Aim. To describe a 2-stage treatment pathway for managing neuropathic forefoot ulcers and the safety and efficacy of percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) in out-patient clinics. Methods. Forefoot ulcers in patients with diabetic neuropathy are a result of factors that result in increased forefoot plantar pressure. Plantar flexed metatarsal heads secondary to progressive claw toe deformity and hindfoot equinus from changes within the gastrocnemius-soleus-tendo-Achilles complex, with additional contraction of tibialis posterior and peroneal longus, secondary to motor neuropathy results in progressive increase in forefoot plantar pressures. Consecutive patients, who presented to our Diabetic Foot clinic since February 2019 with forefoot ulcers or recurrent forefoot callosity were treated with TAL in the first instance, and in patients with recurrent or non-healing ulcers, by proximal dorsal closing wedge osteotomy; a 2-stage treatment pathway. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess ulcer healing and recurrence. Results. One hundred and twelve patients (146 feet) underwent TAL by 3 consultants in the out-patient clinics. Of these, 96 feet were followed for a minimum of 12 months (range 12–36 months). None had infection or wound related problems at the tenotomy sites; complete transection of the tendon was noted in 4 patients (4%) and one-patient developed heel callosity suggestive of over-lengthening. In 92 feet (96%), the ulcers healed within 10 weeks (± 4 weeks). Additional z-lengthening of peroneal longus and tibialis posterior tendons helped in patients with big-toe and 5. th. metatarsal head ulcers. In 12 feet (10%), the ulcer failed to heal or recurred, the MRI scan in these patients showed plantar flexed metatarsals secondary to progressive claw toe deformity. The ulcer in this group healed after surgical offloading with proximal dorsal closing wedge osteotomy. In patients with osteomyelitis, the intramedullary canal was curetted and filled with local antibiotic eluting agents such as Cerament G. ®. The osteotomy site was stabilised with a percutaneous 1.6mm k-wire. Conclusion. The described 2-stage treatment pathway results in long-term healing of neuropathic forefoot ulcers, and in 96% of patients, the ulcer healed after out-patient percutaneous TAL alone. TAL is a safe and effective initial out-patient procedure with improved patient outcomes

Abstract. The aim is to describe the safety and efficacy of TAL in out-patient clinics when managing diabetic forefoot ulcers. Patients and Methods. Consecutive patients, who underwent TAL and had minimum 12m follow-up were analysed. Forceful dorsiflexion of ankle was avoided and patients were encouraged to walk in Total contact cast for 6-weeks and further 4-weeks in walking boot. Results. 142 feet in 126 patients underwent this procedure and 86 feet had minimum follow-up of 12m. None had wound related problems. Complete transection of the tendon was noted in 3 patients and one-patient developed callosity under the heel. Ulcers healed in 82 feet (96%) within 10 weeks however in 12 feet (10%), the ulcer recurred or failed to heal. MRI showed plantar flexed metatarsals with joint subluxation. The ulcer in this subgroup healed following proximal dorsal closing wedge osteotomy. Conclusion. Tightness of gastroc-soleus-Achilles complex and subluxed MTP joint from soft tissue changes due to motor neuropathy result in increased forefoot plantar pressures. A 2-stage approach as described result in long-term healing of forefoot ulcers, and in 96% of patients, the ulcer healed following TAL alone. TAL is a safe and effective out-patient procedure with improved patient satisfaction outcomes