These injuries are mainly
a result of sporting activities and are ideally treated
acutely.
Rupture of the Achilles tendon is not easy to treat. The
length of immobilisation and return to work is costly
and the return of ankle mobility and muscular strength
is slow. Suturing of the retracted Achilles fibres is
complicated and does not always give a satisfactory result.
The LARS Achilles tendon consists of three parts:
The proximal portion is flat, corresponding to the
proximal part of the ruptured tendon and is sutured.
The central portion has open longitudinal fibres
which overlay the ruptured tendon, allowing for fibroblastic
ingrowth.
The distal portion is cylindrical with a diameter
of 5.5mm that corresponds to the distal part of the
ruptured ligament and is fixed with an interference
screw into the calcaneum.
The LARS Achilles tendon can aid a quick return to
sporting and normal activities, with active-passive
mobilisation of the ankle commencing on day one, partial
weight bearing started with caution immediately, returning
to full weight bearing on day 35.
Lateral Ankle Instability
These
ligaments are mainly indicated for sporting injuries,
or where the type of ligament injury does not allow for
a solid repair and needs reinforcement, or where there
is long-term chronic instability.
This implant consists of a special Y-shaped ligament:
one arm is passed into the distal fibular tunnel, and
the other two are anchored into bony tunnels drilled at
the lateral aspect of the calcaneum.
The patient will start passive and active mobilisation
from day five. A back splint is applied at 90 degrees
to provide protection.
A return to sporting activities can be expected at around
day 75.
These
ligaments are mainly indicated for sporting injuries,
or where the type of ligament injury does not allow for
a solid repair and needs reinforcement, or where there
is long-term chronic instability.
