No normalisation of the tendon structure and thickness after intratendinous surgery for chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinosis.

Abstract

To characterise Achilles tendon structure and thickness a minimum of 8 years after intratendinous surgery. Fourteen patients (16 tendons; nine men and five women, mean age 43 years, range 27-55) surgically treated (intratendinous surgery) for chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinosis, were followed with clinical examination and grey-scale ultrasonography for a minimum of 8 years (range 8-16, mean 13). All patients were satisfied with the result of surgery and were active in Achilles tendon loading activities without restrictions. In all operated tendons, structural abnormalities remained and tendons remained thicker than normal tendons. Resection of tendinosis is associated with persistent structural abnormalities and thickening of the tendon 13 years after surgery, despite successful clinical outcomes.