Ankle Muscle Strength and Gait Function After Dorsal Closing Wedge Calcaneal Osteotomy for Haglund Exostosis-Related Heel Pain.

BACKGROUND: Haglund exostosis-related heel pain may be surgically treated with dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO). Recent reports on this technique show good clinical and self-reported outcomes. However, uncertainty about functional consequences related to ankle muscle strength and gait function due to a shortened Achilles tendon lever arm exists. METHODS: Fifteen patients (15 feet) with Haglund exostosis-related heel pain were surgically treated with DCWCO and evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. Isometric plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength was quantified for both the involved and the uninvolved limb. Gait analysis was performed at a self-selected walking speed using a 3D motion capture system including force plates. Self-reported outcomes (Foot Function Index and Global Treatment Outcome) were also assessed. RESULTS: Before surgery, as well as after surgery, plantar flexion strength of the involved limb was significantly lower compared to the uninvolved limb while dorsiflexion strength did not differ between limbs at both time points. Step length and time, ankle flexion angles, power generation, and propulsive impulses during gait did not differ between limbs both before and after surgery. Propulsive impulse and step length of the involved limb increased from pre- to postsurgery with an effect size of 1.04 and 0.48, respectively, revealing a general improvement in gait dynamics. Total Foot Function Index improved by 48% after surgery, and 80% of patients rated their surgery as "helped" or "helped a lot" (Global Treatment Outcome). CONCLUSION: In this relatively small cohort, we found that patients treated for Haglund exostosis-related heel pain with DCWCO surgery had minor interlimb differences in gait kinematics and kinetics and generally improved gait dynamics and self-reported function at 1-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, observational prospective cohort study.

Double row reconstruction of achilles tendon (speedbridge technique) for haglund syndrome results in early weight bearing.

Background: Reconstruction of tendoachilles (TA) tendon using double row reconstruction (speedbridge technique) following excision of haglund deformity is relatively newer technique. The purpose was to assess the clinical outcome and effects of early postoperative mobilization with speedbridge technique. Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed between January 2018 to February 2019. All the patients underwent open excision of haglund deformity after complete detachment of TA tendon. Reconstruction of TA tendon was done using fibretape and 4.75 mm biocomposite Swivelock [ArthrexAchilles SpeedBridge Convenience Pack (AR-8928 BC-CP)].Clinical evaluation was done using American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hind Foot Score (HFS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients were followed at 6weeks, 6 months,12 months,18 months and 2 years. Results: 11 female and 2 male patients (16 feet) with mean age of 53.00 ± 4.93 years were analyzed. Full weight bearing mobilization was started on an average of 10 days postoperatively.The mean postoperative HFS, at 24 months of postoperative period, was 87.61 ± 4.69 compared to mean preoperative HFS of 53.07 ± 5.93. Conclusion: Haglund deformity excision and reconstruction of Tendoachilles using double row technique is an agile construct for early mobilization with an excellent clinical outcome.

Septic retrocalcaneal bursitis in a young soccer player treated with hindfoot endoscopic bursectomy: a case report.

Septic retrocalcaneal bursitis (RB) is extremely rare with no reports on surgical treatment. Here, we describe a rare case of septic RB in a 14-year-old male soccer player who was treated with hindfoot endoscopic bursectomy. A 14-year-old male soccer player complained of right heel pain without trauma histories when he was playing a soccer. Based on physical examination, radiological findings and laboratory results, we diagnosed the patient with septic RB and started to treat with conservative treatment including a non-weightbearing splint and intravenous antibiotics therapy. However, his symptoms and laboratory results did not improve at 4 days after starting intravenous antibiotics therapy, and so we applied hindfoot endoscopic bursectomy for him. At 4 weeks after the surgery, he could return to the original sport at preinjury level without symptoms and complications. Septic RB in a 14-year-old male soccer player was successfully treated with hindfoot endoscopic bursectomy.

