Double-Row Achilles Insertional Repair With Rip-Stop Increases Construct Strength Compared to Traditional Techniques: A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: Although double-row suture-anchored (DRSA) techniques for Achilles insertional tendinosis has proven successful, a reoccurring failure mode not yet addressed is suture tearing through the tendon. This study aims to address suture tearing by incorporating a rip-stop element. Authors hypothesized that the Rip-Stop group would demonstrate increased strength compared with more traditional techniques. METHODS: 12 paired cadaveric feet were used in this study (n = 24). One sample from each pair was assigned to receive the standard double-row (SDR) Achilles repair with 4.75-mm knotless anchors (n = 12). The control's matched sides were divided between 2 DRSA bridge groups: modified double-row (MDR) bridge with 3.9-mm anchors or rip-stop double-row (RS-DR) bridge repair with soft proximal anchors and 3.9-mm anchored distal row. In neutral position, specimens underwent 1000 cycles (20-100 N) followed by load to failure. Displacements, stiffness, ultimate load, and failure mode were recorded. RESULTS: RS-DR had the lowest initial displacement values followed by SDR and MDR (1.3 ± 0.4, 2.7 ± 1.4, and 3.2 ± 1.3 mm, respectively). Significance was detected when comparing initial displacement of RS-DR to MDR (P = .038). Cyclic displacement was lowest for RS-DR, followed by MDR and SDR (1.6 ± 0.9, 2.2 ± 1.1, and 4.5 ± 3.2 mm, respectively). Cyclic stiffness was similar for RS-DR and MDR (89.1 ± 24.6 and 81.9 ± 5.6 N/mm, respectively). RS-DR ultimate load (1116.8 ± 405.7 N) was statistically greater than SDR (465.6 ± 352.7, P = .003). CONCLUSION: RS-DR-repaired specimens demonstrated a decrease in displacement values and increased ultimate load and stiffness when compared to other groups. Results of this cadaveric model suggest that the addition of a rip-stop to DRSA Achilles repair is more impactful than anchor size. Limitations include that this was a time-zero biomechanical study, which cannot simulate the performance of the repairs during postoperative healing and recovery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A rip-stop technique for Achilles repair effectively improves dynamic mechanical characteristics and may mitigate suture tearing through tendon in a patient cohort.

Two-Year Survivorship and Patient-Reported Outcomes of a Prospectively Enrolled Cohort of INFINITY Total Ankle Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: The INFINITY total ankle implant is a widely and successfully used option for total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to assess the 2-year survivorship, complication rates, patient-reported outcomes, and radiologic findings of prospectively enrolled patients undergoing a fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This study sought to determine if factors such as traditional vs patient-specific instrumentation, preoperative degree of arthritis, deformity, or etiology of arthritis impact surgical or clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 143 prospectively enrolled patients (148 ankles) underwent TAA with a fixed-bearing total ankle implant between 2017 and 2019 at 9 different institutions by 9 different surgeons. A total of 116 completed 2-year follow-up. Patients were stratified by instrumentation used, degree of preoperative deformity, the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) grading system, and etiology of arthritis. Outcomes used included implant survivorship and adverse events within 2 years of surgery. Additionally, patient-reported outcomes and radiographs were collected at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperatively. PROMs used included Ankle Osteoarthritis Score (AOS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) global health score, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and patient satisfaction (rated from excellent to poor). RESULTS: Implant survivorship at 2 years was 97.79%. There were 17 reoperations (11.5%), with 4 of the implants requiring revision (2.7%). Significant improvements in all PROMs were observed among all subgroups at all postoperative time points without significant variation between subgroups. Patients classified as COFAS type 2 arthritis preoperatively demonstrated significantly more improvement in FAOS Total Symptom Score at the 1- and 2-year measurements than COFAS type 3 patients at both time points. CONCLUSION: Total ankle arthroplasty with a fixed-bearing implant system is a safe and reliable treatment option for patients with end-stage arthritis regardless of degree of deformity or COFAS grading. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Ankle plantar flexor muscle performance and patient reported outcomes in people following total ankle arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate ankle power generation during gait in people with total ankle arthroplasty, and examine the relationships between postoperative plantar flexor strength, ankle power, and patient outcomes. METHODS: Nineteen people with end-stage ankle arthritis who received a total ankle arthroplasty and 19 healthy matched controls participated in this case-control study. Patient reported outcomes included a region specific measure of foot function and a generic measure of physical function. Gait speed was recorded with the 6-min walk test. Isokinetic plantar flexor strength was measured with an instrumented dynamometer. Motion capture and force plate data were used to calculate peak ankle power generation during walking. Paired or independent t-tests were used to compare ankle power across time and between groups, respectively. Bivariate correlations were performed to examine the interplay of postoperative strength, ankle power, gait speed, and patient reported outcomes. FINDINGS: Ankle power was not different between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative time points (d = 0.20). Six-month postoperative ankle power was less than controls (d = 1.32). Strength, ankle power, and gait speed were directly correlated in the patient group 6-months postoperatively (r or ρ ≥ 0.47). Six-month postoperative strength and ankle power were directly correlated to select 2-year patient reported outcomes (both ρ = 0.54). INTERPRETATION: Lower than normal 6-month postoperative ankle power, which was correlated to strength, gait speed, and longer-term patient reported outcomes, suggests efforts toward improving ankle plantar flexor muscle performance may improve patient outcomes.

