title: Calcific spurs at the insertion of the Achilles tendon: a clinical and histological study.
abstract: In active people, insertional calcific tendinopathy (CT) of the Achilles tendon is rare. We evaluated the results of surgical treatment for Achilles tendon CT and analyzed post-surgery Achilles tendon histological features. The study included 36 operations in 34 patients. Twenty-eight (78%) cases had a resection of a Haglund's deformity performed. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range=23 to 68). Thirteen of the patients were professional athletes and 20 recreational athletes. In twenty-five (69%) cases, the result of surgery was rated good, in nine cases (25%) moderate and in two (6%) cases poor. The mean age of those with a good result was 10 years lower (40 versus 50 years) than those with a moderate result (p=0.0239). Higher athletic activity was also related to a better outcome (p=0.0205). Histology samples showed fast remodellation and stem-cell activation. Surgery seemed to result in a good outcome in patients with or without a Haglund's deformity which failed conservative treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department Paavo Nurmi Center, Hospital NEO, Turun Yliopisto, Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: Kristian Jarl Johan
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: Janne Julius
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Sarimo
authors.forename: Lasse Lennart
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Lempainen
authors.forename: Tiina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Laitala-Leinonen
authors.forename: Sakari Yrjö
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Orava
keywords: Achilles tendon; Haglund’s deformity; achillodynia; calcific tendinopathy; enthesophyte; surgery