Treatment Of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Research Articles

Outcomes After Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy Compared With Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Retrospective Review.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment modality that is used in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT). To (1) retrospectively assess outcomes after ESWT for both noninsertional AT (NAT) and insertional AT (IAT) at >1-year follow-up and (2) identify potential predictors of outcomes. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent ESWT for AT with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Data collected and assessed included patient demographic characteristics, pathological characteristics including the location of AT (NAT or IAT), presence of a Haglund deformity, and severity of tendon degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in addition to treatment characteristics including number of sessions and intensity of ESWT. The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were obtained before ESWT, 6 months after ESWT, and at final follow-up. Failures were also recorded, which were defined as no improvement in VISA-A or VAS scores or need for surgical intervention. Linear regression was performed to identify potential predictors of inferior subjective clinical outcomes and failures. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves. The study included 52 patients with IAT and 34 patients with NAT. The mean follow-up in the NAT cohort was 22.3 ± 10.2 months and the mean follow-up in the IAT cohort was 26.8 ± 15.8 months. Improvements in VISA-A and VAS scores were observed in the NAT cohort at 6-month follow-up and at final follow-up (P < .05). Improvements in VISA-A and VAS scores were recorded in the IAT cohort at 6-month follow-up, which subsequently deteriorated at final follow-up. In the NAT cohort, the failure rate at 6-month follow-up was 11.8%, which increased to 29.4% at final follow-up. In the IAT cohort, the failure rate at 6-month follow-up was 32.7%, which increased to 59.6% at final follow-up. Predictors of inferior subjective clinical outcomes and failures in the NAT cohort included pre-ESWT subjective clinical score, male sex, presence of a cardiovascular risk factor, and more severe MRI grading of tendinopathy. Predictors of inferior subjective clinical outcomes and failures in the IAT cohort included pre-ESWT subjective clinical score and more severe MRI grading of tendinopathy. Superior subjective clinical outcomes together with a lower failure rate were maintained for >1 year in the NAT cohort compared with the IAT cohort, calling into question the long-term benefit of ESWT for patients with IAT.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Background and Objective: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, especially among athletes. Despite numerous non-surgical procedures performed for this disorder, the treatment of these patients is still challenging. Given that electroacupuncture is a novel technique for the treatment of tendinopathy, a few studies have addressed it. This case report aimed to present the electroacupuncture technique for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old male patient with a 6-month history of left Achilles tendon pain and limited daily activities was referred to Mobasher Physiotherapy Clinic in January 2024. For this purpose, 3-mm needles were inserted into the distal part of Achilles tendon at points BL 60, BL 61, KI 3, and KI 4. The patient received ten 20-min sessions of electroacupuncture treatment (three times per week at the frequency of 5 Hz and current intensity of 5 mA). Pain intensity and ankle range of motion were evaluated at first and last sessions. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, applying electroacupuncture for Achilles tendinopathy, especially chronic tendinitis that has not been treated with other conservative procedures, could improve the patient’s symptoms and ankle function, enhancing the patient’s functional activities and life quality.

Excellent Clinical Outcomes and Rapid Return to Activity Following In-Office Needle Tendoscopy for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

To assess outcomes following Achilles in-office needle tendoscopy (IONT) for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (cAT) at a minimum 12-month follow-up. A retrospective case series was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent Achilles IONT for cAT between January 2019 and December 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years of age and clinical history, physical history, and magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with cAT who did not respond to a minimum of 3 months of conservative management for which each patient underwent Achilles IONT and had a minimum 12-month follow-up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles and visual analog scale scores. Patient satisfaction was measured at the final follow-up visit with a 5-point Likert scale. Twelve patients (13 Achilles) with a mean age of 50.9 ± 14.6 years were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 26.3 ± 6.3 months. The mean Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles scores improved from a preoperative score of 35.6 ± 5.9 to a postoperative score of 83.6 ± 14.1 (P < .001). The mean visual analog scale score improved from a preoperative score of 6.6 ± 1.0 to a postoperative score of 1.3 ± 1.7 (P < .001). There were 10 patients (83.3%) who participated in sports activities before the IONT procedure. Within this group, 9 patients (90.0%) returned to play at a mean time of 5.9 ± 2.6 weeks. The mean time to return to work was 4.2 ± 1.2 days. Patients reported an overall positive IONT experience with a mean rating scale of 4.5 ± 0.9. This retrospective review demonstrated that Achilles IONT for the treatment of cAT results in significant improvements in subjective clinical outcomes and a low complication rate together with high patient satisfaction scores at short-term follow-up. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Favorable Outcomes Following Extra-Corporeal Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Compared to Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Retrospective Review