Total ankle arthroplasty: Strength, pain, and motion.

BACKGROUND: While outcomes such as pain and ankle motion are well researched, information regarding the effect of total ankle arthroplasty on ankle plantarflexion strength is extraordinarily limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ankle plantarflexion strength before and after total ankle arthroplasty, and examine the interplay of pain, motion, and strength. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 19 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis who received a total ankle arthroplasty and 19 healthy control participants matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Pain was measured with a numeric pain rating scale. Passive sagittal plane ankle range of motion (°) and isokinetic ankle plantarflexion torque (Nm/kg) at 60 and 120°/s were measured with an instrumented dynamometer. t-tests or non-parametric tests were used to evaluate outcomes across time and between groups. Bivariate correlations were performed to evaluate the interplay of postoperative pain, motion, and torque. FINDINGS: Patient pain and motion improved between the preoperative and six-month postoperative time points (d ≥ 0.7). Ankle plantarflexion torque was not different across time (d ≤ 0.5), but was lower than control group values postoperatively (d ≥ 1.4). Significant correlations between pain and motion (r = -0.48), but not torque (-0.11 ≤ r ≤ 0.13), were observed. INTERPRETATION: Unchanged following surgery, impairments in muscle performance following total ankle arthroplasty do not appear to be changed by improved pain or motion. These findings provide impetus for postoperative strengthening interventions.

Midfoot Function Before and After Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding the effect of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) on midfoot function is extremely limited. The purpose of this study was to characterize midfoot region motion and power during walking in people before and after TAA. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 19 patients with end-stage ankle arthritis who received a TAA and 19 healthy control group participants. A motion capture and force plate system was used to record sagittal and transverse plane first metatarsal and lateral forefoot with respect to hindfoot motion, as well as sagittal plane midfoot region positive and negative peak power during walking. Parametric or nonparametric tests to examine differences and equivalence across time were conducted. Comparisons to examine differences between postoperative TAA group and control group foot function were also performed. RESULTS: Involved-limb midfoot function was not different between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative time point in the TAA group (all P ≥ .17). Equivalence testing revealed similarity in all midfoot function variables across time (all P < .05). Decreased first metatarsal and lateral forefoot motion, as well as positive peak power generation, were noted in the TAA group postoperative involved limb in comparison to the control group (all P ≤ .01). CONCLUSION: The similarity of midfoot function across time, along with differences in midfoot function in comparison to controls, suggests that TAA does not change midfoot deficits by 6 months postoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Traditional Modified Broström vs Suture Tape Ligament Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: The modified Broström (MB) procedure has long been the mainstay for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Recently, suture tape (ST) has emerged as augmentation for this repair. The clinical benefit of such augmentation has yet to be fully established. The purpose of this study was to determine if ST augmentation provides an advantage over the traditional MB. METHODS: Adult patients were identified for inclusion in the study based on indications for primary lateral ligament reconstruction for CLAI. The primary outcome measure was time to return to preinjury level of activity (RTPAL). Secondary outcome measures included complications, ability to participate in an accelerated rehabilitation protocol (ARP), patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and visual analog pain scale (VAS). A total of 119 patients with CLAI were enrolled and randomized to the MB (59 patients) or ST (60 patients) treatment arm. RESULTS: Average RTPAL was 17.5 weeks after MB and 13.3 weeks after ST (P < .001). At 26 weeks, 12.5% of patients in the MB group and 3.6% of patients in the ST group had not managed RTPAL (P = .14). The complication rate was 8.5% in the MB group vs 1.7% in the ST group (P = .12). Four patients in the MB group failed to complete the ARP vs 1 in the ST group (P = .144). CONCLUSION: Results from this multicenter, prospective, randomized trial suggest that ST augmentation allows for earlier RTPAL than MB alone. ST augmentation may support successful accelerated rehabilitation and did not result in increased complications or morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Cost of Headless vs Headed Screw Fixation for Calcaneal Osteotomy and Subtalar Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Screw head prominence in the heel following fixation for calcaneal osteotomy or subtalar arthrodesis has resulted in high rates of symptomatic hardware and screw removal. A cost analysis was performed to determine the financial implications of screw removal. Furthermore, we compared the rate of nonunion following fixation. METHODS: Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify all patients who had a subtalar arthrodesis or calcaneal osteotomy (with screw fixation) performed between 2010 and 2016. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: 7.0-mm headless screw or 6.7-mm headed screw. The primary outcome measure was the rate of symptomatic screw removal. Secondary outcomes included the rate of nonunion. The expense associated with symptomatic hardware removal was determined by cost analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients underwent headless screw fixation, and 2 patients (2.6%) required screw removal. Fifty-four patients underwent headed screw fixation and 12 patients (22.2%) required screw removal. Symptomatic hardware removal was performed more frequently in the headed screw group (P < .001). There was no difference in the rate of nonunion after subtalar arthrodesis between the 2 groups (P = .363). The calcaneal osteotomy united in 100% of patients. There was a $51 755 cost savings per 100 cases using headless screw fixation. CONCLUSION: The rate of symptomatic screw removal was lower with headless screw fixation. The calcaneal osteotomy healed in 100% of patients, and there was no difference in the rate of subtalar nonunion between the 2 groups. Cost analysis demonstrated a significant benefit when the expense of hardware removal was considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Posterior Ankle Impingement and Flexor Hallucis Longus Pathology.

