Abstract
Achilles tendon ruptures are common, but the correct diagnosis may be missed in up to 20% of patients at initial presentation. In some patients, a chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon may heal in continuity, resulting in a lengthened Achilles tendon. The elongated structure must now be shortened or reconstructed to allow some restoration of push-off. Several techniques have been described for reconstruction of the Achilles tendon. Z lengthening is commonly used for tendon lengthening in patients with equinus contracture of the ankle. Z shortening has been reported for operative shortening of the elongated Achilles tendon following previous rupture [6]. We describe a modification of this technique in the management of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon which have healed in continuity but have resulted in an elongated, nonfunctional gastrocsoleus. This technique allows early weight bearing and early active mobilization of the ankle.
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Aicale, R., Tarantino, D., Via, A.G., Oliva, F., Maffulli, N. (2017). Z Shortening of Healed Achilles Tendon Rupture. In: Thermann, H., et al. The Achilles Tendon. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54074-9_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54074-9_21
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