Endoscopic calcaneoplasty

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty offers access to the retro-calcaneal space, there by making it possible to remove inflamed retrocalcaneal bursa as well as th e posterosuperior part of the calcaneus in applicable cases of painful hind foot. In this study, endoscopic calcaneoplasty was performed in 21 procedur es in 20 patients. All of the patients had typical complaints of inflammati on of the retrocalcaneal bursa that were unresponsive to nonoperative treat ment for more than 6 months. In all patients a superior calcaneal angle of more than 75 degrees and positive parallel pitch lines were present on the lateral calcaneal radiograph. The mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range, 2 to 6.5). There were no surgical complications and no postoperative infections . One patient had a fair result, 4 patients had good results, and the remai ning 15 patients had excellent results. Whether this operation is performed by endoscopic or open technique, enough bone must be removed to prevent im pingement of the bursa between the calcaneus and Achilles tendon. Endoscopi c calcaneoplasty is a minimally invasive technique performed in an outpatie nt setting and combined with a functional rehabilitation program. The proce dure has low morbidity. Patients have a short recovery time and quickly res ume work and sports.