Introduction Achilles tendon rupture is an injury resulting from occasional excessive physical activity that is undertaken in the absence of an adequate level of preparation. The calcaneal tendon forms the end of the triceps surae muscle which consists of the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The aim of the research was to evaluate the level of functional performance of the operated limb one and two years after the Achilles tendon reconstruction surgery. Material and methods The study group comprised of 20 men (age – 47.2±8.3 years; height – 182±7cm; weight – 88±12kg) who have undergone the Achilles tendon reconstruction surgery. The measurement of plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscle torques was conducted in both extended- and flexed-knee position under isometric and isokinetic conditions Results The measurements of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscle torques in the extended knee position performed one and two years after the surgery did not reveal any significant differences between the healthy and operated limb. The tests performed one year after the surgery in the flexed-knee position showed significantly lower values of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscle torques in the operated limb measured under isokinetic conditions. The results obtained two years after the reconstruction surgery proved that muscular deficit was still visible; however, there were no statistically significant differences Conclusions The angular knee joint position affects the plantar flexor muscle torque in the operated limb. Due to the muscle strength deficit observed two years after the surgery, additional training should be implemented after the rehabilitation has been completed. The main focus should be on dynamic exercises performed in the flexed-knee position which help to rebuild deep muscles such as the soleus
Background: Recent epidemiological analyses in fencing have shown that injuries and pain linked specifically to fencing training/competition were evident in 92.8% of fencers. Specifically the prevalence of Achilles tendon pathology has increased substantially in recent years, and males have been identified as being at greater risk of Achilles tendon injury compared to their female counterparts. This study aimed to examine gender differences in Achilles tendon loading during the fencing lunge. Material/Methods: Achilles tendon load was obtained from eight male and eight female club level epee fencers using a 3D motion capture system and force platform information as they completed simulated lunges. Independent t-tests were performed on the data to determine whether differences existed. Results: The results show that males were associated with significantly greater Achilles tendon loading rates in comparison to females. Conclusions: This suggests that male fencers may be at greater risk from Achilles tendon pathology as a function of fencing training/ competition.
The aim of the study was to assess the results of treatment for partial and complete Achilles tendon ruptures.Material and methods. We evaluated 94 patients suffering from the injury (61 males and 33 females) with an average age of 43.8.Results. The most common mechanism of injury was sport-related (57 participants) or walking-related overstraining (32 participants). 81 patients underwent surgical procedures. In 77 patients, Kessler's suture was used and in 12 patients, transplantation of iliotibial tract was performed. A group of 13 patients underwent a conservative therapy. Plantar flexion immobilization was used for 3 months (constant immobilization for 6 weeks) in all groups. Every patient underwent rehabilitation following surgery. The follow up period was 2.5 years. 85 patients fully recovered lower limb function. In 9 patients, complications were noted: 4 had flexor contractions in the ankle joint requiring further treatment, 2 patients suffered from reoccurrence of tears, and 2 had thrombophlebitis. One patient developed diffuse necrosis of the posterior region of the distal leg, which required amputation.Conclusions. An appropriate approach to the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries is surgery followed by intensive physiotherapy. During the surgical procedure, it is essential to properly realign the anatomic structures including the fibers rotating within the tendon.
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