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Abstract

Background: Changes in tendon structure after its rupture may also affect the likelihood of re-injury or strain injury to the musculotendinous complex of the plantar flexor.
Purpose: The aim of our study is to investigate ankle biomechanical properties and clinical features of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon treated with open suture and PRF augmentation.
Study design: Cohort study (NRS).
Methods: This study has been conducted on twenty patients, divided in two groups; one group underwent conventional open repair of the Achilles tendon using the Krackow technique only, while the other group underwent surgery with Platelet-Rich-Fibrin (PRF) augmentation. We performed a clinical evaluation at 3 months, 6 months, and after 1 year. Morphological and functional tendons properties were analyzed by ultrasound and Gait Analysis.
Results: The results obtained by the ultrasonographic assessment showed in the PRF group a statistically significant increasing of treated tendons the antero-posterior diameter, medio-lateral diameter. Statistically significant differences between the two groups have emerged in gait analysis performed with regard to network (Wnet). Furthermore, the network of healthy side and treated side was significantly different only in the group of patients not treated with PRF. Statistically significant values have emerged through the analysis of Pearson’s correlation between the diameter of the ultrasound treated tendon and the network, walking speed, swing speed and stride period.
Conclusion: Treatment with suture and PRF shows significant morphological modifications and functional improvements compared to the results achieved with Achilles tendon suture without PRF.

Keywords: Gait analysis; Achilles tendon; Growth factors; Biologic healing enhancement; General sports trauma; Imaging; Diagnostic ultrasound