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 thepatients 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, tendinosisResults 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 theirpre-injury level of training and sports confirms that results.