Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty Research Articles

Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty in Haglund Disease: Surgical Technique, Clinical and Subjective Outcomes.

During the last decade, arthroscopic procedures have been replacing open techniques in Haglund disease treatment because of their considerable advantages. Endoscopic calcaneoplasty is a technique that allows resection of posterosuperior calcaneal exostosis and retrocalcaneal bursitis. The objective of this article was to describe this technique and report its clinical and subjective outcome. A retrospective study was performed of consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic Haglund resection surgery between July 2014 and March 2020 at a single academic institution. All patients were surveyed in person about the level of pain (visual analog scale), its location (central, lateral, medial or diffuse), its relation with rest, or physical activity. Clinical evaluation was assessed using the hindfoot scale designed by the American Orthopedics Foot & Ankle Society AOFAS. In this study, 14 endoscopic calcaneoplasties were performed in 14 patients, with an average follow-up of 40 months. The visual analog scale score improved from a preoperative average value of 9.07 to 1.8 after surgery (P > .0001). The AOFAS scale rose from 38.7 before surgery to 94.6 postoperative (P > .0001). Good subjective results were observed in 12 patients (85.7%), and all of them would have surgery again. There were no wound complications or infections. No patient required reoperation. In this relatively small cohort, we found that endoscopic calcaneoplasty was associated with good clinical and subjective results with few complications.

Haglund’s deformity: Clinical outcomes of endoscopic calcaneoplasty

Objective: Haglund’s deformity is characterized by a bony prominence of the calcaneus, leads to posterior heel pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. Endoscopic calcaneoplasty is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous advantages over conventional surgical methods. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 patients were diagnosed with Haglund’s deformity and underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty surgery in our clinic between June 2019 and January 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Pre-operative and post-operative parameters of patients with 6 months or more of follow-up were compared. The VAS was used for pain assessment, the AOFAS score for functional outcomes, and the length of bone deformity for radiological assessment. Results: Significant pain resolution was observed at the final follow-up compared to the preoperative period. The mean VAS score decreased from 6.77±1.3 pre-operatively to 1.62±1.12 post-operatively (p<0.001). The AOFAS score showed a significant increase from 61.23±7.7 preoperatively to 92.46±6.04 postoperatively (p<0.001). Bony hump length decreased significantly from 4.12±1.14 preoperatively to -2.29±1.56 postoperatively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty is a reliable method in Haglund’s deformity, that provides rapid recovery, early return to daily activities and sports, and a low complication rate.

Bi-portal Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty for Haglund's Deformity.

Introduction Haglund's deformity is an abnormal bony postero-superior calcaneal prominence which causes the posterior heel pain. Surgery is the choice of treatment after failed conservative management. Both open and endoscopic techniques are used to treat this condition. In this article, we discuss endoscopic calcaneoplasty for the management of such cases. Methods All included patients underwent bi-portal endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Clinical outcomes were assessed by using the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The radiological outcome was assessed by a change in the Fowler-Philip angle (FPA). All patients were followed at one month, three months,and six months postoperatively. Results A total of 22 patients were included in this prospective study. Patients were followed up to six months postoperatively. The mean VAS score was 6.32 ± 0.65 which was significantly reduced to 0.91 ± 0.68 (p < 0.001) at six months. Similarly, AOFAS Score was improved to 90.01 ± 2.67 (p < 0.001) from 64.36 ± 7.07 preoperatively. The mean Fowler Philip Angle was reduced from 72.45° ± 3.74° to 65.77° ± 2.25° at six months (p < 0.001). Conclusion Bi-portal endoscopic calcaneoplasty significantly improves clinical outcomes in Haglund's deformity.Compared to open procedures, bi-portal endoscopic calcaneoplasty offers several advantages, including shorter recovery times, smaller incisions, and better clinical results for Haglund's deformity.

