Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in the reconstruction of extensive insertional Achilles tendinopathy in elderly: an improved technique.

BACKGROUND

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative disease associated with disabling posterior heel pain, gait dysfunction and significant morbidity. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of complete excision of the pathological tendo-achilles segment in elderly patients with extensive involvement, and reconstructing the defect using a modified technique which was proposed to allow early weight-bearing and rehabilitation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients (mean age 58.2 years) with extensive insertional Achilles tendinopathy (seven with spontaneous rupture and six without rupture) were operated between January 2008 and July 2012. The average tendon gap after debridement was 6.8 cm. All patients were reconstructed with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer augmented with a modified turn-down flap. Patient's satisfaction was evaluated using the American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS)-ankle-hindfoot scale.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 24.5 months. The AOFAS scores improved from 57.5±8.44 preoperatively to 98.3±1.01 at final follow-up (p<0.001). Complete pain relieve was achieved in ten patients, while the other three had mild occasional pain. Eleven patients had excellent results, and two had good results. There was no single case of re-rupture, and two patients acquired superficial wound infection which was resolved conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified technique provides a transfer with sufficient length and strength that can restore large tendo-achilles defects in elderly, and is stable enough to allow early protected weight-bearing and rehabilitation with favorable clinical result and minimal morbidity. Resection of all degenerated tendon tissue alleviates pain and improves function.