Objective To probe into the surgical methods and therapeutic effect of repairing old calcaneal tendon rupture and defects with tissue engineered tendons. Methods The tissue engineered tendons were prefabricated by co-cultivatingallogeneic tendon cells with composite of carbon fiber and polyglycolic acid for 5 days. From August 1999 to June 2002, 7 patients with calcaneal tendon rupture and defects (5-7 cm in length) were treated with tissue engineered tendons. The defects were repaired by suturing repeatedly with tissue engineered tendons. Meanwhile, the defects were covered by gastrocnemius fascial flap for protection and strengthening. After surgery, the ankle joints were fixed with plaster 4to 6 weeks, and then the functional exercise was done. Results All the patients were followed up 22 to 56 months (46.9 months on average). Six patients achieved healing by the first intention, only one patient had delayed union. No local or systemic complication occurred in all the cases. No patients were given the second operation for adhesion. In accordance with YIN Qingshui’s criterion for therapeutic effect,the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 1 case and moderate in 1 case. Conclusion Repairing old rupture and defects of calcaneal tendon withtissue engineered tendons can achieve good clinical outcome, it is an optional therapy.
