Chinese Consensus on Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

BACKGROUND: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a common finding in the clinic. However, consensus on its mechanism, pathological process, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation is lacking. Thus, the Chinese Society of Sports Medicine organized and invited experts representing the fields of ankle disease and tendinopathy to jointly develop an expert consensus on IAT. STUDY DESIGN: A consensus statement of the Chinese Society of Sports Medicine. METHODS: A total of 34 experts in the field of sports medicine and orthopaedics were invited to participate in the compilation of a consensus statement regarding IAT. Consensus was achieved according to the Delphi method. First, 10 working groups composed of 34 experts were established to compile draft statements about clinical problems related to IAT by reviewing and analyzing the available literature. An expert consensus meeting to discuss drafts was then arranged. Each statement was individually presented and discussed, followed by a secret vote. Consensus was reached when more than 50% of the experts voted in its favor. The strength of the proposed recommendation was classified based on the proportion of favorable votes: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; unanimity, 100%. RESULTS: Of the 10 expert consensus statements on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IAT, there was strong consensus for 8 statements and unanimity for 2 statements. CONCLUSION: This expert consensus focused on the concepts, causes, pathological process, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of IAT. Accepted recommendations in these areas which will assist clinicians in carrying out standardized management of related diseases.