title: Multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomies for chronic Achilles tendinopathy in runners: a long-term study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomies have been successfully undertaken in runners with isolated midportion Achilles tendinopathy (nodular lesions <2.5 cm) without any sign of paratendinopathy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In the long term, minimally invasive multiple tenotomies allow the patient to remain involved in middle- and long-distance running. Clinical and ultrasound (US) evidence of paratendinopathy is a negative prognostic factor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series study; Level of evidence, 4.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 39 patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 17 years (range, 15-22 years) after US-guided multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomies for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire was completed by each patient, maximum calf circumference and isometric plantarflexion strength of the gastrocsoleus complex were measured in both the affected and contralateral legs, and functional assessment was scored by the 4-point Boyden scale. Achilles tendon changes were also assessed according to the grayscale US grading system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the final follow-up, the maximum calf circumference and the strength in the operated leg were not significantly different than those measured preoperatively, but they were significantly lower than those on the contralateral side. This did not affect patients' daily or sports activities. All patients had returned to their preinjury working occupation; 20 patients were still active in middle- and long-distance running, with an average current level of sport and function that was 60% ± 13% compared with baseline status (before onset of symptoms). Thirty of 39 patients (77%) reported good or excellent outcomes according to the Boyden assessment. On US assessment, the tendon was generally thicker than the contralateral asymptomatic tendon (average, 7.0 vs 8.7 mm, respectively; P = .003). There was no significant difference (P > .05) when comparing patients with good or excellent Boyden results versus those with fair or poor outcomes. The mean VISA-A score was 78.5, with no significant difference between patients with and without paratendinopathy on US assessment (P > .05). All of the patients who did not return to running or who gave up sports activities had signs of paratendinopathy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This approach to the management of midportion Achilles tendinopathy is safe, has a low cost, and is effective in the long term.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG, UK. n.maffulli@qmul.ac.uk
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maffulli
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: Vittorino
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Testa
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Capasso
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Del Buono
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D053580:Muscle Strength; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: chronic Achilles tendinopathy; multiple percutaneous tenotomies; return to sport; runners