Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture
摘要
Achilles tendon ruptures are usually diagnosed through a trauma report and clinical examination. However, some ruptures go unnoticed, posing a risk of becoming chronic if left untreated for more than 4 weeks. Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures, marked by minor trauma, persistent pain, and altered gait patterns, are sometimes difficult to diagnose. The incidence and characteristics of chronic ruptures remain unknown, emphasizing the need for heightened healthcare awareness. Surgical interventions, including direct repair, V-Y tendon plasty, gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap, peroneus brevis tendon transfer, and various other graft options, are often necessary to repair chronic Achilles tendon ruptures due to their increased complexity and degenerative changes in surrounding tissues. Nonoperative treatment may be considered in select cases, emphasizing rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and orthotic devices. Current knowledge on patient outcomes is limited, with studies highlighting the need for a common outcome measure and larger cohorts with control groups. In conclusion, although chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are uncommon, they require personalized surgical approaches. Consideration of factors, such as the size of the gap within the tendon, patient characteristics and preferences, and surgeon expertise, is crucial in clinical settings. Increased awareness of healthcare providers, accurate diagnosis, and ongoing research are essential to improve the understanding and management of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures.