Dorsally Based Closing Wedge Osteotomy of the Calcaneus for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

BACKGROUND: Surgical management may be indicated for patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) after failure of nonoperative management, and various surgical techniques have been described. HYPOTHESIS: We present the technique and results of modified dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy, performed in a cohort of 28 consecutive patients. We hypothesized that this will be a safe procedure that can improve hindfoot pain and function for most patients who will return to preoperative daily life and sports activities. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A modified dorsal closing wedge osteotomy was performed in 28 patients (mean age, 54.7 years) from November 2015 to December 2016. All patients were followed for at least 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: All osteotomies united at a mean of 5 weeks. The mean anatomic change in calcaneal length was 4 mm (range, 3-6 mm). The overall complication rate was 10.7%. There were 2 superficial wound infections (7.1%) and 1 instance of sural nerve–related paresthesia (3.5%) reported. All patients returned to their presurgical level of activities at a mean of 23 ± 8.0 weeks. Further, 3 of 4 patients who participated in recreational sports activities returned to their preinjury level. Visual analog scale and Victorian Institute of Sports of Australia–Achilles scores significantly improved postoperatively (P < .001) and continued to improve for 24 months. CONCLUSION: The modified dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy is a safe procedure and significantly improved pain and function in patients with IAT at 2 years after surgery.