Retrocalcaneal Enthesophyte Resection With Functional Lengthening of the Achilles Tendon and Buried Knot Technique: A...

Retrocalcaneal exostosis can be debilitating and in severe cases, surgical resection is indicated. Complications can arise from surgical resection of the exostosis and reattachment of the Achilles tendon, including irritation of the suture knot, recurrence of the bony prominence, and dehiscence. The use of a buried knot technique with functional lengthening of the Achilles tendon and gastroc-soleal muscle complex can minimize these complications. Complete detachment of the Achilles tendon allows for aggressive and thorough resection of the exostosis and functional lengthening with reattachment. The buried cruciate knot technique allows for firm reattachment with buried knots to prevent soft tissue irritation. A total of fourteen patients (14 limbs) underwent retrocalcaneal enthesophyte resection with functional Achilles tendon lengthening, (8/14) of which had difficultly wearing shoe gear, (10/14) had edema, and (2/14) had erythema preoperatively. Postoperatively, (11/14) of patients returned to full activities and sports, and (11/14) returned to normal shoe gear. Complications included (1/14) of patients with Achilles tendon avulsion and (3/14) of patients with surgical site dehiscence requiring revisional surgery. Overall, this technique helps prevent short-term complications and long-term recurrence due to the functional lengthening mitigating insertional forces on the Achilles tendon.