Short-term results of endoscopic calcaneoplasty and retrocalcaneal bursectomy for insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Although open surgery has traditionally been used as a surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy, there is a possibility of serious complications (avulsion, scarring, contracture, sensory changes, and infection) due to the anatomical characteristics of the area. Endoscopic surgery has some advantages due to the smaller incision needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery in insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Twelve patients (15 feet) who underwent endoscopic surgery between 2015 and 2021 were included in this study. Clinical results were evaluated before and after surgery by visual analog scale (VAS) and, Ogilvie-Harris scores and complications. For radiological evaluation, the Fowler-Philip angle, and positive parallel pitch line were measured. VAS scores decreased from 7.6 preoperatively to 2.3 at the last postoperative follow-up, and Ogilvie-Harris values showed excellent results in 5 cases, good results in 8 cases, and fair results in 2 cases. In the radiographic results, there was no bone prominence above the Pavlov calcaneus pitch line in any case, and the Fowler-Philip angle decreased from an average of 57.5 degrees to 50.2 degrees. Only 1 patient underwent reoperation due to the recurrence of symptoms 33 months after the first surgery. After the second operation, the VAS score decreased to 3 points. No complications occurred. Endoscopic surgery is an effective and minimally invasive procedure, showing fewer complications and similar satisfaction as the open procedure. Therefore, it can be a good treatment option for patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy as it provides the patient with a quick return to daily life.

Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty in Haglund's Disease: Surgical Technique, Clinical and Subjective Outcomes

Category: Arthroscopy; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: During the last decade, arthroscopic procedures have been replacing open techniques in Haglund's disease treatment due to their considerable advantages. Endoscopic calcaneoplasty is a technique that allows resection of posterosuperior calcaneal exostosis and retrocalcaneal bursitis. The objective of this article is to describe this technique and report its clinical and subjective outcome. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in patients who underwent endoscopic surgery between July 2014 and March 2020. The patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated. All cases included were studied prior to the intervention and postoperative. All patients who did not show any clinical improvement after 6 months of conservative treatment were surgically treated with endoscopic treatment in the prone position through two posterior arthroscopic portals. Results: In this study, 14 endoscopic calcaneoplasties were performed in 14 patients, with an average follow-up of 40 months. The visual analog scale improved from a preoperative average value of 9.07 to 1.79 after surgery (p&gt; 0.0001). The AOFAS scale rose from 38.71 before surgery to 94.57 postoperative (p&gt; 0.0001). Good subjective results were observed in twelve patients ( 85.71%) and all of them would have surgery again. There were no wound complications or infections. No patient required reoperation. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment is a useful technique, with good clinical and subjective results and few complications, being a good alternative to open techniques.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty with gastrocnemius recession for Haglund's syndrome: Is it safe and effective? Results from a retrospective case series

