Effect of Achilles tendon lengthening on ankle and subtalar joint orientation and load distribution utilizing a novel cadaveric model to simulate weight bearing:

摘要

Category:Basic Sciences/BiologicsIntroduction/Purpose:Ankle arthroplasties are increasingly performed to address ankle arthritis. Patients with long standing ankle arthritis often present with an associated achilles tendon contracture. An open or percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles is commonly performed at the same time as the ankle arthroplasty to improve range of motion. Current ankle arthroplasty implants include mobile bearing and fixed bearing systems. Lengthening the achilles tendon improves dorsiflexion, however the effect of the lengthening on the ankle and subtalar joint is not well documented in the literature. Using a novel system to simulate weight bearing in a cadaveric model, we evaluated achilles tendon lengthening and its effect on ankle and subtalar joint orientation and load distribution. This may have potential implications to polyethylene implant longevity in total ankle arthroplasties.Methods:Five fresh frozen lower limb cadaveric specimens without known skeletal condition were u...