Clinical outcomes and complications of the Zadek calcaneal osteotomy in Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Zadek osteotomy, a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy of the calcaneus, has been described as a treatment option in patients with Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT) that have failed conservative management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the complications of the Zadek for the management of IAT. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails (CENTRAL) were searched for all studies to November 2022. PRISMA guidelines were followed. The overall estimates of effect were presented as Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-analysis was conducted using the Review Manager Software (RevMan, Version 5.4). RESULTS: Ten studies with 232 patients were included. Functional scores and pain levels were significantly improved after the Zadek osteotomy (p < 0.00001). There were a total of 22 complications reported in the included studies and they were all considered minor. The most common complications were superficial wound infection and sural nerve paraesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The Zadek osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with IAT. There are no well-designed randomized controlled trials in the literature assessing the outcomes of a Zadek osteotomy against alternate surgical treatments and future research should focus on this. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Defining Haglund's deformity radiographically by incorporating the biomechanics of ankle motion.

BACKGROUND: Haglund's deformity is clinically defined by the presence of retrocalcaneal tenderness, with previous radiographic parameters relying on calcaneal anatomic parameters that did not considering the influence of ankle motion on posterior calcaneal-Achilles impingement METHODS: Standing foot radiographs from 55 patients with clinically defined Haglund's deformity were compared to 50 control patients using previously described measurements and 2 new angular measurements based on the linkage between ankle rotation and posterior calcaneal-Achilles impingement. The ability of each measure to distinguish between Haglund's and control patients was assessed. RESULTS: The combination of the angles to account for both increased calcaneal tubercle height and increased posterior calcaneal prominence could distinguish between the two patient groups (p = .018, Area under the curve = 63.2%). None of the previously published radiographic criteria were different between the two patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed radiographic criteria were more predictive than previous criteria that did not address the role of ankle motion.

The 'Bauer bump:' ice hockey skates as a common cause of Haglund syndrome.

Ice hockey is a fast-paced contact sport with a high rate of injury. While many of the injuries are acute and related to high skating speeds, frequent collisions, and sharp skates, the clinician must also be aware of the chronic injuries that commonly arise from playing this sport. The "Bauer bump" is one such chronic injury, which is the onset of Haglund syndrome in ice hockey players occurring in the context of wearing ice hockey skates. With this condition, players notice a bony enlargement of their posterosuperior calcaneus with or without the accompanying symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. It is important for clinicians to understand the nature of Haglund syndrome in hockey players so that it can be appropriately diagnosed, managed, and ultimately, prevented.

Surgical Treatment of Haglund's Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Posterosuperior calcaneal prominence, also known as Haglund's deformity, can often lead to retrocalcaneal bursitis, a significant cause of posterior heel pain. Surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients, after a period of conservative treatment including analgesia, physiotherapy, activity, and shoe wear modification has failed. Surgical options include both open and endoscopic techniques, and typically involve excision of the retrocalcaneal bursa, resection of the calcaneal prominence, and debridement of the diseased Achilles tendon. This article aims to provide an evidence-based literature review for the surgical management of Haglund's deformity. A comprehensive evidence-based literature review of the PubMed database conducted in July 2021 identified 20 relevant articles assessing the efficacy of surgical modalities for Haglund's deformity. The 20 studies were assigned to a level of evidence (I-IV). Individual studies were reviewed to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C, I) according to the Wright classification in support of or against the surgical modality. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed for the 20 studies. The results show that both open and endoscopic surgical modalities are efficacious in the treatment of Haglund's deformity, significantly improving functional outcome scores such as American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and patient satisfaction post-operatively. Endoscopic surgery appears to have the advantage of shorter operative times, lower complication rates, and better cosmesis. More studies are required to further validate and optimize these surgical techniques.

