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Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession: preliminary report on 18 cases
Amol Saxena1, Arthur Widtfeldt
1Department of Sports Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, USA. HeySax@aol.com <HeySax@aol.com>
Summary
Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession effectively improves ankle dorsiflexion and allows patients to perform single-leg heel raises sooner. This minimally invasive technique is a viable option for lengthening the gastrocnemius complex.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
Background:
- Gastrocnemius contracture can lead to various foot and ankle pathologies.
- Traditional open gastrocnemius recession carries risks and requires significant recovery.
- Endoscopic techniques offer potential advantages in reducing surgical morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession.
- To assess postoperative improvements in ankle dorsiflexion.
- To determine the time to return to functional activities like single-leg heel raises.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 15 patients (18 procedures) undergoing endoscopic gastrocnemius recession.
- Minimum 1-year follow-up.
- Pre- and postoperative ankle dorsiflexion and time to single-leg heel raise were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in ankle dorsiflexion (12.6 degrees, P < .00001) at 12 months postoperatively.
- Patients achieved single-leg heel raise at an average of 13.0 weeks.
- Complications included sural nerve dysesthesia (3 patients) and medial leg furrowing (1 patient).
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession is an acceptable and effective method for lengthening the gastrocnemius complex.
- The procedure demonstrates significant functional improvement with manageable complications.
- Minimally invasive approach offers a favorable alternative to open techniques.