Open surgical treatment for calcified insertional Achilles tendinopathy; a long-term follow-up study

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a painful condition located at the
insertion of the Achilles tendon onto the calcaneus, possibly with formation of
bone spurs or calcification in the Achillles tendon. When conservative
treatment fails, surgical treatment is indicated. Studies about the long-term
follow-up results of this surgical intervention show variable results and
different complication rates are found. This is possibly caused by the fact
that they used different surgical approaches.

In this study we will assess the results of the operative treatment in the AMC
using three questionnaires. In addition, to determine whether radiography is
also useful as a diagnostic tool after a successful treatment, a conventional
lateral standing radiograph of the ankle will be made. Hitherto, it has not
been studied if conventional radiography can be used after surgical
intervention. If the radiographs normalize, it may be used again as a
diagnostic criterion in case of return of complaints or if retrocalcaneal
bursitis develops. The primary objective of the study is to determine the
degree of patient satisfaction at a minimum of two years follow-up after
surgical intervention. The secondary objective is to assess objectively the
clinical outcome at least two years postoperative.

This study is designed as a retrospective descriptive study with postoperative
follow- up.

All patients will receive one conventional lateral X-ray of the ankle, which is
an exposure to radiation. This study does not provide immediate advantage for
the participating patient.