Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Pages: 132-139

Journal: Journal of Biomechanics

Volume number: 93

ISSN: 0021-9290

eISSN: 1873-2380

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.06.021

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

Following surgical Achilles tendon reconstruction surgery, there is a distinct trend towards an early and faster rehabilitation protocol to avoid muscle atrophy. However, this procedure involves the risk of a higher complication rate. In order to reduce the occurrence of re-ruptures and pathological tendon extensions, a tendon reconstruction with the highest possible primary stability is desirable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if augmentation using synthetic polyester tapes (QuadsTape (TM)) could provide greater primary stability in case of different tendon suture techniques.

90 tendons of the superficial toe flexor of pigs were divided into 9 groups. The reconstruction method was combined using the factors suture technique (Kessler and Bunnell), augmentation (non-augmented and augmented with QuadsTape (TM)) and defect type (end-to-end and 10 mm gap). The biomechanical measurements were performed on a material testing machine and consisted of a creep test, a cyclic test and a tear-off test. This study compared creep strain, ultimate load failure, maximum stress and stiffness.

Irrespective of the type of defect involved, augmentation of the tendon sutures led to a significant increase of the maximum force (not augmented: 82.30 +/- 25.48 N, augmented: 135.73 +/- 30.69 N, p < 0.001) and the maximum stress (not augmented: 2.26 +/- 0.83 MPa, augmented: 4.13 +/- 1.79 MPa, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a non-significant increase in stiffness and no significant differences were observed with respect to creep strain.

Augmentation of Achilles tendon reconstruction using QuadsTape (TM) increases composite strength and stiffness in the in vitro model, thus potentially contributing to the feasibility of early rehabilitation programs. Biological factors still need to be investigated in order to formulate appropriate indications. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Jahnke, A., Gernandt, M., Hudel, H., Ahmed, G., Rickert, M., Ulloa, C., et al. (2019) Biomechanical testing of various suture techniques for Achilles tendon repair with and without augmentation by using synthetic polyester grafts, Journal of Biomechanics, 93, pp. 132-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.06.021

APA Citation style: Jahnke, A., Gernandt, M., Hudel, H., Ahmed, G., Rickert, M., Ulloa, C., & Stolz, D. (2019). Biomechanical testing of various suture techniques for Achilles tendon repair with and without augmentation by using synthetic polyester grafts. Journal of Biomechanics. 93, 132-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.06.021