Our Summary

This study used a technology called shear wave elastography (SWE) to measure the stiffness of a repaired Achilles tendon following surgery. They applied this method to 26 patients who had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon, checking the stiffness at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery. They also evaluated how well the tendon was working using a standard rating system.

The results showed a consistent relationship between the stiffness of the repaired tendon and how well it functioned. The stiffer the tendon, the better it worked. This suggests that SWE can be used to assess the healing process of the Achilles tendon after surgery and predict how well it will function in the future. This could help doctors provide better post-surgery care and rehabilitation for patients with this type of injury.

FAQs

  1. What technology was used to measure the stiffness of a repaired Achilles tendon in this study?
  2. How does the stiffness of the repaired tendon affect its function according to the study?
  3. How can the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) potentially improve post-surgery care and rehabilitation for patients with a ruptured Achilles tendon?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing tendon repair is to follow their rehabilitation program closely and consistently. This may include doing prescribed exercises to strengthen the tendon and surrounding muscles, as well as attending physical therapy sessions. Compliance with the rehabilitation program can help improve the stiffness and function of the repaired tendon, leading to a better overall outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon are typically recommended tendon repair. This type of injury often requires surgical intervention to reattach the torn tendon and allow for proper healing and function of the affected limb. The use of technologies like shear wave elastography can help assess the healing process and predict how well the tendon will function in the future, allowing for better post-surgery care and rehabilitation.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected tendon.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as MRI to confirm the extent of the tendon injury.
  3. Patient consults with a orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, which may include surgical repair.

After tendon repair:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to repair the ruptured tendon.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy, to regain strength and flexibility in the affected tendon.
  3. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process.
  4. At 12, 24, and 48 weeks post-surgery, patient undergoes SWE to measure the stiffness of the repaired tendon and assess its function.
  5. Based on the SWE results and the standard rating system evaluation, the surgeon may adjust the rehabilitation plan to optimize the healing and function of the tendon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will the stiffness of my repaired tendon be measured after surgery?
  2. What is the significance of the stiffness measurement in relation to the function of the tendon?
  3. How often will my tendon stiffness be evaluated in the weeks following surgery?
  4. How does the stiffness of the tendon affect my recovery and rehabilitation process?
  5. Will the stiffness measurement help predict how well my tendon will function in the future?
  6. What are the potential implications for my post-surgery care based on the stiffness of my tendon?
  7. How does shear wave elastography compare to other methods used to assess tendon healing and function?
  8. Are there any specific exercises or therapies that can help improve the stiffness and function of my repaired tendon?
  9. What are the potential risks or complications associated with stiffness measurements using shear wave elastography?
  10. How can I monitor the progress of my tendon healing and function after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zhang LN, Wan WB, Wang YX, Jiao ZY, Zhang LH, Luo YK, Tang PF. Journal: Med Sci Monit. 2016 Apr 9;22:1186-91. doi: 10.12659/MSM.895674. PMID: 27072885