title: Uniportal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession for treatment of gastrocnemius equinus with a dedicated EGR system with retractable blade.
abstract: This study examined the effectiveness and safety of a uniportal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession with a specifically designed uniportal endoscopic system. Fifty-three patients underwent 60 endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions. Their mean range of ankle dorsiflexion changed from a preoperative value of -2.9° ± 1.9° to a postoperative value of 12.8° ± 1.7°, for a total increase of 15.7° ± 1.8° of ankle dorsiflexion (p < .001). The average time from skin incision to closure was 4 minutes and 19 ± 33.6 seconds. Overall, 4 (6.67%) cases (procedures) were associated with a complication, including 1 (1.67%) case of triceps surae weakness that resolved after physical therapy. Three (5%) cases developed nerve complications, with 2 (3.33%) cases of transient neuritis that spontaneously resolved at 5 and 8 weeks postoperatively, respectively, and 1 (1.67%) that experienced persistent cutaneous anesthesia in the distribution of the sural nerve along the lateral aspect of the foot up to 4 months postoperatively. There were no cases of wound dehiscence or delayed healing, painful scar formation, infection at the surgical site, hematoma, or deep venous thrombosis. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession with a uniportal system appears to be safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: Peace Health Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver, WA, USA. Drstephenschroeder@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Schroeder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004863:Equinus Deformity / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D055815:Young Adult