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Percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy in chronic Achilles tendonitis
V Testa1, N Maffulli, G Capasso
1First Institute of Orthopaedics, Second University of Naples Medical School.
Bulletin (Hospital for Joint Diseases (New York, N.Y.))
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy effectively treated Achilles tendonitis in athletes when conservative methods failed. Most athletes experienced excellent or good outcomes after this surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Achilles tendonitis and peritendinitis are common in track and field athletes.
- Conservative treatments often fail to resolve these conditions.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent Achilles tendon issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy for Achilles tendonitis.
- To assess patient outcomes following this surgical procedure.
- To determine the success rate of surgical treatment for recalcitrant Achilles tendon conditions.
Main Methods:
- 42 track and field athletes with unilateral Achilles tendonitis underwent percutaneous tenotomy.
- The procedure was performed under local anesthesia after conservative treatment failure.
- Patients were subjectively assessed at an average of 19.2 months post-operation.
Main Results:
- 86% of operated patients (36/42) attended follow-up; 4 were interviewed by phone.
- Excellent results were reported in 59.5% (25/42) of patients.
- Good results were achieved in 28.2% (11/42), fair in 9.5% (4/42), and poor in 4.8% (2/42).
Conclusions:
- Multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy is a viable surgical option for athletes with Achilles tendonitis.
- The procedure demonstrates a high success rate, with a majority of patients achieving excellent or good outcomes.
- This surgical technique offers a promising solution for athletes who do not respond to conservative management.