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Published in: International Orthopaedics 2/2016

01-02-2016 | Original Paper

Comparison of the efficacy of three isolated gastrocnemius recession procedures in a cadaveric model of gastrocnemius tightness

Authors: Kai Rong, Xing-chen Li, Wen-tao Ge, Yang Xu, Xiang-yang Xu

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Many surgical techniques for isolated gastrocnemius recession have been described. The purpose of the present study is to compare their therapeutic efficacy and intrinsic stability on a fresh cadaveric model of gastrocnemius tightness.

Methods

The cadaveric model was established by distracting the knee with spacers composed of low-temperature thermoplastic material, and was identified by the Silfverskiöld test. Procedures of gastrocnemius recession described by Barouk, Baumann and Strayer were performed. The lengthening distance and improvement of ankle dorsiflexion were measured.

Results

The mean ankle angle of the cadaveric models was −15.4° with the knee fully extended, and 8.4° with the knee flexed. The increased angle achieved by the Strayer procedure was significantly greater than that achieved by the Barouk procedure and the Baumann procedure with one cut (P < 0.05), but similar to that of the Baumann procedure with two cuts (P > 0.05). Compared with the intramuscular lengthening of the gastrocnemius (Baumann and Barouk procedures), the stability of the lengthening after the Strayer procedure was the lowest.

Conclusion

The three techniques of isolated gastrocnemius recession have different efficacy and stability in cadaver trials, depending on their own anatomical characteristics. Our study supplies an anatomical guide for the selection of a proper procedure.
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Metadata
Title
Comparison of the efficacy of three isolated gastrocnemius recession procedures in a cadaveric model of gastrocnemius tightness
Authors
Kai Rong
Xing-chen Li
Wen-tao Ge
Yang Xu
Xiang-yang Xu
Publication date
01-02-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2860-1

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