Patient reported outcomes and satisfaction following single incision Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) augmentation for chronic Achilles tendon pathologies.

BACKGROUND

Various procedures exist to augment or reconstruct the Achilles tendon (AT) in patients suffering from chronic pathologies. The aim of this study is to assess patient reported outcomes and satisfaction following single incision FHL augmentation using a short tendon harvest with interference screw fixation.

METHODS

This is a multicentre case series where postoperative patient reported outcome and satisfaction scores were collected on 30 patients. Outcome measures included EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, Achilles Tendon Rupture Scores (ATRS), and satisfaction scores. Scores were also collected on the unaffected limbs for comparison.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 61 years (range 40-79, SD 11). Mean EQ-5D index value was 0.750 (0.100-1.00, SD 0.238), and mean EQ-VAS score was 74 (36-99, SD 15), at a mean follow-up of 57 months (4-118, SD 32). For patients with ≥24 months' follow-up, a mean deficit of 16 ATRS points was found between the operated and unaffected limb. Overall satisfaction was over 86%. In cases of chronic AT rupture, younger age and increasing time from initial injury to surgery were predictors of greater residual deficit. No serious complications or failures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

FHL augmentation using short tendon harvest and interference screw fixation is a safe treatment option. It appears to take at least 24 months to functionally recover following this procedure, and despite a residual function deficit, there is a high level of patient satisfaction. Further studies are required to determine optimal patient selection and timing of surgery.