Purpose
The purpose of this study was to present the surgical technique together with the mid-term results for patients with calcifying tendinitis of the distal insertional part of the Achilles tendon.
Materials and methods
A total of 43 patients (23 female and 20 male), with a mean age of 54.8 (range: 21–71) years at the time of surgery, were operated between 1999 and 2012. Four patients underwent bilateral surgery, with a total of 47 feet undergoing the resection of the calcifying enthesiopathy of the Achilles tendon. A total of five patients were lost to follow-up including two patients who withdrew from the study. Subsequently, 39 patients were followed up with an average of 57.4 (6–144) months after surgery. Clinical and radiological evaluations were carried out and the hindfoot American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was used before and after the surgery.
Results
The postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at the time of the final follow-up was 88.9 (69–100) points. No ruptures of the Achilles tendon were documented in this study. There were two wound infections in need of revision surgery, and two cases of distal deep vein thrombosis. Overall, 70% of the patients worked at the time of the final follow-up. The average time off work reported in this cohort of patients was 10.5 (6–24) weeks.
Conclusion
The longitudinal incision of the Achilles tendon with distal release of the tendon and reinsertion with a suture anchor is a reliable procedure for the treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the Achilles tendon with good to excellent results for the majority of patients.