Tendoscopy in stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

results after minimum follow-up of 8 years

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the progression of patients with this pathology treated by tendoscopy and with a minimum 8-year follow-up. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients operated on between 2008 and 2011. During that period, 11 patients with this pathology aged between 28 and 56 years (average 37 years) underwent surgery. The patients were assessed subjectively using the VAS scale and the AOFAS scale was used as the objective method. Results: Nine of the 11 operated patients could be evaluated. Tendon injury was evident in three patients during the tendoscopy and open repair was indicated. Seven patients improved their symptoms according to the VAS and did not progress to stage II. Two patients progressed to stage II and underwent hindfoot reconstruction: one with tendon injury and the other without. The AOFAS scale improved on average from 64 to 96 in the patients who did not progress to stage II. Conclusion: Tendoscopic synovectomy of the PTT is an effective surgical procedure to treat patients with stage I PTTD. It has the advantages of less pain and fewer complications of the soft tissues. If a tendon injury is encountered during the tendoscopy, it must be repaired through a 3 to 4cm incision above the injured area of the tendon. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Study; Case Series.