DOES THE KNEE FLEXION ANGLE INFLUENCE ISOMETRIC PLANTARFLEXION MOMENTS AFTER ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR?
J. Dargel; H. Appell; J. Koebke; K. Mader; and D. Pennig Background: The influence of the knee angle on plantarflexion moments after Achilles tendon repair has yet to be analyzed. It was hypothesized that flexion of the knee joint will disproportionately influence isometric plantarflexion moments after Achilles tendon repair. Methods: Isometric plantarflexion moments and functional heel rise performance were retrospectively assessed in 32 patients at a mean follow-up of 36.9 (±17.83) months after open or percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Plantarflexion moments were measured with the knee joint in 0, 30, and 60 degrees of flexion and the ankle joint positioned in neutral, 15 degrees plantar flexion and 15 degrees dorsiflexion. Data were compared between the involved and the noninvolved leg as well as between open and percutaneous repair. Results: Flexion of the knee had no significant effect on isometric plantarflexion moments in either the involved or the noninvolve
