Collagen ribbon augmentation of Achilles tendon tears: a biomechanical evaluation.

Early motion of a repaired Achilles tendon has been accepted to improve both clinical and biomechanical outcomes. It has been postulated that augmenting a primary Achilles tendon repair with a collagen ribbon will improve the repair construct's initial strength, thereby facilitating early motion. The purpose of the present study was to compare the failure load of Achilles tendon defects repaired with suture, with or without augmentation with a collagen ribbon.

Special segment: soft tissue matrices--one form of acellular human dermis for use in tendon and ligament repairs in the foot and ankle.

Trauma to tendons and ligaments represents a significant part of orthopaedic and podiatric injuries. To improve the outcome of repair, complex or chronic injuries may require reinforcement of the primary repair with a graft. Biologic grafts currently available provide different handling, strength, and biological responses.