Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession Research Articles

A Retrospective Comparative Study of Endoscopic Treatment of Gastrocnemius Contracture using the Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession using the self-developed Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit. Materials and Methods: This retrospective review followed up 22 patients (34 feet) who underwent endoscopic surgery and 20 patients (30 feet) who received open surgery between January 2020 and January 2022. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Postoperative complications were recorded. Patient satisfaction was surveyed at the last follow-up. The comparison between quantitative data was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The comparison between qualitative data was analyzed with the chi-square test. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The AOFAS score in the endoscopic group increased from 50 (18) points preoperatively to 90 (13) points at the last follow-up; the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle increased from -7.7 (2.8) degrees to 10.6 (3.6) degrees. The AOFAS score in the open group improved from 47 (15) points preoperatively to 90 (18) points at the last follow-up; the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle increased from -7.6 (4.0) degrees to 10.7 (3.3) degrees. The change values of the AOFAS scores in the endoscopic and open groups were 39 (15) and 40.5 (11) points, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them. The change values of the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angles in the endoscopic and open groups were 19.5 (4.3) and 19.1 (4.9) degrees, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them. There were no complications, such as sural nerve injury, in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Conclusions: Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession using the Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit can significantly improve the foot function with significant mid-term efficacy and high safety.

Radiofrequency Plantar Fascia Coblation With and Without Gastrocnemius Recession in the Management of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Although most are self-limiting, recalcitrant conditions can be debilitating, significantly reducing patient's quality of life. A myriad of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (RPF) with little consensus on best practice. This purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency coblation with and without gastrocnemius release on the surgical management of RPF. Between June 2013 and June 2019, a total of 128 patients with RPF and tight gastrocnemius were treated surgically. Presence of tight gastrocnemius was assessed clinically by a positive Silfverskiold test. Group A (n = 73) consisted of patients who underwent radiofrequency coblation alone; group B (n = 55) consisted of patients who underwent radiofrequency coblation and endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. The primary outcome measure was visual analog scale (VAS) score. Secondary outcome measures included (1) American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score; (2) physical (PCS) and mental component summaries (MCS) of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; (3) overall assessment of improvement, expectation fulfilment, and satisfaction; and (4) complication rates. Both groups reported significant improvement in VAS, AOFAS, and PCS scores postoperatively at 6 and 24 months. Group B (radiofrequency coblation with gastrocnemius recession) was associated with better VAS at both 6 months (3.0 ± 2.9 vs 1.7 ± 2.6, P < .05) and 24 months postoperatively (1.9 ± 3.1 vs 0.8 ± 2.0, P < .05) compared with group A (radiofrequency coblation without gastrocnemius recession). At 24 months postoperatively, no differences were found in AOFAS, PCS, MCS scores, expectation fulfilment, or overall satisfaction. No wound complications were reported in either group. One patient (group B) has persistent symptoms consistent with tarsal tunnel syndrome. In this retrospective cohort comparative study, treatment of RPF with radiofrequency coblation alone was associated with slightly inferior results than radiofrequency coblation combined with endoscopic gastrocnemius recession in terms of pain relief without an increase in complication rates. However, at 2 years, we did not find a significant difference in other measures of outcome. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Surgical Anatomy of the Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession

The objective of this investigation was to analyze the surgical anatomy of the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedure with reference to the curved nature of the aponeurosis. A consecutive series of 34 magnetic resonance imaging scans were evaluated under the direction of a musculoskeletal radiologist. An angular calculation of the effective curvature of the aponeurosis was measured 2 cm distal to the musculotendinous junction based on the maximal posterior excursion and terminal medial and lateral edges. A frequency count was additionally performed of the number of deep intramuscular septa extending from the aponeurosis, as well as a description of the location of the neurovascular bundle in this location. The mean effective curvature was 126.5 degrees (standard deviation [SD]=6.3 degrees, range 115-143 degrees, 95% confidence interval 124.3-128.7 degrees). We observed an average of 1.2 (SD=0.5, range=0-2) deep intramuscular septa extending from the aponeurosis, and that 20.6% of neurovascular bundles were located superficial to the aponeurosis in this location. In conclusion, we found that a straight cannula needs to be navigated around an approximate 125-degree angle during performance of the EGR procedure. We think that this information provides evidence of potentially unrecognized complications of this procedure and leads to future investigations demonstrating anatomic and procedural outcomes.