Safety and efficacy of image-guided retrocalcaneal bursa corticosteroid injection for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of image-guided retrocalcaneal bursa corticosteroid injection for retrocalcaneal bursitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After IRB approval, all fluoroscopically guided and ultrasound-guided retrocalcaneal bursa injections (2013-2019) were retrospectively evaluated. Pre-procedure US and radiographs were scored by 2 blinded radiologists in consensus for Achilles tendinosis and retrocalcaneal bursitis (0-3 scale), Achilles enthesopathy (present/absent), and Haglund deformity (present/absent). Pre- and post-procedure pain scores (0-10 scale) evaluated short-term response at 1-4 weeks: excellent (7-10 point decline), good (4-6 point decline), fair (1-3 point decline), or no response. Paired t-test determined significance of short-term improvement. Kaplan-Meier method analyzed time to progression to surgery or complication at 6-month minimum follow-up. Logistic regression analysis evaluated for association between demographic and imaging variables and negative outcome. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen injections (181 female; mean 54.5 years) performed under ultrasonographic (157, 72%) or fluoroscopic (61, 28%) guidance were evaluated for complication and long-term outcomes. Injections with short-term follow-up (n = 62) yielded excellent or good response in 62.9% (p < 0.00001). Thirty patients (14%) had subsequent elective Achilles surgery. Bursal Doppler flow was associated with progression to surgery (p = 0.00042). No differences were identified in outcomes between US and fluoroscopic-guidance cohorts. Four Achilles ruptures (1.8%) were identified 15-59 days post-injection, each with immediately preceding acute injury. CONCLUSION: Image-guided retrocalcaneal bursa corticosteroid injection yields significant short-term decrease in pain score in majority (63%) of patients. Subsequent Achilles tendon rupture rate was 1.8%. Bursa Doppler flow was significantly correlated with progression to surgery and may represent a negative prognostic indicator.

Increasing consensus on terminology of Achilles tendon-related disorders.

PURPOSE: Aims of this study are to evaluate the current terminology and assess the influence of the latest proposals on the terminology used for Achilles tendon-related disorders in both daily practice and literature. METHODS: (1) All orthopedic surgeons experienced in the field of foot and ankle surgery of the Ankleplatform Study Group were invited to participate in this survey by email. They were requested to fill out a survey on terminology in six typical cases with Achilles tendon-related disorders. (2) A systematic literature search of Achilles tendon-related disorders was performed in eight foot and ankle journals in Medline, Embase (Classic) from 2000 to 2016. All extracted terms were counted and compared to the terminology proposals, based on anatomic location, symptoms, clinical findings and histopathology. RESULTS: (1) In total, 141 of the 283 (50%) orthopedic surgeons responded to the survey. In five out of six cases with Achilles tendon-related disorders, the majority gave an answer according to latest proposals. (2) An overview of terminology used for Achilles tendon-related disorders from 2000 to 2016 shows an increase in use of terminology according to the latest proposals based on anatomic location, symptoms, clinical findings and histopathology. CONCLUSION: The revised terminology for Achilles tendon-related disorders based on anatomic location, symptoms, clinical findings and histopathology is used by the majority of orthopedic surgeons and is increasingly used in the literature. However, the indistinct Haglund eponyms are still frequently used in Achilles tendon-related terminology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis: more than 1 year of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the imaging changes in bone marrow oedema of the calcaneal prominence, retrocalcaneal bursa and degenerative Achilles tendon after the surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT). METHODS: This retrospective study analysed patients with IAT and retrocalcaneal bursitis that were diagnosed based on their symptoms and radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. For patients that had received 3 months of conservative treatment but still presented with symptoms, arthroscopic debridement of the retrocalcaneal bursa and resection of calcaneal prominence were undertaken. Patients with degeneration of the Achilles tendon underwent debridement of Achilles tendon calcification with an open incision. The last follow-up included radiographic and MRI imaging, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)-Ankle and Hindfoot scores. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included (mean ± SD follow-up, 3.1 ± 0.5 years). The VAS pain and AOFAS-Ankle and Hindfoot scores were significantly improved after surgery. MRI showed that bone marrow oedema of the calcaneal prominence and the retrocalcaneal bursa was significantly reduced compared with preoperative values. There was no significant change in the high signal area of the IAT. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of IAT and retrocalcaneal bursitis effectively alleviated local pain and restored function.

