[Surgical treatment of Achilles tendinitis in athletes]

A study of 65 cases of Achilles tendinitis treated surgically has allowed us to define the specific symptomatology of the lesion which particularly affects young athletes. Surgical treatment should only be given for high-level athletes who are well-motivated and in whom tendinitis prevents their sporting activity and has proved resistant to prolonged and adequate medical treatment. The details of the suggested operative technique are described. A review of the results shows that, after unsuccessful medical treatment, surgical treatment allowed the athlete to return to his sporting activity in 86 per cent of cases. Post-operative cutaneous or tendinous complications were rare and were directly linked to intra-tendinous injections with steroids.