Do Pre-operative Radiologic Assessment Predict Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy?: a Retrospective Database Study

Overview

Journal Arch Orthop Trauma Surg

Specialties Emergency Medicine
General Surgery
Orthopedics

Date 2021 Apr 23

PMID 33891177

Citations 2

Authors

Sebastian Felix Baumbach

Hubert Horterer

Sonja Oppelt

Ulrike Szeimies

Hans Polzer

Markus Walther

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis and treatment of insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon (IAT) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pre-operative radiological pathologies on the patient-reported outcomes following open debridement of all pathologies for IAT.

Materials And Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective correlation and comparative study, patients with pre-operative imaging were identified from the authors' retrospective IAT database comprising of 118 patients. All were treated by a standardized surgical treatment strategy utilizing a midline, transachillary approach and debridement of all pathologies. A total of fifteen radiologic parameters were measured on radiographs (RX) and MRI. The patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-G) and the general health questionnaire SF-12 at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The data are presented as mean ± SD (95% CI).

Results: 88 patients (74.6%) with an average age of 50 ± 12 (47-52) years were included. Radiographs were available in 68 patients and MRI in 53. The mean follow-up was 3.8 ± 1.9 (3.4-4.3) years. The overall VISA-A-G was 81 ± 22 (77-86), the SF-12 PCS 54 ± 7 (52-55), and the SF-12 MCS 52 ± 9 (50-54) points. None of the assessed radiological parameters had a significant influence on the patient-reported outcome following surgical treatment for IAT.

Conclusion: In this retrospective correlation study, no significant association was found between preoperative radiographic and MRI radiologic parameters for IAT and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (VISA-A-G and SF-12).

Citing Articles

Severity of Achilles Tendinopathy on Preoperative MRI and Short-term Functional Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Zadek Osteotomy.

Hall S, Lewis T, Kaplan J, Schipper O, Vulcano E, Holly Johnson A Foot Ankle Orthop. 2025; 10(1):24730114251322775.

PMID: 40078660 PMC: 11898226. DOI: 10.1177/24730114251322775.

Outcomes of Revision surgery for surgically treated insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Horterer H, Oppelt S, Pfahl K, Harrasser N, Bocker W, Polzer H Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2024; 145(1):52.

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Recurrence rates for surgically treated insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

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PMID: 38085325 PMC: 10896813. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-05155-8.

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