Achilles tendon-splitting approach and double-row suture anchor repair for Haglund syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Haglund syndrom is characterized as a painful posterosuperior deformity of the heel with possible causes as tight Achilles tendon, high-arched foot and tendency to walk on the outside of the heel. Surgical treatment may be recommended in cases where of insufficient response to nonoperative treatment. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of central Achilles tendon splitting and double-row suture anchor technique in the surgical treatment of patients with Haglund syndrome. METHODS: 27 patients with Haglund syndrome who underwent central Achilles tendon splitting and double-row suture anchor were retrospectively evaluated. The results were evaluated by the pre- and post-operative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and visual analogue scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated radiographically to assess lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (TMTA), Calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), and the Fowler-Philip angle (FPA) preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 47 ± 7 points; at the end of the follow-up period, it increased to 92 ± 4 points (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative VAS score was 9 ± 0.9 points; at the end of the follow-up period, it was 2 ± 0.6 points (p < 0.001). The lateral TMTA (preoperative: 5° ± 2°; follow-up: 4° ± 2°; p < 0.001), CPA (preoperative: 21° ± 5°; follow-up: 20° ± 5°; p = 0.005) and FPA (preoperative: 55° ± 6°; follow-up: 32° ± 3°; p < 0.001) values decreased at the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In the absence of an improvement to nonoperative treatment methods, central Achilles tendon-splitting approach appears to be an effective and safe treatment option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Transtendinous approach calcaneoplasty versus endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's disease.

PURPOSE: In this study, we performed a comparison between open calcaneoplasty through transtendinous approach and endoscopic calcaneoplasty for Haglund's disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who had undergone either a calcaneoplasty with transtendinous approach or endoscopic for Haglund's disease from three centres. Inclusion criteria were patients with Haglund's disease confirmed radiographically, neutral alignment of the hindfoot and at least one year of follow-up. Patients were excluded in case of ipsilateral ankle osteoarthritis or other neighbouring joints, previous foot surgery, hindfoot malalignment and marked calcific insertional Achilles tendinosis. A chart review was performed to collect demographic data, including age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Functional outcome analysis included the Foot Function Index, AOFAS score and VAS for pain pre-operatively and post-operatively at the last follow-up. This patient-reported outcome scores were used in the native language of each patient (Italian). RESULTS: Clinical and functional outcomes were collected from 54 patients (28 heels treated by open technique and 26 heels treated by endoscopic technique). In the open group, the AOFAS score improved from a pre-operative value of 65.67 ± 10.09 points to a value of 91.78 ± 9.67 points at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). In the endoscopic group, the AOFAS score improved from a pre-operative value of 66.69 ± 7.19 points to a value of 93.69 points ± 10.04 at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). The VAS and the FFI (Disability and Pain) scores were also improved significantly in both groups at the final follow-up evaluation (P < 0.001). Comparing the final follow-up post-operative clinical scores between the two groups, there was no difference in the AOFAS, VAS or the FFI scores between the two groups. No major complications were recorded, except for one Achilles tendon tear after open calcaneoplasty. The satisfaction rate was similar for both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques provided good clinical outcomes with a low rate of complications.