Comparative Outcomes and Complications of Open versus Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

Category:OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Both open and endoscopic gastrocnemius recession are commonly used for treatment of gastrosoleus contracture, however; there was a paucity of evidence in literatures to compare post-operative outcomes between the two techniques. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes and complications between open and endoscopic techniques.Methods:A prospective, randomized collected data of 53 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with gastrosoleus contracture and underwent either open (26 patients) or endoscopic (27 patients) gastrocnemius recession between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcome was ankle dorsiflexion and secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF- 36), FAAM, plantarflexion weakness, operative times, and complications.Results:There were 53 patients with mean age of 49.1 years, mean BMI of 26.5 kg/m2, and mean follow-up of 11.5 months. Both techniques demonstrated significant improvement of ankle dorsiflexion (12.1 vs 11.3 degrees, p<0.001) and all functional outcomes (FAAM, SF-36, and VAS (p<0.001 all)); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups, (p>0.05 all). In addition, there were significant shorter operative times in endoscopic technique (7.3 vs 18.7 minutes, p<0.01). Complications included wound complications (3.8 vs 0%), painful scar (7.7 vs 0%), sural nerve injury (3.8 vs 0%), and plantarflexion weakness (3.8 vs 3.8%) for open and endoscopic techniques respectively.Conclusion:Both open and endoscopic techniques were demonstrated significant improvement of post-operative outcomes as measured with ankle dorsiflexion, FAAM, SF-36, and VAS. Although the post-operative outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups, the endoscopic technique demonstrated lesser complications and shorter operative times.

Outcomes and Incidence of Complications Following Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Equinus contracture of the ankle can lead to a multitude of foot and ankle pathologies. The gastrocnemius recession has been used to address equinus deformity via various methods, including either an open or an endoscopic approach. Open techniques require increased intraoperative time and complication risks of sural nerve injury, wound complications, and poor cosmesis. Resultantly, the aim of the current study is to review the complications and outcomes of the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. Methods: A systematic review of electronic databases was performed. The authors compiled data from retrospective and prospective patient studies including general patient demographics, outcomes, qualitative scoring measures, complications, and surgical technique. Results: Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria. A total of 697 feet in 627 patients were included in the current systematic review. The weighted mean age was 45.3 years and weighted mean follow-up was 18.4 months. The most common indication for an endoscopic gastrocnemius recession was equinus contracture. The weighted mean preoperative ankle range of motion was -2.3° and the weighted postoperative ankle range of motion was 10.9°. The most common complications included plantarflexion weakness of the ankle at 3.5%, a sural nerve injury of 3.0% and wound complication rate was 1.0% with no deep infection. The overall complication rate was 7.5%. Conclusion: The endoscopic gastrocnemius recession is a valuable surgical tool in the treatment of ankle equinus. The endoscopic approach has satisfactory outcomes including low incidence of plantarflexion weakness and sural neuritis. Patients should be counseled on these risks preoperatively. Compared with previously reported systematic review of the open technique, the endoscopic approach has a lower overall incidence of complications. Prospective clinical trials comparing open and endoscopic techniques are warranted.Levels of Evidence: Level IV.

Clinical Tip: Modified Uniportal Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for Treatment of Gastrocnemius Equinus Contracture

