Cole W, Samsell B, Moore MA. Achilles tendon augmented repair using human acellular dermal matrix: a case series. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2018 Dec;57(6):1225-9. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2018.03.006


Achilles tendon ruptures are common in the general population, especially among members of the older demographic occasionally active in sports. Operative treatments provide a lower incidence of rerupture than do nonoperative treatments, although surgical complications remain a concern. The use of a human acellular dermal matrix to augment Achilles tendon repair might reduce the incidence of complications. In the present case series, we describe the outcomes of 9 patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair with acellular dermal matrix augmentation. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Foot Function Index-Revised long form, and the clinical results were recorded. After a mean average follow-up period of 14.4 (range 12.0 to 20.0) months, the mean Foot Function Index-Revised long form score was 33.0% ± 4.2%. No cases of rerupture or complications that required additional treatment occurred during the observation period. The outcomes we have presented support further evaluation beyond this case series for using a human acellular dermal matrix to augment Achilles tendon repairs.

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