Category: Ankle; Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment modality that is utilized in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess outcomes following ESWT for both NAT and IAT at greater than 1-year follow-up, and to identify potential predictors of outcomes. Methods: Chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent ESWT for AT with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Data collected and assessed included: patient demographics, pathological characteristics, treatment characteristics, Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores and failures. Linear regression was performed to identify potential predictors of outcomes. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan Meier curves. Fifty-two cases of IAT and 34 cases of NAT were included. The mean follow-up in the NAT cohort was 22.3±10.2 months and the mean follow-up time in the IAT cohort was 26.8±15.8 months. Results: Improvements in VISA-A and VAS scores were observed in the NAT cohort at 6 months follow-up and at final follow-up (p &lt; 0.01). Improvements in VISA-A scores and VAS scores were recorded in the IAT cohort at 6 months follow-up which subsequently deteriorated at final follow-up. In the NAT cohort, the failure rate at 6 months follow-up was 11.8% which increased to 29.4% at final follow-up. In the IAT cohort, the failure rate at 6 months follow-up was 32.7% which increased to 59.6% at final follow-up. Predictors of poor outcomes in the NAT cohort included pre-ESWT subjective clinical score, male, presence of cardiovascular risk factor, and increasing MRI severity. Predictors of poor outcomes in the IAT cohort included pre-ESWT subjective clinical score and increasing MRI severity. Conclusion: This study found that superior subjective clinical outcomes together with a lower failure rate maintained over 1 year in the NAT cohort compared to the IAT cohort. This may implicate ESWT as a temporising treatment in IAT and a longer term solution in patients with NAT.

Percutaneous Bioelectric Current Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: Protocol for a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Multicenter Trial.

The consensus for the optimal treatment strategy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is still debated and treatment options are limited. This results in a significant medical need for more effective treatment options. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of percutaneous bioelectric current stimulation (PBCS) on AT. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted. A total of 72 participants with chronic (ie, >3 months) midpoint AT will be randomized and receive four PBCS sessions-either verum or placebo-over 3 weeks. Both groups will complete daily Achilles tendon loading exercises in addition to the intervention. Evaluation sessions will be completed at baseline and during the intervention (weeks 0-3). Self-reported outcome measures will be completed at follow-up at weeks 4, 12, 26, and 52. The primary outcomes are the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire scores and statistical evaluation of intraindividual differences between baseline and 12-week evaluations after initial treatment of verum therapy compared to control. Secondary outcomes will assess Pain Disability Index scores; average pain, using the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale; return to sports; and use of emergency medication. The study began in May 2021. As of October 2022, we randomized 66 out of 72 participants. We anticipate completing recruitment by the end of 2022 and completing primary data analysis by March 2023. The study will evaluate the effects of PBCS on pain, physical function, and clinical outcomes. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017293; https://tinyurl.com/mvz7s98k. DERR1-10.2196/40894.