BackgroundEndoscopic calcaneoplasty (ECP) and gastrocnemius recession (GR) are procedures that have been described to effectively treat Haglund’s deformity and insertional Achilles tendinopathy respectively. The purpose of our manuscript is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECP and GR with immediate weightbearing for the treatment of Haglund’s deformity with mild to moderate insertional Achilles tendinopathy. MethodsWe performed ECP coupled with GR on 14 patients with an average age of 52 years. All patients demonstrated < 50% tendinous degeneration on MRI. All were allowed weightbearing as tolerated in a CAM boot within the first post-operative week. AOFAS scores and plain film radiographic findings were collected pre-operatively and post-operatively. ResultsThe radiographic exam of the Fowler-Philip angle significantly improved from an average 60.1–40.7° (p < 0.001). The AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score significantly improved from an average 54.7–91.4 (p < 0.001). The average return to work was 7.5 weeks. There were two cases of temporary sural nerve paresthesia, and two cases of delayed wound healing. ConclusionsThis is the first mid-term study evaluating the outcomes of ECP with GR. The results of our study suggest that ECP with GR followed by immediate weightbearing is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of Haglund’s deformity and mild to moderate insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Satisfactory Functional Outcome and Significant Correlation with the Length of Haglund's Deformity after Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty: A Minimum 4-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background Haglund's syndrome is a posterosuperior calcaneal prominence with posterior heel pain causing functional disability to the patient. Operative treatment is indicated after failure of conservative measures and includes resection of the bony hump along with retrocalcaneal bursectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcome and degree of patient satisfaction after endoscopic resection of Haglund's deformity with assessment of correlation with the length of bony exostosis. Methods Seventeen patients (21 feet) with a mean age of 44.7 ± 5.1 years were included in this study. Six females and 11 males underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Clinical outcome evaluation included the assessment of the visual analog scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS). The preoperative and postoperative lengths of bony exostosis were measured radiologically. The paired t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the preoperative and final postoperative means. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean follow-up period was 56.4 ± 5.1 months. Statistically significant improvements in the preoperative mean of AOFAS (from 55.7 ± 9.3 to 94.3 ± 7.1) and VAS (from 8.1 ± 1.4 to 0.7 ± 1.04) at the final follow-up were noted (P < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant correlation between clinical scores (AOFAS and VAS) and the final postoperative length of the bone above parallel pitch lines (PPLs). The patients were satisfied and returned to their previous activities without reporting major morbidities except one patient who had mild pain with exertion. Conclusion Endoscopic calcaneoplasty is a safe, less invasive surgical procedure for the management of Haglund's syndrome after failure of conservative treatment. It provided a satisfactory clinical result without serious complications at a minimum 4-year follow-up.

Resection of Haglund’s deformity using the arthroscopic method with the three-portal technique

Introduction. Haglund?s deformity represents a reactive enlargement of the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus and often causes pain that can significantly disturb everyday activities. If the patient?s condition does not improve after six months of non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment could be taken into consideration. Although Haglund?s deformity is successfully treated by endoscopic calcaneoplasty with a two-portal technique, we decided to apply a slightly newer technique ? arthroscopic surgery with a three-portal technique. Case outline. A patient with clinically and radiographically confirmed Haglund?s deformity was operated on using arthroscopic calcaneoplasty with a three-portal technique. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and full weight-bearing was allowed after four weeks. A complete return to sports activities was allowed after four months. Conclusion. Arthroscopic calcaneoplasty with the three-portal technique proved to be a safe and costeffective surgical method in the treatment of Haglund?s deformity. There is still not enough data in the literature regarding this type of surgical treatment, but the good postoperative functional results are extremely encouraging since this surgical technique enables faster recovery and fewer postoperative complications.

Functional evaluation of patients undergoing endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund deformity

Objective: To analyze the functional outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic calcaneoplasty for the treatment of Haglund deformity. Methods: This study consists of a case series of patients undergoing endoscopic calcaneoplasty. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, was used to evaluate patients before and 12 months after the procedure, providing preoperative and postoperative scores. Results: Nineteen patients were evaluated for a total of 24 endoscopic calcaneoplasties. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale provided a mean preoperative score of 31.4 and a mean postoperative score of 93.3, which shows a significantly increased score after surgery. The mean patient age was 52 years, and the youngest patient was 25 years old and the oldest patient was 73 years old. However, no significant relationship was found between age and change in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score. No complications were observed in the immediate or late postoperative periods. Conclusion: Arthroscopic resection is efficient in the treatment of Haglund deformity given the significant improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score observed after the procedure. Also, no postoperative complications were seen in patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. Level of Evidence: IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case series.

