Author: Jason Curtis

Professional Education Facilitators introduction into the AHP Workforce (2023)

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Type of publication:Service improvement case study

Author(s):*Tony Davies

Citation:SaTH Improvement Hub, July 2023

Abstract:To introduce effective Professional Education Facilitators into the AHP workforce by August 2023 as evidenced by the increase in student numbers, staff questionnaires and an increase in tariff funding (which ultimately increases spending on education within the trust).

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Recruitment Standard way of working (2023)

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Type of publication:Service improvement case study

Author(s):*Corinne Smith

Citation:SaTH Improvement Hub, June 2023

Abstract:To ensure all essential Recruitment tasks are completed on a daily basis in line with our recruitment KPI’s and standard processes by the end of May 2023 as evidenced by the correct distribution of the work load and reduction in stress in the team.

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Sharing policies between divisions (2023)

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Type of publication:Service improvement case study

Author(s):*Helen Ford, *Rachel North, *Tina Dodd, *Nina Sinclair, *Gemma Styles

Citation:SaTH Improvement Hub, July 2023

Abstract:To improve the communication of polices that need to be shared between divisions as evidence by a written and agreed process by June 2023.

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Both gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps and semitendinosus tendon grafts are effective in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures - a systematic review (2023)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):Nilsson N.; Stensota I.; Nilsson Helander K.; Brorsson A.; *Carmont M.R.; Concaro S.

Citation:BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 24(1) (no pagination), 2023. Article Number: 951. Date of Publication: December 2023.

Abstract:Introduction: A chronic Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is defined as an ATR that has been left untreated for more than four weeks following rupture. This systematic review aims to summarize the outcomes of chronic ATR treated using either a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap or semitendinosus tendon graft. Method(s): A systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane), for studies describing outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic ATR using gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps or semitendinosus tendon grafts with more than 10 patients included. The studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Methodological Items used to assess risk of bias in Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Result(s): Out of the 818 studies identified with the initial search, a total of 36 studies with 763 individual patients were included in this systematic review. Gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap was used in 21 and semitendinosus tendon graft was used in 13 of the studies. The mean (SD) postoperative Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) for patients treated with a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap was 83 (14) points and the mean (SD) American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was 96 (1.7) points compared with ATRS 88 (6.9) points and AOFAS 92 (5.6) points for patients treated with a semitendinosus tendon graft. The included studies generally had low-quality according to MINORS, with a median of 8 (range 2-13) for all studies. Conclusion(s): Both gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps and semitendinosus tendon grafts give acceptable results with minimal complications and are valid methods for treating chronic ATR. The main difference is more wound healing complications in patients treated with a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap and more sural nerve injuries in patients treated with a semitendinosus grafts. The current literature on the subject is of mainly low quality and the absence of a patient-related outcome measure validated for chronic ATR makes comparisons between studies difficult. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

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