Gastrocnemius recession was first described by Vulpius and Stoffel in 1913 for gastrocnemius equinus contracture. Equinus contracture alters the biomechanics of the foot–ankle complex and affects other musculotendinous and ligamentous constrains in the ankle, contributing to many foot and ankle pathologies. The commonly used Strayer's technique has been modified, with the use of endoscopic approaches, to try to reduce the poor cosmesis and reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury to the sural nerve. This article aims to describe a simple uniportal technique that uses readily available arthroscopic instruments to perform endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions (EGRs). The leg is prepped and draped with a rolled towel under the lateral malleolus. A 10 mm incision is made over this point. The dissection is carried bluntly to the gastrocnemius aponeurosis. The fascia is opened and a McDonald or Freer elevator is introduced between the aponeurosis and the fascia of the soleus. A 4.0 mm 30° arthroscope is inserted beneath the elevator. A half-pipe (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen) is introduced over the scope which protects the sural nerve. The length of the aponeurosis is identified from proximal to distal. At this point, the sural nerve may be visualized at the end of the pipe. A triangle knife (Smith and Nephew, Andover, MA, USA) is then introduced with the sharp edge facing the half-pipe. The knife is then flipped 180° and tension is applied to the aponeurosis by dorsiflexing the foot. The aponeurosis is then released under direct arthroscopic vision. Chua KH, Yeap EJ, Chong KW, et al. Clinical Tip: Modified Uniportal Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for Treatment of Gastrocnemius Equinus Contracture. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia Pacific) 2020;7(1):28–31.

Comparison of the Complication Incidence in Open Versus Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession: A Retrospective Medical Record Review

Gastrocnemius recession is a practical and effective procedure to address gastrocnemius equinus. It has been shown that an equinus deformity can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, and foot ulcerations. The 2 approaches to gastrocnemius recession are open and endoscopic. Both are viable options; however, both also have associated complications. We compared and evaluated the postoperative complications associated with these procedures. The electronic database of our orthopedics division at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, was retrospectively searched to identify all cases of gastrocnemius recession (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 27687), and unlisted arthroscopy (CPT code 29999) from February 2006 to February 2016. The difference in the outcome variable, the incidence of postoperative complications, was assessed using Fisher's exact test. A total of 39 patients (41 procedures) were in the open gastrocnemius recession group and 35 (39 procedures) were in the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession group. The median follow-up time was shorter in the open gastrocnemius recession group than in the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession group (9 versus 12 months; p < .001). Postoperative complications developed after 12 of the 80 procedures (15%), with a greater incidence after open than endoscopic procedures (26.8% versus 2.6%; p = .003). The complications associated with the open technique included 1 case of scar pain (2.4%), 5 of dehiscence (12.2%), 1 of infection (2.4%), 2 of calf abscess (4.9%), and 2 cases of nerve injury (4.9%). A single complication occurred with the endoscopic technique—1 case of dehiscence (2.6%). To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to compare the postoperative complications between these 2 techniques. We found the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the endoscopic group, emphasizing the benefit of using the endoscopic approach. These findings could prove invaluable when addressing gastrocnemius equinus in those with a greater risk of postoperative complications.

Cadaveric Anatomical Study of Sural Nerve: Where is The Safe Area for Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession?

Purpose:To ascertain in cadavers where the sural nerve crosses the gastro-soleus complex and where the gastrocnemius tendon merges with the Achilles tendon in relation to the calcaneal tuberosities.Methods:Twelve cadaveric lower limbs (6 right and 6 left) were dissected. The distances between the calcaneal tuberosities and the lateral border of the Achilles tendon where the sural nerve crosses from medial to lateral, as well as to the gastrocnemius tendon insertion into the Achilles tendon, were measured.Results:The mean and median longitudinal distances from the calcaneal tuberosity to where the sural nerve crosses the lateral border of the Achilles tendon are 9.9cm and 10cm respectively (range 7cm to 14cm). The mean and median longitudinal distances from the calcaneal tuberosity to where the gastrocnemius tendon inserts into the Achilles tendon are 19.9cm and 18.5cm (range 17cm to 25cm) respectively.Conclusion:It is generally safe to place the posterolateral incision more than 14cm above the calcaneal tuberosity to avoid the sural nerve if surgeons plan to use a posterolateral incision for endoscopic recession. The distance between the calcaneal tuberosity to the gastrocnemius tendon insertion into the Achilles tendon is too highly variable to be used as a landmark for locating the gastrocnemius insertion.

