Application of pedobarography in holistic evaluation of the therapy outcomes of the achilli tendon ruptures during sport activity

Author(s): JACEK LORKOWSKI, MAREK TRYBUS, WALDEMAR HŁADKI, DANIEL ZARZYCKI

Aim: The aim of the study was the assessment of the results of treatment of the complete ruptures of the Achilli tendon. Material and methods: We evaluated 9 patients suffering from the injury (7 males and 2 females) with an average age of 32. The cause of trauma was sport- related. All patients underwent surgical procedure: in 9 patients Kessler’s suture was used, 2 patients were additionally transplanted with iliotibial tract. A plantar flexion immobilization was used for the period of 3 months (constant immobilization for 6 weeks) in all groups. Each patient underwent rehabilitation following surgery. Observational period took 4.1 years. Physical, ultrasonographic and pedobarographic examination were used to analysis. Results: Pedobarographic examination revealed decreased maximal and average underfoot pressure 6 weeks after surgery on posttraumatic side, special under hindfoot. All patients had a full recovery of the lower limb after rehabilitation. Pedobarographic examination revealed during rehabilitation normalization of underfoot pressure distribution. Conclusions: 1) An appropriate approach to the therapy of Achilles tendon injuries is surgery followed by intensive physiotherapy. 2) In surgical procedure it is essential to realign the proper anatomic structures including the fibers rotating among the tendon. 3) Pedobarographic examination has been sensitivity method for monitoring rehabilitation after surgical reconstruction of Achilli tendon.