Dorsal wedge calcaneal osteotomy as surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy

Abstract

Objective: The dorsal wedge calcaneal osteotomy aims to reduce the length of the calcaneus and elevate the insertion of the Achilles tendon, leading to a reduction of Achilles tension in its insertion. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and functional results of this osteotomy in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy and a high calcaneal inclination angle.

Material and methods: This is a retrospective study with 18 patients diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy, who were treated by dorsal wedge calcaneal osteotomy, excision of the wedge and fixation with 2 cannulated screws. The VAS, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot, VISA-A and patient satisfaction scales were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The radiological parameters analysed were the calcaneal inclination angle, the calcaneal length and the Fowler-Philips angle. A statistical analysis was performed. The mean follow-up was 18.3 months (range 14-36).

Results: All patients reported relief from symptoms. The VAS scale improved from 8.25 to 2.16 points; and the AOFAS score rose from 41.5 to 86.5 points (P<.05). The presence of tendon spurs on postoperative x-rays was not related to the clinical improvement.

Conclusions: Based on the results that we present, the dorsal wedge calcaneal osteotomy can be considered an alternative procedure for insertional Achilles tendinopathy in patients with a high calcaneal inclination angle. The symptomatic relief of all the patients might be secondary to the reduction of the tendon tension in its insertion.

Keywords: Calcaneal osteotomy; Insertional Achilles tendinopathy; Osteotomía calcánea; Tendinopatía insercional de Aquiles; Zadek.