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession: A 2 year follow-up and return to sport

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession: A 2 year follow-up and return to sport

Subtalar Arthroereisis Implant Removal in Adults: A Prospective Study of 100 Patients

Subtalar joint arthroereisis (STA) can be used in the management of adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), including posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The procedure is quick and normally causes little morbidity; however, the implant used for STA often needs to be removed because of sinus tarsi pain. The present study evaluated the rate and risk factors for removal of the implant used for STA in adults treated for AAFD/posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, including patient age, implant size, and the use of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. Patients undergoing STA for adult acquired flatfoot were prospectively studied from 1996 to 2012. The inclusion criteria were an arthroereisis procedure for AAFD/posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, age >18 years, and a follow-up period of ≥2 years. The exclusion criteria were hindfoot arthritis, age <18 years, and a follow-up period of <2 years. A total of 100 patients (average age 53 years) underwent 104 STA procedures. The mean follow-up period was 6.5 (range 2 to 17) years. The overall incidence of implant removal was 22.1%. Patient age was not a risk factor for implant removal (p = .09). However, implant size was a factor for removal, with 11-mm implants removed significantly more frequently (p = .02). Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession did not exert any influence on the rate of implant removal (p = .19). After STA for AAFD, 22% of the implants were removed. No significant difference was found in the incidence of removal according to patient age or endoscopic gastrocnemius recession. However, a significant difference was found for implant size, with 11-mm implants explanted most frequently.

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Intramuscular Aponeurotic Recession

Gastrocnemius aponeurotic recession is the surgical treatment for symptomatic gastrocnemius contracture. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedures has been developed recently and reported to have fewer complications and better cosmetic outcomes. Classically, this is performed at the aponeurosis distal to the gastrocnemius muscle attachment. We describe an alternative endoscopic approach in which the intramuscular portion of the aponeurosis is released.

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedure using a single portal technique: a prospective study of fifty four consecutive patients.

Gastrocnemius recession has become a popular procedure to treat the equinus ankle caused by a tight gastrocnemius. The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedure using a single portal technique. The endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedure was performed on 56 feet in 54 consecutive patients through a single lateral portal using the Smart Release Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release System. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot score and modified Olerud and Molander (O&M) score. A modified Likert scale and visual analogue scores (VAS) were used to evaluate patient satisfaction and pain scores, respectively. Postoperative morbidities were documented for wound complications, scar hypersensitivity, sural nerve deficit and plantar flexion weakness. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedure performed through a single lateral portal was successfully performed in all cases. Seven out of the eight component scores of the SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvements. The AOFAS Hindfoot score showed a significant improvement of 20.69 ± 19.20. The modified O&M score also revealed significant improvements in eight out of nine component scores. There was a significant improvement of 3.79 ± 2.49 in VAS scores. A total of 91.07 % of all cases reported good or very good outcomes on the Likert scale. Eleven complications were recorded (three cases of unsatisfactory operative scar, three cases of sural nerve dysesthesia and five cases of subjective plantar flexion weakness with complete resolution in two out of the five patients.). This study demonstrates that the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession procedure performed through a single portal technique has low morbidity with good to excellent results. Level III, retrospective study.

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for the Treatment of Isolated Gastrocnemius Contracture: A Prospective Study on 320 Consecutive Patients.

