Purpose: Insertional calcific Achilles tendinosis is a painful, frequently disabling, condition. The longitudinal and radial alignment of the angiosomes of the posterior region of the leg makes a straight posterior midline approach logical. The safety of the posterior midline approach and the outcome of a central tendon splitting approach associated with a Strayer procedure to treat this condition was evaluated.

Method: A retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of a single surgeon was performed. All patients had failed conservative treatment and all patients were primary cases. Forty-seven patients (48 heels) were treated over a 11-year period for chronic insertional Achilles tendinosis. All patients underwent a midline posterior splitting approach, debridment of the bursae, resection of the haglund deformity, partial Achilles detachment, debridement, reinsertion with bone anchor associated with a proximal gatrocnemius recession (strayer procedure) through a second midline incision. The average age was 59 years old (39–75), co-morbidities included four smokers and one diabetic patient. The average followup was 54 months (15–144). All patients answered pre-op and latest follow up AOFAS questionnaire, satisfaction rate and complications were reviewed.

Results: Satisfaction rate was 100%. AOFAS score improved significantly from 59 (36–80) preop to 97 (90–100) at the latest follow-up. Complications included one superficial infection and one sural nerve paresthesia. There were no major complications.

Conclusion: Achilles insertional tendinopathy treated by a posterior midline approach is a safe and reliable procedure. The procedure was associated with high patient satisfaction rate and excellent outcome.