Patient reported outcomes and ankle plantarflexor muscle performance following gastrocnemius recession for Achilles tendinopathy: A prospective case-control study

Abstract

Background: Prospective studies to guide the application of a gastrocnemius recession for Achilles tendinopathy are limited. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate patient reported outcomes and muscle performance.

Methods: Patients with unilateral recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy who received an isolated gastrocnemius recession (n=8) and a healthy control group (n=8) were included. Patient reported outcomes, ankle power during walking and stair ascent, and the heel rise limb symmetry index (total work) were collected.

Results: Improvements in pain and self-reported function were observed (six months and two years). Sport participation scores reached 92% by two years. Patients demonstrated lower ankle power during stair ascent and decreased limb symmetry during heel rise six months following treatment (p≤.02).

Conclusions: Study findings regarding long-term improvements in patient pain, self-reported function and sport participation, and early preservation of ankle function during walking, can help refine patient selection, anticipated outcomes, and rehabilitation strategies.

Keywords: Achilles tendinopathy; Ankle power; Biomechanics; Gastrocnemius recession.