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession has been proposed as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of isolated gastrocnemius contracture. We report on the safety and efficacy of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession, as an isolated procedure or combined with other concomitant procedures in terms of improvement in ankle dorsiflexion, functional outcome, and postoperative morbidities. The data were prospectively collected in this case series. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession was performed by a single surgeon in 320 consecutive patients (344 feet) who were diagnosed with isolated gastrocnemius contracture and failed nonoperative treatments between March 2009 and December 2012. There were 180 women and 140 men with mean age, 47.1 ± 15.7 years. The minimum follow-up was 1 year (mean, 18 months; range, 12 to 53 months). Pre- and postoperative ankle dorsiflexion, pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), SF-36, and Foot Function Index (FFI) were obtained and compared using paired sample t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The mean ankle dorsiflexion significantly improved from -0.8 ± 5.4 degrees preoperatively to 11.0 ± 6.6 degrees at average of 13 months postoperatively (n = 294) (P < .001). Complete preoperative and 1-year postoperative pain (VAS) (n = 274) and functional outcome scores (n = 185) were collected when possible. The mean pain (VAS) decreased from 7/10 to 3/10 postoperatively (all P < .01). The mean SF-36 including physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) increased from 34 and 44 to 45 and 51, respectively (P < .01 for both PCS and MCS). The mean FFI improved from 63 to 42 for pain, 63 to 43 for disability, 68 to 44 for activity limitation, and 61 to 41 for total score postoperatively (all P < .01). Postoperative morbidity included weakness of ankle plantarflexion (N = 11/320; 3.1% respectively) and sural nerve dysesthesia (N = 10/320; 3.4%). Wound complications or Achilles tendon rupture did not occur. There was no difference in the average improvement in ankle dorsiflexion, outcome scores, and rate of complications between the isolated and combined procedures. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession demonstrated promising results in the treatment of isolated gastrocnemius contracture. Ankle dorsiflexion was significantly improved with minimal morbidity. The procedure was found effective in improving functional outcomes and relieving pain as a sole operative treatment and as a part of combined procedures in our patients. Level IV, case series.

Uniportal Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for Treatment of Gastrocnemius Equinus with a Dedicated EGR System with Retractable Blade

This study examined the effectiveness and safety of a uniportal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession with a specifically designed uniportal endoscopic system. Fifty-three patients underwent 60 endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions. Their mean range of ankle dorsiflexion changed from a preoperative value of –2.9° ± 1.9° to a postoperative value of 12.8° ± 1.7°, for a total increase of 15.7° ± 1.8° of ankle dorsiflexion (p < .001). The average time from skin incision to closure was 4 minutes and 19 ± 33.6 seconds. Overall, 4 (6.67%) cases (procedures) were associated with a complication, including 1 (1.67%) case of triceps surae weakness that resolved after physical therapy. Three (5%) cases developed nerve complications, with 2 (3.33%) cases of transient neuritis that spontaneously resolved at 5 and 8 weeks postoperatively, respectively, and 1 (1.67%) that experienced persistent cutaneous anesthesia in the distribution of the sural nerve along the lateral aspect of the foot up to 4 months postoperatively. There were no cases of wound dehiscence or delayed healing, painful scar formation, infection at the surgical site, hematoma, or deep venous thrombosis. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession with a uniportal system appears to be safe and effective.

Dual-portal Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for the Treatment of Severe Posttraumatic Equinus Deformity: A Case Series and a Review of Technical Modifications

Several authors have recently reported the benefits of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession (EGR) for the treatment of nontraumatic equinus contracture. However, little is known about its potential for correcting severe posttraumatic equinus contracture. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dual-portal EGR in patients with severe, intractable equinus following severe trauma to the leg and foot. The recent technique of EGR with supplemental modified procedures was reviewed to improve its capability for correcting deformities and to provide information to avoid complications. The subjects were 4 patients with intractable, progressive, severe posttraumatic soft-tissue equinus contractures after at least 3 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. The exclusion criteria were spastic contracture, including osseous equinus. One patient with gastrocnemius equinus underwent EGR alone as a straightforward correction. Three patients with gastrocnemius-soleus equinus underwent EGR to correct the gastrocnemius component followed by a modified percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) procedure to correct any residual deformities. All data of the preoperative period and each successive postoperative period (1, 3, and 6-12 months) were prospectively collected and included the degree of ankle dorsiflexion, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical rating scale score, the Visual Analogue Scale-Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) score, and any related complications. Intraoperatively, the degree of ankle-dorsiflexion was recorded immediately following each procedure. The mean increase in intraoperative dorsiflexion was 35° ± 9.1° (range: 25°-45°) in all 4 patients and 21.7° ± 10.4° (range, 10°-30°) in the 3 patients undergoing EGR and modified TAL, respectively. There were significant differences in the improvements (p<0.05) in the preoperative period and each successive postoperative period in the increased values of ankle dorsiflexion, AOFAS scores, and VAS-FA scores. There were no significant iatrogenic complications. Intractable, severe posttraumatic equinus is not commonly encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. Despite the rarity of this condition, which is responsible for the limited number of patients in this series, our results indicates that dual-portal EGR, with or without modified TAL, is a promising treatment, with satisfactory effectiveness and lower risks of complications, for correcting this problematic deformity.

