Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty and Achilles Tendoscopy With the Patient in Supine Position

Insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy is usually treated conservatively. Surgery is indicated if conservative treatment fails to relieve the pain. Endoscopic surgery has the advantages of less morbidity, a shorter operating time, reduced postoperative pain, and a lower rate of wound and soft-tissue healing problems. Patients will have a short recovery time and quickly resume work and sports because of less soft-tissue disruption. Moreover, the pathology can be better differentiated and precisely treated. Achilles tendoscopy is classically performed with the patient in the prone position, whereas endoscopic calcaneoplasty can be performed with the patient in the prone or supine position. This technical note describes the technique of Achilles tendoscopy and endoscopic calcaneoplasty with the patient in the supine position. This has the advantages of more ergonomic hand motion for the Achilles tendon debridement, easier access to the ventral surface of the Achilles tendon, and better orientation of the inside structures; moreover, concomitant chondral lesions of the ankle can be dealt with arthroscopically.