Topical diclofenac vs placebo for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

The application of topical diclofenac has been suggested as a possible treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. Our aim was to answer the question, is topical diclofenac more effective than placebo for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy?. 67 participants with persistent midportion or insertional Achilles tendinopathy were randomly assigned to receive a 4 week course of 10% topical diclofenac (n = 32) or placebo (n = 35). The a priori primary outcome measure was change in severity of Achilles tendinopathy (VISA-A score) at 4 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included numeric pain rating, and patient-reported change in symptoms using a 7 point scale, from substantially worse to substantially better. Pressure pain threshold (N) and transverse tendon stiffness (N/m) were measured over the site of maximum Achilles tendon pathology at baseline and 4 weeks. There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between the diclofenac and placebo groups in any of the primary or secondary outcome measures at any timepoint. Average VISA-A score improved in both groups (p<0.0001), but the improvements were marginal: at 4 weeks, the improvements in VISA-A were 9 (SD 11) in the diclofenac group and 8 (SD 12) in the placebo group, and at 12 weeks the improvements were 9 (SD 16) and 11 (SD13) respectively-these average changes are smaller than the minimum clinically important difference of the VISA-A. The regular application of topical diclofenac for Achilles tendinopathy over a 4 week period was not associated with superior clinical outcomes to that achieved with placebo.

Effectiveness of a high volume injection as treatment for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo study whether a high volume injection without corticosteroids improves clinical outcome in addition to usual care for adults with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy.DesignPatient and assessor blinded, placebo controlled randomised...

Prospective Analysis of the Beneficial Effects of Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI) Combined with Eccentric Exercise in the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury but none treatment has been established as the gold standard. Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI) is an ultrasound-guided technique that achieves rapid regeneration of the tendon.

Resistance Training and Injection Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Resistance Training and Injection Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A meta-analysis.

Background:Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as an alternative therapy to reduce pain and improve functional restoration in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). We evaluated the current evidence for the efficacy of PRP as a treatment for chronic AT.Methods:The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of PRP with that of with placebo injections plus eccentric training as treatment for AT. The articles were uploaded over the establishment of the databases to May 01, 2018. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool was used to assess methodological quality. Outcome measurements included the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), visual analog scale (VAS) and Achilles tendon thickness. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3.5 software.Results:Five RCTs (n = 189) were included in this meta-analysis. Significant differences in the VISA-A were not observed between the PRP and placebo groups after 12 weeks [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.36 to 0.76, I2 = 71%], 24 weeks (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI: −0.10–1.65, I2 = 85%) and 1 year (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI: −0.76–2.42, I2 = 72%) of treatment. However, PRP exhibited better efficacy than the placebo treatment after 6 weeks (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.15–0.77, I2 = 34%). Two studies included VAS scores and tendon thickness. VAS scores after 6 weeks (SMD = 1.35, 95% CI: −0.1.04–3.74, I2 = 93%) and 24 weeks (SMD = 1.48, 95% CI: −0.1.59–4.55, I2 = 95%) were not significantly different. However, VAS scores at the 12th week (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.53–1.68, I2 = 83%) and tendon thickness (SMD = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.39–2.63, I2 = 53%) were significantly different.Conclusion:PRP injection around the Achilles tendon is an option for the treatment of chronic AT. Limited evidence supports the conclusion that PRP is not superior to placebo treatment. These results still require verification by a large number of well designed, heterogeneous RCT studies.

Sport and physical activities in patients with Chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction using flexor hallucis longus transfer

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Neglected or chronic Achilles tendon ruptures can be significantly disabling to patients if the muscle-tendon unit is stretched beyond its normal passive limit. Chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon (delayed diagnosis of more than 4 weeks) can result in retraction of the tendon and inadequate healing. Direct repair may not be possible and clinical results may not be satisfactory especially if the distal stump is grossly tendinopathic and when the defect exceeds 5-6 cm. Methods: We evaluated 9 patients (mean age 63) who underwent flexor hallucis longus transfer for treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy between May 2014 and January 2017 at a 12 months follow-up. Our results were measured with the SF-12 survey, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and VAS. Activity levels were determined using the Halasi ankle activity scale and the UCLA score obtained preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Wound complications and tip-toe stance were also assessed. Results: All patients had a significant improvement of AOFAS, VAS and SF-12 scores. The Halasi activity scale and UCLA score were 5.8 and 8.2 respectively 12 months after surgery. Patient reported outcome measures consistently demonstrated improvement in clinical putcomes at 12 months follow-up. The patients went back to full daily function, could single leg heel raise and were gradually returning to sport. No major complications were recorded. Conclusion: Reconstruction of chronic tears of the Achilles tendon with flexor hallucis longus transfer can achieve satisfactory improvements in clinical outcomes at 1 year follow-up.

