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Br J Sports Med 2009;43:948-949 doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.050955
  • Original article

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

  1. H Alfredson1,
  2. E Zeisig1,
  3. M Fahlström1,2
  1. 1
    Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine, University of Umeå, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
  2. 2
    Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Umeå, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
  1. Correspondence to Professor H Alfredson, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine, University of Umeå, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; hakan.alfredson{at}idrott.umu.se
  • Accepted 24 July 2008
  • Published Online First 16 October 2008

Abstract

Objective: To characterise Achilles tendon structure and thickness a minimum of 8 years after intratendinous surgery.

Material and Methods: 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).

Results: 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.

Conclusions: Resection of tendinosis is associated with persistent structural abnormalities and thickening of the tendon 13 years after surgery, despite successful clinical outcomes.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests None.

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