High patient satisfaction and good long-term functional outcome after endoscopic calcaneoplasty in patients with retrocalcaneal bursitis.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the degree of patient satisfaction at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up after endoscopic calcaneoplasty. The secondary objectives were to assess functional outcome measures, pain scores, analysis of bone removal, reformation of exostosis at follow-up and correlation of the size of the exostosis and recurrent or persisting complaints. METHODS: This study evaluated patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty, between January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2010, for the diagnosis of retrocalcaneal bursitis. The evaluation consisted of PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures), a questionnaire and a visit to the outpatient clinic for physical examination and a standard lateral weight-bearing radiograph of the ankle. Patient satisfaction, functional outcomes and pain scores were measured by use of a numeric rating scale (NRS). Size of the posterosuperior calcaneal exostosis was measured on a standard lateral weight-bearing radiograph using parallel pitch lines (PPL) and the Fowler-Philip angle (PFA). RESULTS: The response rate was 28 out of 55 (51%) and the median time to follow-up was 101(IQR 88.5-131.8) months. The median satisfaction score for treatment results was 8.5 out of 10 (IQR 6-10). FAOS symptoms 84.5 (IQR 58.0-96.4), FAOS pain 90.3 (IQR 45.1-100.0), FAOS ADL 94.9 (IQR 58.1-100.0), FAOS sport 90.0 (IQR 36.3-100.0) and FAOS QOL 71.9 (IQR 37.5-93.8) and median AOFAS was 100 (IQR 89-100). The median PLL difference between before operation and 2 weeks after the operation was - 4 mm (IQR-6 and -1) and the median PLL difference between 2 weeks after the operation and at follow-up was 1 mm (0-2). The median PFA was 65 (63-69) at baseline, 66.5 (60.8-70.3) 2 weeks after the operation and 64 (60.8-65.3) at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Despite the limited response rate, this study shows high patient satisfaction and good long-term functional outcome in patients affected by retrocalcaneal bursitis who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty for the treatment of Haglund's deformity provides better clinical functional outcomes, lower complication rate, and shorter recovery time compared to open procedures: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this research is to report the clinical outcome following surgical correction of Haglund's deformity summarising different surgical strategies and comparing clinical outcomes, failures, complications and return to activities of patients underwent open and endoscopic techniques. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using eight different databases. Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 1260 ankles of 1147 patients were grouped in accordance with the surgical approach (open, endoscopic, or percutaneous). RESULTS: The overall mean age was 44.8 ± 8.2 (range 14.9-82) years with a mean follow-up of 30.9 ± 17.1 (range 3-132) months. Analysis of clinical outcomes of open and endoscopic techniques demonstrated significant differences of AOFAS (87.1 ± 5.9 versus 90.7 ± 4.2 points; P < 0.001), complications (15.5% versus 4.1%; P < 0.001), failures (6.0% versus 1.2%; P < 0.001), time to return to daily activities (17.2 ± 9.3 versus 6.3 ± 1.0 weeks; P < 0.001) and time to return to sport (20.7 ± 3.3 versus 11.9 ± 0.3 weeks; P < 0.001) in the studies that reported these specific outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of Haglund's deformity provides overall good clinical results and high subjective satisfaction. Endoscopic procedures demonstrated better final AOFAS, a lower rate of complications and failures, and shorter recovery time when compared to open techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Minimum 3.5-year outcomes of operative treatment for Achilles tendon partial tears in the midportion and retrocalcaneal area.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon partial tears are not easy to diagnose and to manage. Most frequently, they are located in the midportion and insertional area. These entities result from different pathologic pathways, and different treatment strategies are applied. The outcome is rarely investigated. METHODS: This study includes patients who underwent surgery for partial tears in the midportion or retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon area between the years 2009 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Patients were prospectively assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the VISA-A-G questionnaire. The final retrospective follow-up was performed after a minimum of 3.5 years postoperatively. Forty-eight Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa (impingement lesions) and 27 midportion Achilles tendon partial tears were identified. After applying rigorous exclusion criteria, 21 and 16 cases, respectively, remained for the final follow-up. Results were analysed by inferential and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The VISA-A-G outcome scores improved significantly from preoperative to 6 months, 12 months, and final postoperative assessment. Preoperatively, the average VISA-A-G score was 42.1 (range, 18-73) for patients operated for Achilles tendon partial tears at the level of the retrocalcaneal bursa and 44.6 (range, 10-73) for the midportion Achilles tendon partial tear group, respectively. At final follow-up 88.8 (range, 15 to 100) and 96.9 (range, 71 to 100) were scored in the respective treatment groups. A repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean performance levels showed a statistically significant difference between measurements (p < 0.001). There was no systematic effect found between groups (p = 0.836). CONCLUSIONS: In Achilles tendon partial tears recalcitrant to conservative treatment, operative intervention is highly successful in most cases, irrespective of the level of the injury. Results were statistically equal when comparing the midportion and retrocalcaneal Achilles tendon partial tear groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS, DRKS00014266. Registered 06 April 2018. 'Retrospectively registered', https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=results .

