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.

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.

Minimum 3.5-year outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon partial tears in the midportion and retrocalcaneal area

Background Achilles tendon partial tears are not easy to diagnose and to manage. Most frequently, they are located in the midportion and insertional area. These entities result from different pathologic pathways, and different treatment strategies are applied. The outcome is rarely investigated. Methods This study includes patients who underwent surgery for partial tears in the midportion or retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon area between the years 2009 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the VISA-A-G questionnaire. The final retrospective follow-up was performed after a minimum of 3.5 years postoperatively. Forty-eight Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa (impingement lesions) and 27 midportion Achilles tendon partial tears were identified. After applying rigorous exclusion criteria, 21 and 16 cases, respectively, remained for the final follow-up. Results were analysed by inferential and descriptive statistics. Results The VISA-A-G outcome scores improved significantly from preoperative to 6 months, 12 months, and final postoperative assessment. Preoperatively, the average VISA-A-G score was 42.1 (range, 18–73) for patients operated for Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa and 44.6 (range, 10–73) for the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group, respectively. At final follow-up 88.8 (range, 15 to 100) and 96.9 (range, 71 to 100) were scored in the respective treatment groups. A repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean performance levels showed a statistically significant difference between measurements (p < 0.001). There was no systematic effect found between groups (p = 0.836). Conclusions In Achilles tendon partial tears recalcitrant to conservative treatment, operative intervention is highly successful in most cases, irrespective of the level of the injury. Results were statistically equal when comparing the midportion and retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon partial tear groups. Trial registration DRKS, DRKS00014266. Registered 06 April 2018. ‘Retrospectively registered’, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=results.

Minimum 3.5-year outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon partial tears in the midportion and retrocalcaneal area

Background: Achilles tendon partial tears are not easy to diagnose and to manage. Most frequently, they are located in the midportion and insertional area. These entities result from different pathologic pathways and different treatment strategies are applied. The outcome is rarely investigated. Methods: This study includes patients who underwent surgery for partial tears in the midportion or retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon area between the years 2009 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the VISA-A-G questionnaire. The final retrospective follow-up was performed after a minimum of 3.5 years postoperatively. Forty-eight Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa (impingement lesions) and 27 midportion Achilles tendon partial tears were identified. After applying rigorous exclusion criteria, 21 and 16 cases, respectively, remained for the final follow-up. Results were analysed by inferential and descriptive statistics.Results: The VISA-A-G outcome scores improved significantly from preoperative to six months, 12 months, and final postoperative assessment. Preoperatively, the average VISA-A-G score was 42.1 (range, 18-73) for patients operated for Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa and 44.6 (range, 10-73) for the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group, respectively. At final follow-up 88.8 (range, 15 to 100) and 96.9 (range, 71 to 100) were scored in the respective treatment groups. A repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean performance levels showed a statistically significant difference between measurements (p < 0.001). There was no systematic effect found between groups (p = 0.836).Conclusions: In Achilles tendon partial tears recalcitrant to conservative treatment, operative intervention is highly successful in most cases, irrespective of the level of the injury. Results were statistically equal when comparing the midportion and retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon partial tear groups. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00014266. Registered 06 April 2018. 'Retrospectively registered', https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=results .

Minimum 3.5-year outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon partial tears in the midportion and retrocalcaneal area

Background: Achilles tendon partial tears are not easy to diagnose and to manage. Most frequently, they are located in the midportion and insertional area. These entities result from different pathologic pathways and different treatment strategies are applied. The outcome is rarely investigated. Methods: This study includes patients who underwent surgery for partial tears in the midportion or retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon area between the years 2009 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the VISA-A-G questionnaire. The final retrospective follow-up was performed after a minimum of 3.5 years postoperatively. Forty-eight Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa (impingement lesions) and 27 midportion Achilles tendon partial tears were identified. After applying rigorous exclusion criteria, 21 and 16 cases, respectively, remained for the final follow-up. Results were analysed by inferential and descriptive statistics. Results: The VISA-A-G outcome scores improved significantly from preoperative to six months, 12 months, and final postoperative assessment. Preoperatively, the average VISA-A-G score was 42.1 (range, 18-73) for patients operated for Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa and 44.6 (range, 10-73) for the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group, respectively. At final follow-up 88.8 (range, 15 to 100) and 96.9 (range, 71 to 100) were scored in the respective treatment groups.A repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean performance levels showed a statistically significant difference between measurements (p < 0.001). There was no systematic effect found between groups (p = 0.836). Conclusions: In Achilles tendon partial tears recalcitrant to conservative treatment, operative intervention is highly successful in most cases, irrespective of the level of the injury. Results were statistically equal when comparing the midportion and retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon partial tear groups.

Minimum 3.5-year outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon partial tears in the midportion and retrocalcaneal area

BackgroundAchilles tendon partial tears are not easy to diagnose and to manage. Most frequently, they are located in the midportion and insertional area. These entities result from different pathologic pathways and different treatment strategies are applied. The outcome is rarely investigated.MethodsThis study includes patients who underwent surgery for partial tears in the midportion or retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon area between the years 2009 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the VISA-A-G questionnaire. The final retrospective follow-up was performed after a minimum of 3.5 years postoperatively. Forty-eight Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa (impingement lesions) and 27 midportion Achilles tendon partial tears were identified. After applying rigorous exclusion criteria, 21 and 16 cases, respectively, remained for the final follow-up. Results were analysed by descriptive statistics.ResultsThe VISA-A-G outcome scores improved significantly from preoperative to six months, 12 months, and final postoperative assessment. Preoperatively, the average VISA-A-G score was 42.1 (range, 18–73) for patients operated for Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa and 44.6 (range, 10–73) for the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group, respectively (p = 0.690). At final follow-up 88.8 (range, 15 to 100) and 96.9 (range, 71 to 100) were scored in the respective treatment groups (p = 0.002).ConclusionsIn Achilles tendon partial tears recalcitrant to conservative treatment, operative intervention is highly successful in most cases, irrespective of the level of the injury. Twelve months postoperatively and at final follow-up, however, results were significantly better in the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group.Trial registrationDRKS, DRKS00014266. Registered 06 April 2018. 'Retrospectively registered', https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=results .