Endoscopic SpeedBridge Procedure for the Treatment for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: The Snake Technique

Surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy is indicated in case of failure of conservative therapy. A choice is then made within a large spectrum of procedures from minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic calcaneoplasty to more invasive procedures, such as dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy. Isolated calcaneoplasties can lead to poor results in cases of pre-existing Achilles tendon lesions; in these cases the tendon disinsertion is justified. In this context, we describe an endoscopic treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Open Versus Endoscopic Osteotomy of Posterosuperior Calcaneal Tuberosity for Haglund Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background:Although endoscopic calcaneoplasty and retrocalcaneal debridement have been extensively applied to treat Haglund syndrome, evidence of the value of the endoscopic procedure remains to be fully established.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative outcomes and the amount of osteotomy between open and endoscopic surgery for the treatment of Haglund syndrome. It was hypothesized that endoscopic calcaneoplasty would lead to higher patient satisfaction and lower complication rates compared with open surgical techniques.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The following postoperative outcomes were compared between the open surgery group (n = 20) and the endoscopic surgery group (n = 27): visual analog scale for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, Foot Function Index, Tegner score, Ankle Activity Score, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; postoperative complications; and duration of surgery. To determine the extent of resection, the authors compared the calcaneal height ratio, calcaneal resection ratio, calcaneal resection angle, pitch line, and Haglund deformity height between groups. The learning curve for endoscopic calcaneoplasty was also calculated.Results:There were no significant differences between the open and endoscopic groups on any outcome score. Two patients in the open group reported temporary paresthesia around the incisional site, indicating sural nerve injuries; no complication was reported in the endoscopy group. None of the parameters for extent of resection were statistically significant between the groups. The duration of surgery was 44.90 ± 10.52 and 65.39 ± 11.12 minutes in the open and endoscopy groups, respectively (P = .001). Regarding the learning curve for endoscopic calcaneoplasty (6 surgeons; 27 follow-up patients; 9 patients lost to follow-up), the duration of surgery reached a steady point of 55.68 ± 4.19 minutes after the fourth operation.Conclusion:The results of this study indicated that the endoscopy procedure was as effective as the open procedure. The endoscopic procedure required significantly more time than the open procedure, and the duration of the endoscopic procedure was shortened only after the fourth operation, suggesting that it requires high technical skills and familiarity with the anatomic relationships.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty for the treatment of Haglund's deformity provides better clinical functional outcomes, lower complication rate, and shorter recovery time compared to open procedures: a systematic review.

The aim of this research is to report the clinical outcome following surgical correction of Haglund's deformity summarising different surgical strategies and comparing clinical outcomes, failures, complications and return to activities of patients underwent open and endoscopic techniques. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using eight different databases. Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 1260 ankles of 1147 patients were grouped in accordance with the surgical approach (open, endoscopic, or percutaneous). The overall mean age was 44.8 ± 8.2 (range 14.9-82) years with a mean follow-up of 30.9 ± 17.1 (range 3-132) months. Analysis of clinical outcomes of open and endoscopic techniques demonstrated significant differences of AOFAS (87.1 ± 5.9 versus 90.7 ± 4.2 points; P < 0.001), complications (15.5% versus 4.1%; P < 0.001), failures (6.0% versus 1.2%; P < 0.001), time to return to daily activities (17.2 ± 9.3 versus 6.3 ± 1.0weeks; P < 0.001) and time to return to sport (20.7 ± 3.3 versus 11.9 ± 0.3weeks; P < 0.001) in the studies that reported these specific outcome measures. Surgical correction of Haglund's deformity provides overall good clinical results and high subjective satisfaction. Endoscopic procedures demonstrated better final AOFAS, a lower rate of complications and failures, and shorter recovery time when compared to open techniques. Level IV.

Transtendinous approach calcaneoplasty versus endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's disease.