Gastrocnemius Recession to Treat Chronic Insertional and Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Small studies on gastrocnemius recession for Achilles tendinopathy with associated contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle are encouraging. The analyses have demonstrated fewer postoperative complications, shortened recovery time, and earlier return to work as compared to traditional surgical management of Achilles debridement and repair. Investigators have reported good patient satisfaction, substantial pain reduction, and restoration of dorsiflexion. However, there have been no large studies specifically looking at the outcomes of gastrocnemius recession for either chronic insertional or noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. The purpose of this study was to review the efficacy of the gastrocnemius recession in mitigating pain for patients who have chronic Achilles tendinopathy with isolated gastrocnemius contracture and have failed nonoperative management. Methods: The records of patients with isolated gastrocnemius contracture were retrospectively reviewed who underwent an isolated gastrocnemius recession to treat insertional or noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy as performed by a single surgeon spanning from 2011 to 2017. Minimum follow-up time required was 6 months with an average of 25.5 months follow-up among all responders with a range from 6 to 63 months. Patients were excluded by the criteria of any other concomitant foot deformities, diagnoses, or surgical procedures performed. Clinical outcome was evaluated using a mail-in patient satisfaction questionnaire. One hundred and thirty-nine patients were identified to have underwent an isolated gastrocnemius recession to treat chronic insertional or noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy that was refractory to conservative management for a minimum of six months. Sixty-six patients (76 legs) of those eligible responded. Results: Sixty-three out of 66 patients (95.5%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure overall. Sixty-two out of 66 patients (93.9%) would elect to repeat the surgery if they knew their results in advance. Sixty-one out of 66 patients (92.4%) would recommend the surgery to a family or friend with the same diagnosis. The most frequently reported postoperative complication was 9 accounts of swelling (out of 76 legs; 11.8%). There were no reports of sural nerve injury. Responses for Visual Analogue scale (VAS) for pain were only eligible if they had reported a preoperative VAS score on their preoperative intake form. This made 23 patients eligible with an average preoperative pain of 8.43/10 and an average postoperative pain of 0.91/10. Conclusion: Gastrocnemius recession for treating chronic Achilles tendinopathy was found to be an effective procedure to mitigate pain in patients with isolated equinus contracture. To our knowledge, this is the largest study assessing gastrocnemius recession for treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

The anatomy and clinical applications of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy using different technique. Methods Sixty-four embalmed feet of 32 cadavers were analyzed and classified anatomically with respect to the individual cross links in the Henry's knot. These three techniques were then combined to determine the total potential tendon graft length obtainable using single incision, double incision and minimally invasive incision. From January, 2012 to June, 2015, 10 patients (10 feet) with chronic Achilles tendinopathy were treated with double incision technique. The score was 63.04 ±7.75 according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system. Results Only two different configurations were found. Type 1, a tendinous slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT was 96.9% (62 of 64 feet) . Type 2, a slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT and another slip from the FDLT to FHLT was 3.1% (2 of 64) . The average length of the FHLT graft available from a single incision measured (5.08±1.09) cm, double incision technique measured (6.72 ± 1.02) cm, and minimally invasive incision measured (17.49 ± 1.80) cm. The difference between the lengths obtained from these three techniques was statistically significant. Ten patients were followed-up 12-36 months (mean, 13.7 months) . At 12 months after operation, the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 93.28 ± 3.72, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation. The results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 90%. No sural nerve injury, posterior tibial nerve injury, medial plantar nerve injury, and lateral plantar nerve injury occurred. Conclusion In over 96% of the feet, a proximal to distal connection from the FHLT to the FDLT was found, which might contribute to the residual function of the lesser toes after FDLT transfer. The distal stump of the FHLT tendon should be sutured onto the FDLT tendon under tension to enable a co-activation of the great toe, preserved hallux plantar flexion. Chronic Achilles tendinopathy reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus tendon harvested using double incision technique offers a desirable outcome in operative recovery, tendon fixation, preserved hallux plantar flexion and less complications. Key words: Flexor hallucis longus; Flexor digitorum longus; Achilles tendon disorders; Tendon transfer

