Surgical treatment of chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy in runners using bipolar radiofrequency

Abstract

ObjectiveTo present the surgical technique with release of peritendon and radiofrequency as an effective treatment for athletes with chronic tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon body. Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective case series descriptive type study. The series consists of 17 Achilles tendon surgeries in 13 patients, who habitually run. The study included patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy refractory to conservative treatments. After a minimum follow-up of 12 months, clinical improvement of the athletes was assessed using the Nirschl pain scale, as well as athletic performance. ResultsAn improvement was obtained in 94% of symptoms and a return to the previous performance in 70% of cases in the 12 months follow-up. DiscussionPeritendon release combined with bipolar radiofrequency is presented as an effective solution in this condition, for which there is currently no consensus on the best treatment. In patients in whom the non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy persists after an appropriate conservative treatment for a sufficient period (at least 6 months), open adhesiolysis combined with bipolar radiofrequency is a safe and with a high success rate clinical and functional intervention. In high performance athletes this technique allows a return to previous activity in a high percentage of cases.