Mid- to long-term radiological and functional outcomes after calcaneoplasty with achilles tendon reinsertion for insertional tendinopathy

Background: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) significantly impairs function and quality of life, particularly in young athletes. When conservative treatment fails, surgical options include Zadek osteotomy and calcaneoplasty with tendon reinsertion. Although certain preoperative radiological p...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: López-Hernández, C., González-Alonso, M., Vázquez-Crespo, R., Zhang-Chen, J., Tejero García, Sergio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:idus________::a06ad55d83d420e789c6710263842ed7
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/186605
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.recot.2025.11.028
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.recot.2026.03.006
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Tendón de Aquiles
Tendinopatía insercional
Calcaneoplastia reinsercional
Resultados funcionales
Achilles tendon
Functional outcomes
Insertional tendinopathy
Reinsertional calcaneoplasty
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) significantly impairs function and quality of life, particularly in young athletes. When conservative treatment fails, surgical options include Zadek osteotomy and calcaneoplasty with tendon reinsertion. Although certain preoperative radiological parameters, such as calcaneal inclination and tuberosity length, may influence functional outcomes, comprehensive studies analyzing their impact on calcaneoplasty results remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate the mid- and long-term effectiveness of calcaneoplasty with Achilles tendon reinsertion in patients with refractory IAT and to assess the relationship between preoperative radiological parameters (calcaneal inclination) and postoperative functional outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients who underwent calcaneoplasty with reinsertion between 2011 and 2024. Mean follow-up was 22 months (IQR: 71) with a median age of 55years (IQR: 10). Preoperative radiological parameters (Ruch, Fowler-Phillips, CLA, BRINK angles, among others) and functional scales (VAS, AOFAS, EFAS, VISA-A, Tegner) were assessed before and after surgery. Results: Significant postoperative improvement was observed across all functional scales (P<.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Mean VAS pain scores decreased from 8.75±1.27 to 1.71±2.02, while AOFAS scores increased from 38.36±14.55 to 88.82±11.95. EFAS and VISA-A scores improved by 16.46 and 45.59 points, respectively. Tegner scores showed an increase of 50.48 points in athletic capacity. Two complications (5.26%) were reported: one suture granuloma and one case of lateral plantar nerve neuralgia, both successfully managed conservatively. No significant correlation was found between calcaneal inclination or tuberosity length and postoperative functional outcomes. Strengths of the study include a comprehensive functional assessment and consistent follow-up, while limitations include the retrospective design and use of two reinsertion techniques (single- and double-row), with no significant differences in outcomes. Conclusion: Calcaneoplasty with Achilles tendon reinsertion is effective for refractory insertional Achilles tendinopathy, providing sustained mid- and long-term benefits. Preoperative radiological parameters were not significantly associated with postoperative functional outcomes.