Which procedure lengthens the Achilles tendon by Z-lengthening?

Which procedure lengthens the Achilles tendon by Z-lengthening?

• A. Z-lengthening TAL
• B. Double/triple hemisection TAL
• C. Gastrocnemius recession
• D. Plantar fascia release

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how to increase the Achilles tendon length using a specific incision pattern. A Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon creates a Z-shaped cut in the tendon and then reattaches the ends with more distance between them, effectively lengthening the tendon. This direct surgical method is what produces a controlled pull-out to allow more ankle dorsiflexion. Other options involve different approaches: lengthening the gastrocnemius (gastrocnemius recession) changes the proximal muscle-tendon unit rather than the Achilles tendon itself; releasing the plantar fascia addresses the foot’s soft tissue without affecting the Achilles; and a double or triple hemisection TAL lengthens the tendon, but it does so with partial cuts rather than a Z-shaped incision. So the procedure that lengthens the Achilles tendon by the Z-lengthening pattern is the Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon.

The key idea is how to increase the Achilles tendon length using a specific incision pattern. A Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon creates a Z-shaped cut in the tendon and then reattaches the ends with more distance between them, effectively lengthening the tendon. This direct surgical method is what produces a controlled pull-out to allow more ankle dorsiflexion.

Other options involve different approaches: lengthening the gastrocnemius (gastrocnemius recession) changes the proximal muscle-tendon unit rather than the Achilles tendon itself; releasing the plantar fascia addresses the foot’s soft tissue without affecting the Achilles; and a double or triple hemisection TAL lengthens the tendon, but it does so with partial cuts rather than a Z-shaped incision. So the procedure that lengthens the Achilles tendon by the Z-lengthening pattern is the Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon.