Experimental validation for the Achilles tendon reinforced with new techniques

An Achilles tendon injury is most common among subcutaneous tendon ruptures and accounts for 47 %. The purpose was to experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of new methods of the Achilles tendon reinforcement. Material and methods The experimental part of the work was performed in 3 stages using 60 biomannikins with intact Achilles tendon. A Krakow suture was used at stage 1 for a group of 20 tendons and a force that would result in rupture of the tendon was measured. Reinforcement was performed using the plantaris tendon (technical innovation offered at the Samara State Medical University) at the 2nd stage and the force required for the appearance of signs of rupture was subsequently measured. A portion of the peroneus longus tendon (RF patent No. 2616767) was used for reinforcement at the 3rd stage and the force measurement produced. Results The mean force required to rupture the Krakow suture applied to the tendon at the first stage was 11.5 kg., The force required to rupture the suture reinforced with the plantaris tendon at the second stage measured 33.4 kg. The force required to rupture the suture reinforced with a portion of the peroneus longus tendon at the third stage was 37.3 kg. Conclusion The new techniques offered to reinforce the Achilles tendon with the plantaris tendon and a portion of the peroneus longus tendon at the distal base facilitated increase in the strength of the injury site by 195.6 % and 214.4 %, respectively.