Outcomes of Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Category: Hindfoot, Sports Introduction/Purpose: Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is a common surgical technique used for augmentation during the surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy and reconstruction. Flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer represents a viable surgical alternative for patients with failed FHL transfers or athletes where compromise of the hallux push off strength could negatively impact their level of activity. There is no reported clinical outcome data about this technique in the current literature. Our study describes the clinical and functional results after FDL tendon transfer for the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Methods: We retrospectively assessed prospectively collected data on patients that underwent FDL tendon transfer in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (March 2012 - March 2015). Charts were reviewed for clinical data, associated treatments and complications. Preoperative assessment included the Visual Analogue Score (VAS), SF-36 health status survey and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). At final follow up we evaluated pain level, range of motion of the ankle and the toes, ability to perform single leg raise and toe walking, calf atrophy and complications. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by Visual Analogue Score (VAS), SF-36 health survey, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Foot Function Index (FFI), VISA-A score and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Fifteen patients (seventeen feet), 6 males and 9 females, mean age of 53.6 years (27- 76 years) and an average body mass index of 31.4 kg/m2 (20.5 to 45.4 kg/m2) were included in the study. Results: Mean follow-up was 27.5 months (15-49). Four patients (6 feet) had prior surgeries, including two patients with failed FHL transfer. We found significant clinical improvement when comparing pre-operative and postoperative VAS scores (6.0±3.3 versus 1±1.36; p&lt;0.001), SF-36 physical component summary (28.2±10.7 versus 45.0±11.1; p&lt;0.002) and LEFS (36.4±22 versus 57.9±20.5; p&lt;0.011). At final follow up, 6/7 patients (86%) returned to prior levels of recreational sport activities. No differences were found on single leg raise test when compared to uninvolved side. One patient reported weakness for plantar flexion of the toes, without gait complaints. Mean VISA-A was 52.6 points (15-85), Foot Function Index (FFI) 21.2% (0-65%) and FAAM 86.2% (55.3-100%) for the FAAM. Three patients had superficial infection and two patients had deep infection, requiring surgical debridement. Conclusion: FDL tendon transfer represents a safe surgical alternative as a method of augmentation during the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Our study showed comparable clinical and functional outcomes to FHL tendon transfer and minimal complications or donor site morbidity.

Poster 244: Hydrodissection of Achilles Tendon and Fat Pad as a Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Poster 244: Hydrodissection of Achilles Tendon and Fat Pad as a Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report

No beneficial effect of Polidocanol treatment in Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial.

Polidocanol injections have been used to treat chronic Achilles tendinopathy in clinical settings, but the few studies published show inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term effect of Polidocanol in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. It was hypothesised that patients treated with Polidocanol would have significant improvements in the outcome measures investigated compared to patients treated with a placebo treatment at mid-term follow-up. This randomised controlled trial included forty-eight patients aged 32-77years with a history of Achilles tendinopathy for at least 3months and with neovascularisation demonstrated by ultrasonography was included. A minimum of 3months of eccentric exercise treatment was required before participating. The patients were allocated to a maximum of two injection of either Polidocanol or Lidocaine (placebo). The primary outcome measure was pain during walking reported on a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcome measures were Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), patient satisfaction with treatment and, shortly after inclusion, the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) was also included. Follow-up examinations were performed after 3 and 6months. Pain during walking decreased during the 6-month follow-up period, but no significant differences were seen between the two groups. The same tendency was seen for FAOS and VISA-A in which both groups showed an improvement at 3- and 6-month follow-up, but no mid-term differences between the groups were seen. An equal number of patients in the two groups were satisfied with the treatment at follow-up. The results indicate that Polidocanol is a safe treatment, but the mid-term effects are the same as a placebo treatment. This further questions the use of Polidocanol in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. I.

