RT Journal
A1 Maffulli, Nicola
A1 Spiezia, Filippo
A1 Pintore, Ernesto
A1 Longo, Umile Giuseppe
A1 Testa, Vittorino
A1 Capasso, Giovanni
A1 Denaro, Vincenzo
T1 Peroneus Brevis Tendon Transfer for Reconstruction of Chronic Tears of the Achilles TendonA Long-Term Follow-up Study
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2012
FD May 16
VO 94
IS 10
SP 901
OP 905
DO 10.2106/JBJS.K.00200
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.K.00200
AB Background: 
  Chronic tears of the Achilles tendon can result in substantial loss of function. Those tears with a tendon gap of up to 6.5 cm can be treated surgically with use of an autologous peroneus brevis tendon graft.Methods: 
  At an average follow-up period of 15.5 years after the surgery, we examined sixteen of twenty-two patients who had undergone peroneus brevis tendon graft reconstruction for a chronic Achilles tendon tear. Clinical and functional assessment was performed.Results: 
  All sixteen patients were able to walk on tiptoe, and no patient used a heel lift or walked with a visible limp. The maximum calf circumference of the involved limb remained significantly decreased. The involved limb was significantly less strong than the contralateral one. One patient had developed a tendinopathy of the opposite Achilles tendon, one had developed a tendinopathy of the reconstructed tendon, and one had ruptured the contralateral Achilles tendon five years after the original injury.Conclusions: 
  The long-term results of treatment of chronic tears of the Achilles tendon by means of autologous peroneus brevis tendon grafting are encouraging. Patients retain good functional results despite permanently impaired ankle plantar flexion strength and decreased calf circumference.Level of Evidence: 
  Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.