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Review
. 2024 Mar 2;58(5):470-483.
doi: 10.1007/s43465-024-01114-6. eCollection 2024 May.

Gastrocnemius Release in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

Christopher James White  1 , Parisah Seyed-Safi  1 , Edmund Ieong  1 , Benjamin Rudge  1
Affiliations
Review

Gastrocnemius Release in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

Christopher James White et al. Indian J Orthop. .

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of isolated gastrocnemius release in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. The primary outcome is the change in patient-reported pain outcomes. Secondary outcomes include the change in patient-reported foot and ankle function, ankle range of motion and strength, patient satisfaction and rate of surgical complications.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken of studies involving patients treated with an isolated gastrocnemius release for Achilles tendinopathy. Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and case series were eligible and identified from the following databases: MEDLINE and EMBASE.

Results: Isolated gastrocnemius release results in improved patient-reported outcome scores for pain and foot and ankle function. There is an increase in ankle range of motion but a reduction in ankle strength. Patients report a high rate of overall satisfaction. The most common surgical complications are sural nerve injury and wound infection.

Conclusions: Isolated gastrocnemius release may offer maintained and clinically meaningful improvements in pain and foot and ankle function with an associated reduction in ankle strength.

Keywords: Achilles tendinopathy; Gastrocnemius release; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestOn behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram for search strategy and study selection
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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