Physical Therapy Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Physical Therapy Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Physical Therapy Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Physical Therapy Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer Fixation.

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the calcaneus is commonly used in the surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. This study assesses the integrity of FHL tendon biotenodesis screw fixation with respect to 2 variables: incorporation of a terminal whipstitch and tunnel depth. A total of 60 fresh-frozen cadaver FHL tendons and 28 calcanei were harvested for analysis in 4 sets of fixation constructs; 14 whipstitched tendons were compared against their nonwhipstitched paired tendon via pull-out strength load testing, and 16 tendon pairs were randomized for fixation in either a full-depth tunnel (bicortical) or a 25-mm partial tunnel (unicortical). All comparisons were carried out in native bone and synthetic models. Whipstitched tendons demonstrated significantly stronger mean clinical load (253.68 vs 177.24 N, P = .008) and maximum load to failure (294.31N vs 194.57 N, P = .001) compared with the nonwhipstitched tendons in synthetic bone. There were no statistical differences in mean clinical load (200.96 vs 228.31 N, P = .63) and maximum load to failure (192.69 vs 217.74 N, P = .73) between full and partial tunnel groups. There were no significant differences found in trials carried out in cadaveric bone. Use of a terminal whipstitch achieves greater fixation strength in FHL tendon biotenodesis transfers. Complete and partial tunnel constructs are equivocal in their pull-out strength. Data produced in a homogeneous bone substitute model demonstrate the biomechanical superiority of the whipstitch as well as the noninferiority of the partial tunnel technique. Level IIb.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: Long-term Results of the Endoscopic Technique

Surgery has long been established as a valid alternative for chronic Achilles tendinopathies that have failed conservative treatment. Endoscopic procedures have shown satisfactory preliminary results for managing such injuries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of endoscopic surgery in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. We evaluated 27 endoscopic procedures in 24 patients (mean age 45.5 ± 8.9 years; 12 males and 12 females) with chronic Achilles tendinopathy and at least 5 (mean 7.7, range 5 to 14) years of follow-up. All ambulatory procedures consisted of paratenon debridement and longitudinal tenotomies. The clinical evaluation included 2 specific functional rating systems (the Achilles Tendon Scoring System and the Victorian Institute Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire) and a pain visual analog scale. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was assessed using a patient global assessment response to therapy Likert scale score. All patients had an improved clinical outcome at the final follow-up visit. Both scoring systems showed significant improvement in all clinical outcomes at the last follow-up visit. The Victorian Institute Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire score had improved from 37.0 ± 4.9 points preoperatively to 97.5 ± 12.1 points postoperatively (p = .0006). The Achilles Tendon Scoring System score had improved from 32.6 ± 13.1 points preoperatively to 97.2 ± 12.3 points postoperatively (p = .000006). The pain visual analog scale score averaged 0.2 ± 1.1, and the patient global assessment response to therapy score was 0.25 ± 0.71. The percentage of patients with an excellent patient global assessment response to therapy score was 85.1%. Two postoperative problems were reported (7.4%): a delayed keloid lesion and a seroma with chronic fistula. The infection rate and systemic complication rate were 0%. In conclusion, endoscopic surgery provided a high rate of excellent long-term results in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Debridement of the paratenon and crural fascia, along with longitudinal tenotomies, using a minimally invasive procedure provided completely resolution of symptoms at 7 years postoperatively in 96% of patients in the present consecutive series.