Achilles tendon detachment after local infiltration of corticosteroids

Complete disinsertion of the Achilles tendon is relatively rare but is an injury of considerable clinical significance. A 50-year-old non-smoking man presented with complete disinsertion of the Achilles tendon due to an indirect low-energy trauma shortly after administration of local corticosteroid injections (LCI) for treatment of deep retrocalcaneal bursitis. Imaging studies showed complete disinsertion of the Achilles tendon as well as severe Haglund syndrome and retrocalcaneal bursitis. The tendon was repaired, and the Haglund deformity and retrocalcaneal bursa were then resected. Although Achilles tendon rupture is a frequent complication after LCI, to date, no cases of disinsertion have been published. Surgeons must be aware of this issue, especially in patients with previous insertional calcific Achilles tendinosis and Haglund syndrome. Level of Evidence V; Therapeutic Studies; Expert Opinion.

Surface Shape of the Calcaneal Tuberosity and the Occurrence of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis among Runners

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between the shape of the calcaneal tuberosity (flat, stepped, rounded, normal) and the probability that retrocalcaneal bursitis among people who train running regularly. Methods: The study included a group of 30 runners who suffered from retrocalcaneal bursitis in the past, and 30 people who never had symptoms of this disease. The study was based on a diagnostic survey, as well as on clinical examination. The surface of the calcaneal tuberosity and the slope of the calcaneus were assessed using X-rays. The mobility of the bursa, its surface size, the thickness of the Achilles tendon and its attachment rate were established during an ultrasound examination. Results: Flat surface of the calcaneal tuberosity increases fourfold the risk of suffering from retrocalcaneal bursitis (OR = 4.3). The people whose calcaneus slope is above 25° are at increased risk of suffering from such an inflammation compared with the people whose calcaneus bone is more horizontal (OR = 2.8). The analysis shows that the thickness of the Achilles tendon (p = 0.001), the surface size of the bursa (p = 0.009), as well as the flat surface of the calcaneal tuberosity (p = 0.008) are strongly associated with the occurrence of retrocalcaneal bursitis. Conclusions: The flat shape of the calcaneal tuberosity increases the risk of bursitis. The risk of inflammation is higher when the Achilles tendon is thicker and the surface of the bursa is smaller than normal.

Surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis: more than 1 year of follow-up

Objective To analyse the imaging changes in bone marrow oedema of the calcaneal prominence, retrocalcaneal bursa and degenerative Achilles tendon after the surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT). Methods This retrospective study analysed patients with IAT and retrocalcaneal bursitis that were diagnosed based on their symptoms and radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. For patients that had received 3 months of conservative treatment but still presented with symptoms, arthroscopic debridement of the retrocalcaneal bursa and resection of calcaneal prominence were undertaken. Patients with degeneration of the Achilles tendon underwent debridement of Achilles tendon calcification with an open incision. The last follow-up included radiographic and MRI imaging, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)-Ankle and Hindfoot scores. Results Thirty patients were included (mean ± SD follow-up, 3.1 ± 0.5 years). The VAS pain and AOFAS-Ankle and Hindfoot scores were significantly improved after surgery. MRI showed that bone marrow oedema of the calcaneal prominence and the retrocalcaneal bursa was significantly reduced compared with preoperative values. There was no significant change in the high signal area of the IAT. Conclusion Surgical treatment of IAT and retrocalcaneal bursitis effectively alleviated local pain and restored function.

STRESS-STRAIN DISTRIBUTION IN THE MODEL OF RETROCALCANEAL BURSITIS BY USING HEEL-ELEVATION INSOLES

The aim of this study is the analysis of the equivalent stress on the rear foot structures in retrocalcaneal bursitis, when using heel-elevation insoles of different heights (10 mm and 20 mm). Methods – mathematical calculations of the Achilles force required in the heel-off of the gait stance phase in the conditions of lifting the heel by 10 mm and 20 mm. A 3D-simulation foot model with an enlarged retrocalcaneal bursa was created. The analysis was carried out by the finite element method to calculate and study the stress and strain in the rear foot structures. Results. When using a 10.0 mm height heel-elevation insole, the calf muscle strength, which must be applied to the heel-off of the gait stance phase, was 19.0 % less than without support and 26.8 % less in 20.0 mm insole. Accordingly, analyzing the simulation results in terms of von-Mises stress, the maximum stress observed on the Achilles tendon decreases by 20.0 % and by 30.0 %. The total deformations maximum in the model when using heel-elevation insoles decreased up to 18.1 % and they were localized not in the tendon, but in the bone structures of subtalar joint. The maximum values of the total deformation of the model in the case of 10.0 mm and 20.0 mm heel-elevation insoles were 91.67 mm (–20.2 %) and 80.04 mm (–30.3 %), respectively, compared 114.92 mm in the absence of insoles. When using insole with a height of 10.0 mm, the stress in the retrocalcaneal bursa decreased by 20.0 % and was equal to 14.92 MPa compared to 18.66 MPa, and when using a 20.0 mm insoles - by 30.0 %. Conclusions. It was found that when using 10.0–20.0 mm heel-elevation insoles, the stress distribution in the rear foot structures was significantly reduced by an average of 20.0-30.0 % and correlated with the height of the insoles.

Endoscopic management of retrocalcaneal pain: a prospective observational study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> In an effort to reduce morbidity and complications of open surgery, an endoscopic technique was used for the management of the conditions leading to retrocalcaneal pain. With this purpose, the current study was undertaken to evaluate results of endoscopic management of retrocalcaneal pain using American orthopaedic foot and ankle score (AOFAS).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 20 patients (26 heels) in the age group 18-80 years presenting with retrocalcaneal pain not responding to conservative management underwent endoscopic decompression of the retrocalcaneal bursae and excision of bony spurs. Two portals were created, one laterally and one medially, over the posterosuperior portion of the calcaneus to gain access to the retrocalcaneal space. The inflamed bursal tissue was identified and removed, and the prominent bone was resected. The functional outcome was evaluated pre and postoperatively with the AOFAS.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 70% patients have retrocalcaneal bursitis, 20% Haglund’s deformity as confirmed on lateral view of ankle X-ray and only 10% of non-insertional tendinosis. Mean operative time was 54.95 minutes. Mean duration of hospital stay was 3.90±0.64 and the mean follow-up was 66 days (range 30-180 days). The average AOFAS score improved from 65.60 points pre-operatively to 96.80 points at final follow-up. There were fifteen excellent results, seven good results, two fair results and two poor results.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Endoscopic procedure for retrocalcaneal bursitis and Haglund deformity seemed to be a safe and efficacious option for surgical treatment of retrocalcaneal pain.</p>