Simple Two-Portal Technique for Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession: Clinical Tip

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion

Complications Associated with Uni-portal Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession in a Diabetic Patient Population: An Observational Case Series

The purpose of this article was to report the complications associated with uni-portal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession for surgical treatment of pathologic soft tissue ankle equinus contracture in diabetic patients. This is an observational case series involving a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 23 uni-portal endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions used to treat pathologic soft tissue ankle equinus contracture in 18 consecutive diabetic patients between November 2006 and January 2009. Each patient underwent uni-portal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession under general or spinal anesthesia with thigh tourniquet control in combination with soft tissue and/or osseous reconstructive foot and/or ankle surgery. Patients were kept non–weight bearing based on the index procedure and followed until clinical healing occurred or failure was declared. There were 9 male and 9 female patients with a mean age ± SD of 69.0 ± 7.4-years (range: 47.0 to 71.0 years). There were 11 right and 12 left lower limbs involved, with 5 procedures performed bilateral. Complications included 3 conversions to an open incision secondary to difficulty dissecting through excessive adipose tissue, delayed healing of 3 incision sites in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus at the time of surgery, and 3 undercorrections in patients with spastic contractures. The remainder of the procedures were deemed successful with no saphenous nerve, sural nerve, or lesser saphenous vein related injuries occurring. When properly performed, uni-portal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession represents a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive technique useful for correcting pathologic soft tissue ankle equinus contracture in patients with diabetes. A percutaneous tendo-Achilles lengthening should be performed in patients who have marginal arterial inflow that precludes tourniquet use or have a spastic contracture. An open rather than endoscopic gastrocnemius recession should be performed in patients with excessive adipose tissue. Before surgery, the risk of delayed wound healing should be discussed with patients who have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and in-patient management with tight glycemic control considered.

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for Treating Equinus in Pediatric Patients

Gastrocnemius recessions have been performed as open or endoscopic procedures. Most of the literature describes the outcomes of these procedures in children with specific neurologic limitations. We report an alternative approach to endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions in neurologically healthy pediatric and adolescent patients whose gastrocnemius equinus could not be corrected nonoperatively. We prospectively followed 23 patients (16 boys, seven girls) who underwent 40 procedures for equinus deformity (n = 22) or osteoarthritis (n = 1). All patients had been directly referred for surgical treatment because all previous nonoperative treatments (stretching, night splints, orthotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy) had failed. The indications for surgery were patients age 18 years or younger experiencing symptomatic equinus unresponsive to nonoperative care. Pre- and postoperative ankle dorsiflexion were measured. The minimum followup for study inclusion was 1 year (mean, 2.9 years; range, 2-5.1 years). For every patient, dorsiflexion range of motion improved (mean, 15 degrees ; standard deviation, 4 degrees ). No patient had diminished nerve sensation postoperatively. This technique can be used to correct gastrocnemius equinus in otherwise healthy children who have not benefited from prior nonsurgical treatment. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession Ultrasound-Guided Analysis of Length Gained

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession Ultrasound-Guided Analysis of Length Gained

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession

The isolated contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle has been recognized since 1913. Initially, it was associated with neurological disorders ; but recently, this contracture has been associated with common problems of the foot and ankle, such as bunions , plantar fasciitis , and the acquired flat foot . Strayer, in 1950, modified the Vulpius procedure, but it was not used widely until Hansen popularized a modification of the Strayer procedure. The Strayer procedure was complicated by poor cosmesis , large incision , potential damage to the sural nerve , and skin contractures. Recently, the endoscopic gastrocnemius recession has addressed all of these problems and now offers a simple, minimally invasive procedure with consistent results.