.com/article/the-use-of-percutaneous-achilles-tendon-lengthening-as-an-adjunct-procedure-in-foot-and-ankle-surgery-:-a-review
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Archives of Orthopaedics
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 3
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Diabetic foot and ankle reconstruction is a difficult area of surgery in which to achieve ideal outcomes. The goal for a majority of cases in this surgical field is to achieve a plantigrade foot that can function throughout the gait cycle in shoes with or without a brace. There are multiple biomechanical, biochemical, neurological, vascular, infectious, and social factors that can influence the likelihood of achieving those goals. The effect of the Achilles’ tendon on the gait cycle, through its effects on joint function, is the greatest determinant of non-rigid deformity in diabetic feet. In order to improve the chance of a desired outcome, the Achilles tendon should be assessed for any possible pathologies. For many patients, the addition of the simple technique of a percutaneous Achilles’ tendon release to a surgical case is powerful enough to address multiple biomechanical issues and prevent below-knee amputations.