In this study, we performed a comparison between open calcaneoplasty through transtendinous approach and endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's disease. A retrospective review was performed of patients who had undergone either a calcaneoplasty with transtendinous approach or endoscopic for Haglund's disease from three centres. Inclusion criteria were patients with Haglund's disease confirmed radiographically, neutral alignment of the hindfoot and at least one year of follow-up. Patients were excluded in case of ipsilateral ankle osteoarthritis or other neighbouring joints, previous foot surgery, hindfoot malalignment and marked calcific insertional Achilles tendinosis. A chart review was performed to collect demographic data, including age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Functional outcome analysis included the Foot Function Index, AOFAS score and VAS for pain pre-operatively and post-operatively at the last follow-up. This patient-reported outcome scores were used in the native language of each patient (Italian). Clinical and functional outcomes were collected from 54 patients (28 heels treated by open technique and 26 heels treated by endoscopic technique). In the open group, the AOFAS score improved from a pre-operative value of 65.67 ± 10.09 points to a value of 91.78 ± 9.67 points at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). In the endoscopic group, the AOFAS score improved from a pre-operative value of 66.69 ± 7.19 points to a value of 93.69 points ± 10.04 at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). The VAS and the FFI (Disability and Pain) scores were also improved significantly in both groups at the final follow-up evaluation (P < 0.001). Comparing the final follow-up post-operative clinical scores between the two groups, there was no difference in the AOFAS, VAS or the FFI scores between the two groups. No major complications were recorded, except for one Achilles tendon tear after open calcaneoplasty. The satisfaction rate was similar for both techniques. Both techniques provided good clinical outcomes with a low rate of complications.

High patient satisfaction and good long-term functional outcome after endoscopic calcaneoplasty in patients with retrocalcaneal bursitis

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to determine the degree of patient satisfaction at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up after endoscopic calcaneoplasty. The secondary objectives were to assess functional outcome measures, pain scores, analysis of bone removal, reformation of exostosis at follow-up and correlation of the size of the exostosis and recurrent or persisting complaints.MethodsThis study evaluated patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty, between January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2010, for the diagnosis of retrocalcaneal bursitis. The evaluation consisted of PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures), a questionnaire and a visit to the outpatient clinic for physical examination and a standard lateral weight-bearing radiograph of the ankle. Patient satisfaction, functional outcomes and pain scores were measured by use of a numeric rating scale (NRS). Size of the posterosuperior calcaneal exostosis was measured on a standard lateral weight-bearing radiograph using parallel pitch lines (PPL) and the Fowler–Philip angle (PFA).ResultsThe response rate was 28 out of 55 (51%) and the median time to follow-up was 101(IQR 88.5–131.8) months. The median satisfaction score for treatment results was 8.5 out of 10 (IQR 6–10). FAOS symptoms 84.5 (IQR 58.0–96.4), FAOS pain 90.3 (IQR 45.1–100.0), FAOS ADL 94.9 (IQR 58.1–100.0), FAOS sport 90.0 (IQR 36.3–100.0) and FAOS QOL 71.9 (IQR 37.5–93.8) and median AOFAS was 100 (IQR 89–100). The median PLL difference between before operation and 2 weeks after the operation was − 4 mm (IQR-6 and -1) and the median PLL difference between 2 weeks after the operation and at follow-up was 1 mm (0–2). The median PFA was 65 (63–69) at baseline, 66.5 (60.8–70.3) 2 weeks after the operation and 64 (60.8–65.3) at follow-up.ConclusionDespite the limited response rate, this study shows high patient satisfaction and good long-term functional outcome in patients affected by retrocalcaneal bursitis who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty.Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Functional follow-up after endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's deformity using the biodex isokinetic muscle testing system: A case series.

Isokinetic muscle strength test implemented by the Biodex system is a method used for evaluating muscle function that has been applied clinically in the field of sports and rehabilitation medicine. However, information on its application on Haglund's deformity remain insufficient. Therefore, the present study examined the effectiveness of the muscle strength test using the Biodex system in evaluating the recovery of athletic capacity in patients with Haglund's deformity following endoscopic surgery. In total, 34 patients treated by the authors from June 2012 to November 2018 at Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China) were included. To compare muscle strength before surgery, then 3 and 6 months after surgery, using the uninjured side as the control, the Biodex system test was conducted in parallel to the collection of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score values and visual analog scale scores. The Biodex system test results showed that Haglund's deformity mainly hinders plantar flexion strength. Patients recovered daily living capacity within 3 months and athletic capacity within 6 months following surgery, which matched the AOFAS values, VAS scores and the self-assessments of the patients. These findings suggest that the Biodex system can dynamically reflect the degree of postoperative recovery in Haglund's deformity.

Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty in an Elite Runner

Haglund’s syndrome is a triad of postero-superior calcaneal prominence, retro-calcaneal bursitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Endoscopic treatment of patients with this triad allows for earlier weight bearing, direct visualization of the Achilles insertion and less soft tissue disruption. In addition, it allows excellent visualization of the pathology. We report a case of an elite runner that underwent Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty done in the prone position. Prospective analysis of his performance before and after the surgical intervention as well as post-operative rehabilitation is detailed. Prone positioning allows for easier accessto the Haglund’s deformity, a more logical view on the monitor and a more ergonomic hand position.

Autologous bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) indications for endoscopic treatment of Haglund’s syndrome

Surgical treatment in Haglund’s deformity involves removal of the dorsolateral part of the calcaneus up to the insertion of the Achilles tendon and the inflamed retrocalcaneal bursa. Traditionally treated with open surgery, after failure of the conservative treatment, there is increasing interest in a more minimally invasive approach to reduce complications and improve the rate and ease of recovery. The poor results of open surgical treatment may be due to incorrect indication for surgery, incomplete or aggressive bone resection, fibrosis, chronic tendinopathy, painful scars and numbness in the heel. The minimally invasive surgical technique by an endoscopic calcaneoplasty (ECP) could be an option to overcome some of these problems. The endoscopic technique include: patient prone, peripheral anesthesia, standard instruments. We have used the autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (MSCs) obtained from iliac crest for severe Achilles tendonosis. The purpose of our study was to describe management of Haglund’s Syndrome, evaluate the effectiveness of a minimally invasive procedure, demonstrating the validity as well in the revisions of the open treatments in athletes. Adequate relief of symptoms is considered to be dependant on removing any osseous irritation to the Achilles insertion (bone resection), fibrolysis and using autologous bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for severe Achilles tendonosis.

Biomechanical Comparison of Achilles Tendon Pullout Strength Following Midline Tendon-Splitting and Endoscopic Approaches for Calcaneoplasty.

Calcaneoplasty is a common procedure performed for the management of Haglund's syndrome when nonoperative management fails. Midline tendon-splitting and endoscopy are 2 common approaches to calcaneoplasty. Studies have suggested that an endoscopic approach may allow earlier return to activity and superior outcomes, but there are no biomechanical or clinical studies to validate these claims. The goal of this study was to quantify and compare Achilles tendon pullout strength following midline tendon-splitting and endoscopic calcaneoplasty in cadaveric specimens. Twelve match-paired cadaveric specimens were randomly divided into 2 groups: endoscopic and midline tendon-split. Following calcaneoplasty, fluoroscopy was used to match bone resection and the Achilles was loaded to failure in a mechanical testing system. A paired-samples t test was conducted to compare bone resection height, bone resection angle, load to failure, and mode of failure. The endoscopic approach yielded a 204% greater postsurgical pullout strength for the Achilles tendon than the midline tendon-split (1368 ± 370 N vs 450 ± 192 N, respectively) (P < .05). There were no differences in resection angle or resection height. All specimens failed due to bone or tendon avulsion. Endoscopic calcaneoplasty had more than 3 times greater pullout strength than the midline tendon-splitting approach. This may allow earlier return to functional rehabilitation following endoscopic calcaneoplasty, but further studies are needed to determine if these differences are clinically significant. Further understanding of the time-zero biomechanics following calcaneoplasty may provide guidance regarding postoperative management with respect to surgical approach.

