Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of modified medial J-shaped incision of Achilles tendon combined with fascia lata transplantation in the treatment of Kuwada typeⅡand Ⅲ Achilles tendon defects.
Methods: From January 2016 to August 2018, the clinical data of 15 patients with KuwadaⅡand Ⅲ Achilles tendon defects treated with modified J-shaped approach with autologous fascia lata transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 1 female, with an average age of 31.7 years old ranging from 24 to 43. There were 9 cases of KuwadaⅡdefect and 6 cases of KuwadaⅢ defect. Postoperative observations were made for incision complications, and the Arner-Lindholm scoring standard was used to evaluate the function of the affected foot at the last follow-up.
Results: All 15 cases were followed up from 3 to 16 months with an average of 9.2 months. No skin necrosis or infection occurred after operation, and no Achilles tendon rupture occurred again. According to the Arner-Lindholm scoring standard, 13 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good.
Conclusion: Modified medial J-shaped incision is a satisfactory approach for repairing Achilles tendon defects. It is helpful to prevent postoperative incision complications, which double-strengthen the Achilles tendon strength, so that patients can perform early rehabilitation and functional exercises with satisfactory clinical results.
Keywords: Achilles tendon; Fascia lata; Postoperative complications; Surgical incision.