Purpose of the study
We reviewed a series of 52 cases of chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated s
urgically by release of the fascia cruris, resection of peritendon, longitu
dinal incision of the tendon and occasional excision of intratendinous lesi
ons.
Materials and methods
The mean course prior to surgery was about 18 months. Twenty-six patients p
racticed sports. Complaints were bilateral in 12 cases. Pain was always pre
sent. Ultrasound exploration evidenced paratendinitis (n = 21), tendinosis
(n = 22) and paratendinitis with tendinosis (n = 9) (Puddu classification).
Patients were reviewed after a minimal 2-year follow-up. Results were asse
ssed on the basis of clinical findings.
Results
Mean follow-up was 5 years 6 months. Twenty-nine patients were free of pain
. The range of motion was normal in 48 cases and 29 patients resumed sports
activities at the same level as prior to surgery. Outcome was very good in
29 patients, good in 14 average in 6 and poor in 3.
Discussion
Stiffness of the tibio-tarsal joint can be avoided by proper mobilization.
Outcome appears to be better in middle-aged patients. Poor outcome is close
ly related to amyotrphy. The presence of a foot deformity does not appear t
o have an unfavorable influence on outcome. The Achilles tendon must not be
infiltrated. Ultrasound is highly contributive, but MRI provides a more ac
curate analysis.
Conclusion
Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathies can be proposed when
conservative treatment has been unsuccessful. Outcome is better in young ac
tive patients and in cases where paratendinitis predominates.