Biomechanical Comparative Study of Postoperative Achilles Pull-out Strength After Open Versus

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The risk of Achilles avulsion is the limiting factor in return to full weight bearing and early activity following calcaneoplasty for Haglund’s syndrome. The most commonly performed surgical procedure is an open calcaneoplasty through a posterior approach. Another option is an endoscopic decompression, which theoretically causes less disruption of the Achilles insertion, and allows a more rapid return to full weight bearing and activity. Despite this potential benefit no study has assessed the difference in Achilles tendon pull-out strength after open versus endoscopic techniques. The purpose of this study was to investigate those changes in a cadaveric model and provide objective data upon which to base postoperative recovery. Methods: Six matched pairs of cadaveric specimens(mid-tibia to toes) were randomly divided into two surgical groups.Group#1 was treated with an endoscopic decompression under fluoroscopic guidance using a 4 mm burr.Group#2 was treated with a traditional calcaneoplasty through a posterior approach using a microsaggital saw.The Achilles was repaired back to the calcaneus with two nonsabsorbable suture anchors in Group #2.Fouroscopic guidance was used to exactly match the amount of bone removed from each matched pair.Pre and post procedure true lateral x-rays were obtained in both groups to quantify bone loss.These radiographic images were imported into Matlab computational software(MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA) for digital analysis. The distal aspect of each calcaneus was potted and held at a 20 degree angle.The Achilles tendon was secured in a freeze-clamp, which was attached to a mechanical testing system. Specimens were then loaded to failure. Outcome measures include: Height of bony resection, angle of bone resection and load to failure. Results: To date our results show significantly higher pullout forces in specimens that had an endoscopic calcaneoplasty (average failure load: 1368 ±445 N) compared to those that received an open surgical procedure (450±184 N), p&lt;0.05. On average, the endoscopic technique had a 204% greater pull out strength compared to the open cohort. The calcaneal resection angle (37 degrees vs 39 degrees, p=.6) and the height of bony resection (49% vs 51%, p=.39) were not statistically significant between the open and endoscopic techniques. Conclusion: This study describes the first biomechanical comparison of Achilles pull-out-strength between open and endoscopic calcaneoplasty.The endoscopic-technique had 204%greater pull-out-strength compared to the open-technique.Even though equal amounts of bone were resected in each technique, the open-technique requires more disruption of the Achilles insertion to accommodate the saw.This marked difference in pull-out-strength demonstrates the vulnerability of the Achilles insertion following open treatment.Our results support protected weight-bearing and cautious return to activity following open surgery. Also an endoscopic-technique results in significantly increased post-surgical mechanical strength compared to an open-technique. Therefore, earlier weight-bearing and return to activity may be warranted after endoscopic calcaneoplasty.

Endoscopic Achilles Tendon Augmentation With Suture Anchors After Calcaneal Exostectomy in Haglund Syndrome.

Haglund syndrome is a common cause of heel pain. Risk for tendon detachment after calcaneoplasty can exist. Open Achilles tendon detachment, calcaneoplasty, bursectomy, pathologic tendon-tissue debridement, and tendon reattachment of the Achilles tendon is a common surgical management of Haglund syndrome combined with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic calcaneoplasty and anchor suture augmentation of the Achilles insertional area, and the results obtained in patients with an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture after calcaneoplasty. Between 2012 and 2015, endoscopic calcaneal ostectomy and suture anchor augmentation was performed in 12 patients. Mean age was 44.8 years (range, 35-52 years), and mean follow-up was of 33.5 months (range, 21-46 months). The mean AOFAS score increased from 70 preoperatively (range, 55-85) to 92 (range, 63-100) at final follow-up. The mean VISA-A questionnaire increased from 34 preoperatively (range, 15-63) to 92 (range, 30-100) at follow-up. No major complications were reported. All patients returned to their daily activities without limitations, but 2 described complaints with sports activity. Endoscopic calcaneoplasty and tendon augmentation with suture anchor for the treatment of Haglund syndrome was a reproducible and safe technique that offered the advantages of the endoscopic technique. Level IV, retrospective case series.