This is a prospective analysis on 30 physically
active individuals with a mean age of 48.9 years (35 to 64) with chronic
insertional tendinopathy of the tendo Achillis. Using a transverse
incision, the tendon was debrided and an osteotomy of the posterosuperior
corner of the calcaneus was performed in all patients. At a minimum
post-operative follow-up of three years, the Victorian Institute
of Sports Assessment scale – Achilles tendon scores were significantly
improved compared to the baseline status. In two patients a superficial
infection of the wound developed which resolved on antibiotics.
There were no other wound complications, no nerve related complications,
and no secondary avulsions of the tendo Achillis. In all, 26 patients
had returned to their pre-injury level of activity and the remaining
four modified their sporting activity. At the last appointment,
the mean pain threshold and the mean post-operative tenderness were
also significantly improved from the baseline (p <
0.001). In patients
with insertional tendo Achillis a transverse incision allows a wide
exposure and adequate debridement of the tendo Achillis insertion,
less soft-tissue injury from aggressive retraction and a safe osteotomy
of the posterosuperior corner of the calcaneum.