Results of Reinsertion of the Distal Achilles Tendon

Abstract

Background Reattachment of the distal Achilles tendon to the posterior calcaneus following distal Achilles tendon tears/avulsions or after excision of large posterior heel spurs is a challenging task for the orthopaedic surgeon. Patients/Material and Methods Between 2005 and the end of 2015, 22 patients who underwent repair/reconstruction of a lesion of the distal Achilles tendon were identified from our electronic records. Calcaneal reinsertions were performed following distal Achilles tendon tears/avulsions (n = 15) or following excision of a large symptomatic posterior heel spur (n = 7). The respective outcome was evaluated comparatively using the VISA-A – G (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles tendon, German version) questionnaire (100 = maximum). Data were collected preoperatively (n = 11/22), and prospectively at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively (n = 5 – 11/22). Two further retrospective follow-ups were performed 12 – 114 and 21 – 149 months postoperatively (n = 17/22 and 22/22, respectively). All data were analysed retrospectively. Complications were searched from the electronic files. Results Transosseous sutures and different anchor techniques (Panalok®, Corkscrew®, SpeedBridge®) were generally performed. Preoperatively, the VISA-A – G score was 27.3 ± 13.5 (6 – 45) following distal Achilles tendon reinsertions for avulsions and 45.3 ± 49.0 (0 – 100) when reattachment was performed after resection of a large posterior heel spur (p = 0.831). At the final follow-up, VISA-A – G values were 89.4 ± 13.9 (54 – 100) following distal Achilles tendon tear/avulsion and 82.5 ± 24.5 (51 – 100), when Achilles tendons were reattached after posterior heel spur excisions (p = 0.969). There were no complications in the “heel spur group”. In the Achilles tendon tear/avulsion group, four out of seven patients with Panalok® repairs developed a fistula. One patient suffered a thromboembolism. None of these complications affected the long-term outcome. Conclusions This study demonstrates good long-term outcomes after distal Achilles tendon reinsertion. Knotless double row anchor repair provides a greater area of compression, simplifies and standardises the repair/reconstruction, and provides safety against fistula. These implants are therefore recommended for safe and effective reattachment of the distal Achilles tendon.

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

“…Literature evaluating partial Achilles tendon tears is rare. It is to assume, that the initial lesion for retrocalcaneal partial tear is impingement resulting from retrocalcaneal bursitis [11,12,27,31].…”

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

“…Literature evaluating partial Achilles tendon tears is rare. It is to assume, that the initial lesion for retrocalcaneal partial tear is impingement resulting from retrocalcaneal bursitis [ 14 , 15 , 30 , 34 ].…”