Surgical management of achilles tendinopathy by percutaneous longitudinal tenotomies

Abstract

Achilles tendinopathy is common among athletes, particularly those involved in very strenuous and sudden takeoff maneuvers during their sport. This includes participants in racquet sports, track and field, volleyball, and soccer. Due to greater participation in recreational and competitive sporting activities, the incidence of Achilles tendinopathy has recently increased (see Case Study, below). However, Achilles tendinopathy does not exclusively affect athletes. Health professionals in both primary and secondary care are increasingly consulted by patients suffering from Achilles tendinopathy. Familiarity with the management options is important to best advise individual patients. The management of Achilles tendinopathy lacks evidence-based support, and sufferers of the condition are at risk of long-term morbidity with often unpredictable clinical outcomes. A substantial number of working days is lost annually due to Achilles tendinopathy. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009.