Endoscopic Insertional Achilles Reconstruction with Double Row Suture Bridge Reconstruction: A Technique Tip

Abstract

Category: Ankle; Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be a debilitating condition that often fails to improve with non- surgical management such as bracing and physical therapy. Traditional surgical techniques include an open debridement of the diseased tendon and resection of calcaneal spurs. This is followed by repair of the tendon. Suture anchors are often used to secure the tendon, but recent advances in tendon fixation, including the advent of double row repairs, has allowed better biomechanical repairs and faster rehabilitation. Additionally, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and endoscopic techniques have advanced to allow successful treatment of all aspects of the condition while minimizing wound complications and infection Methods: The authors present a technique to treat insertional Achilles tendinopathy and calcaneal bone spurs using MIS techniques while also incorporating a percutaneous double row suture anchor repair. The technique utilizes four portals to access two endoscopic working planes. The burr is inserted deep to the tendon and the calcaneoplasty is performed. Subsequently, the endoscope is inserted alongside a shaver to remove bony debris and debulk the anterior aspect of the Achilles areas of tendinopathy. Following this, the portals are used to place a double row suture anchor repair. Results: With over 75 surgeries performed, there have been zero wound complications and patients have been able to return to full weight bearing within 10 days after surgery. Follow up outcome data is currently being collected and will be reported as a case series once sufficient patients have completed their follow up. Conclusion: This study presents double-row repair following an endoscopic assisted MIS calcaneoplasty and Achilles debridement. The technique combines the benefits of the double row suture bridge repair with a minimal incision technique to debride the insertional tendinosis. In order to adequately debride the tendon and the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, the tendon foot print is elevated as the burr removes the bone at the insertion. The anterior portion of the tendon, which may be a pain generator as well, isdebrided endoscopically with the shaver. Finally, a double row suture bridge repair is performed in order to allow early weight bearing and rehabilitation.