Operative Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy in Sportive Patients

Introduction: The aim of this study is to presents the long-term results of operative treatment of sportive patients with chronic Achilles tendinitis. Furthermore we evaluated the ability of the patients to return to their pre injury level of sports. Materials and Methods: 90 sportive patients (94 tendons) treated surgically fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 81 patients (81 tendons) were available for follow-up. (Group A) consisted of 31 patients with pertendinitis. (Group B) included 9 patients with pure tendinosis. (Group C) consisted of 34 patients with insertional tendinopathy. (Group D) included 7 patients with insertional tendinopathy associated with peritendinitis, tendinosis Results and Discussion: At final follow-up there were 61 excellent (75%); 10 good (12, 3%); 3 fair (3,7%) and 7 poor (8,6%) results. In (Group A), there were 24 excellent, 4 good, and 3 poor results. In (Group B), there were 8 excellent and 1 good results. In the (Group C), there were 24 excellent, 3 good, 3 fair and 4 poor results. In the (Group D), there were 5 excellent and 2 good results. Return to sport at the desired level of activity was observed in 66 cases (81,4%), 12 patients (14,8%) return to sport at lower level, and 3 patients (3,7%) was not able to return to sport after surgery at final follow up. Conclusion: The techniques used lead to acceptable results in sportive patients. Furthermore, the ability of 96,2% of patients to return to sport with the 81,4% of them able to return to their pre-injury level of training and sports confirms that results.