Ultrasound-Guided Minimally Invasive Surgical Resection of Retrocalcaneal Bursitis: A Preliminary Comparison With Traditional Open Surgery.

Posterior heel pain is a common complaint that is often caused by overuse injuries. In such cases, the retrocalcaneal bursa is compressed and chafed repeatedly, leading to local inflammation. Sonography is a popular imaging tool used to study the pathology of soft tissues, and it can be used to assist in diagnosing bursitis because of its accuracy. Herein, we report an innovative method to treat retrocalcaneal bursitis under ultrasound guidance. Ten patients with posterior heel pain for >6 months who failed conservative treatment received this ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgery. An endoscopic puncher and burr were inserted under ultrasound guidance via a stabbing wound, and the swollen retrocalcaneal bursa and bony prominence were resected. The patients were able to ambulate and undergo a rehabilitation program 2 weeks postoperatively. In the patients who underwent this ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgery, both the average surgical time and average hospital stay were shorter than in those (n = 12) who underwent open surgery. In outcome rating assessment, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) pain score and total AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score were improved in the ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgery group compared to the open surgery group at 2 months postoperatively. Other advantages included lesser wound pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time, and minimal blood loss. Accordingly, ultrasound-guided surgery appears to be a good option for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis.

Calcific Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy-Achilles Repair With Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer: Case Series and Surgical Technique.

Calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy (CIAT) is a relatively common musculoskeletal entity that results in significant pain and disability, as well as posterior muscle group weakness. There is a lack of evidence criteria to support the timing of operative intervention, choice of procedures, or whether equinus requires treatment. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review 45 patients (48 feet) who have undergone surgical management of CIAT with concomitant posterior muscle group weakness with the single heel rise testing. All patients underwent debridement and repair of the Achilles tendon with reattachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, ostectomy of the calcaneus, and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. Those patients with equinus also underwent gastrocnemius recession. The focus includes patient-reported satisfaction, time to return to normal shoe gear, and the incidence of revision surgery. The overall average of time to weightbearing was 4.3 weeks. After surgery, 73.3% (n = 33) of the 45 patients responded to the following question: "Would you have this surgery done again?" Of these patients, 93.9% (n = 31) responded "Yes" and 6.1% (n = 2) responded "Unsure." Of the same 33 patients, 84.8% (n = 28) responded that they were "Very Satisfied" with the procedure and 15.2% (n = 5) responded that they were "Satisfied." Twelve patients (26.7%) did not respond to either question. One of the 12 patients (8.3%) who did not respond had bilateral procedures. None of the patients experienced tendon rupture, deep vein thrombosis, or the need for revision surgery. Four patients (8%) experienced a superficial infection, whereas 1 patient (2%) had development of a deep infection. No correlations were found when looking at the relationship between body mass index and return to weightbearing/normal shoe gear with Spearman analysis.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis Precedes or Accompanies Achilles Tendon Enthesitis in the Early Phase of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The consecutive reports and stored images of ultrasound examinations for 100 symptomatic ankles of 74 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were reviewed for the presence or absence of retrocalcaneal bursitis (RCB) and Achilles tendon enthesitis (ATE). The ankles were classified into 4 categories based on the presence or absence of RCB or ATE. The number of RCB(-)/ATE(-), RCB(+)/ATE(-), RCB(+)/ATE(+), and RCB(-)/ATE(+) ankles was 62, 16, 12, and 10, respectively. When classifying patients into early RA and established RA, the percentage of RCB(-)/ATE(+) ankles with early RA was significantly lower than that with established RA (P = .00595). The disease duration was significantly longer in the RCB(-)/ATE(+) ankles than in the RCB(+)/ATE(-) ankles (median [interquartile range]: 15.29 [8.69] months vs 3.6 [3.06] months, P = .0247). It was speculated that RCB precedes or accompanies ATE in the early phase of RA, which suggests that entheseal inflammation in RA arises from synovial tissues.