Endoscopic treatment of chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: novel technique with short-term results

Abstract

In this prospective study, we present the short-term clinical results of a novel endoscopic surgical technique for patients suffering from chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Eight consecutive patients (seven men and one woman, mean age 52 years) diagnosed with chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were included in this study and were treated with endoscopic debridement of the ventral neovascularized area, the peritendineum and the Achilles tendon. Patients recorded the function of the Achilles tendon and the severity of Achilles tendon pain during tendon loading activity, pre and postoperatively in a visual analogue scale. Patient global satisfaction was also assessed in a similar manner. Patients were followed-up for 6 months. All patients experienced immediate postoperative pain relief. In terms of Achilles tendon pain, the median visual analogue score (VAS) increased from 40 (10-60) (preoperatively) to 97.5 (85-100) (last follow-up examination). In terms of Achilles tendon function, the median VAS increased from 22.5 (0-30) (preoperatively) to 90 (80-95) (last follow-up examination). In terms of global satisfaction, the median VAS in the last follow-up examination was 85 (70-95). No postoperative complications were recorded. In conclusion, the short-term clinical results were satisfactory.