Biomechanical Comparison of Panda Rope Bridge Technique and Other Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair Techniques In Vitro.

Background: Although nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a reasonable option, surgical repair has attracted attention for young and active patients. More reliable Achilles tendon repair techniques are needed to enhance recovery after ATR in this population.

Purpose/hypothesis: To biomechanically analyze the panda rope bridge technique (PRBT) and compare it with other minimally invasive repair techniques over a simulated, progressive rehabilitation program.

Optimization of the knot configuration for early accelerated rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture.

Background Panda Rope Bridge Technique (PRBT) was an new minimally invasive technique consisted of two bridge anchors (proximal anchors at calcaneus and distal anchors at myotendinous junction) and strong ropes (threads of the suture anchors) stretched between them, which was suitable for early accelerated rehabilitation of Achilles tendon rupture. However, the optimal knot configuration with PRBT was unknow. The purpose of this study was identify minimum number of half hitches necessary to maintain knot security for PRBT.

[Biomechanical comparison study of two ultra-strong sutures in repair of Achilles tendon via panda rope bridge technique].

Objective: To compare the biomechanical properties of two ultra-strong sutures and suturing methods in panda rope bridge technique (PRBT) application, and provide guidance for clinical selection of suture threads and suture methods.

Methods: Forty Achilles tendons from bulls were randomly divided into 4 groups ( =10) and transected at the 4 cm proximal to the tendon insertion. Groups A and B used Ethibond sutures (USP 5), the proximal end was fixed at the myotendious junction with Krackow sutures and the distal end was fixed through a calcaneus canal.