Posterior ankle pain is a common complaint, and the potential causative pathologic processes are diverse. The constellation of these numerous etiologies has been collectively referred to as posterior ankle impingement syndrome. The pain associated with posterior ankle impingement is caused by bony or soft tissue impingement of the posterior ankle while in terminal plantar flexion. This condition is most frequently encountered in athletes who participate in sports that involve forceful, or repetitive, ankle plantar flexion. This article discusses the associated pathology, diagnosis, conservative treatment, and surgical techniques associated with flexor hallucis longus and posterior ankle impingement syndrome.

Overall Health and the Influence of Physical Therapy on Physical Function Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The overall health and the importance of physical therapy for people following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) have been understudied. Our purpose was to characterize the overall health of patients following TAA, and explore the frequency, influence, and patient-perceived value of physical therapy. METHODS: People who received a TAA participated in this retrospective cohort online survey study. The survey included medical history questions and items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Short Forms. Seven PROMIS domains, reflecting the biopsychosocial model of care (physical, mental, social), were included to examine participant overall health status in comparison to the general population. Items regarding physical therapy participation (yes/no), number of visits, and perceived value (scale 0-10; 10 = extremely helpful) were also included. Descriptive statistics were generated for participant characteristics, PROMIS domain T scores, and physical therapy questions. The influence of participant characteristics or physical therapy visits on PROMIS domain T scores that scored below the population mean were examined with multiple linear regression or ordinal regression. RESULTS: The response rate was 61% (n=95). Average postoperative time was approximately 3 years (mean [SD]: 40.0 [35.3] months). Physical function and ability to participate in social roles and activities domain T scores were at least 1 SD below the population mean. Most patients received physical therapy (86%; 17.1 [11.0] visits) and found it helpful (7.2 [3.0]). Participant characteristics were minimally predictive of physical function and social participation T scores. Number of physical therapy visits predicted physical function T scores (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Most health domain scores approached the population mean. Physical therapy was perceived to have a high value, and greater visits were related to greater physical function. However, lower physical function and social participation scores suggest that postoperative care directed toward these domains could improve the value of TAA and promote overall health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Talar Osteonecrosis After Subchondroplasty for Acute Lateral Ligament Injuries: Case Series.

Talar osteonecrosis is a well-described phenomenon following talar neck fracture, but is a rarely described complication after procedures about the foot and ankle. Here we describe the clinical course of 5 cases of talar osteonecrosis following injection of calcium phosphate into the talus (subchondroplasty) with or without acute lateral ligament repair after acute lateral ankle ligament injuries performed at an outside institution. Practitioners should be aware of this potentially devastating complication. Future research is indicated to determine the safety and efficacy of subchondroplasty for the talus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, case series.

Effect of Leg Length-Evening Device on Perceived Balance in Patients Wearing a Controlled Ankle Motion Boot.

BACKGROUND: Patients are often made weightbearing as tolerated (WBAT) in a controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot for the management of various foot and ankle conditions. The CAM boot causes a leg length discrepancy (LLD) between the booted (longer) and contralateral (shorter) lower extremities. This discrepancy can potentially cause balance problems, undue strain on joints, and discomfort in patients. We hypothesized that a leg length-evening orthotic placed on the plantar aspect of the contralateral shoe improves balance among patients who are WBAT in a CAM boot. METHODS: Patients made WBAT in a CAM boot were randomized to either the leg length-evening orthotic intervention group or to a control group in which patients wore a normal shoe of their choice. Patients were followed for 2 weeks and asked a series of questions pertaining to balance and pain experienced at their knees, hips, and back. Balance was the primary outcome and was scored from 0 (no difficulty with balance) to 10 (great difficulty with balance). Of 107 subjects enrolled and randomized, 95 (88.8%) completed the study, satisfying the a priori sample size requirement of 94 patients. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups (P > .05 for each). RESULTS: Intervention patients reported less difficulty with balance than control patients (intention-to-treat analysis: 2.0±1.5 vs 3.2±1.8, P = .001; as-treated analysis: 2.1±1.7 vs 3.0±1.7, P = .009). Intervention and control patients did not differ with respect to pain experienced at their knees, hips, or back, or in a composite total pain score (P > .05 for each). CONCLUSION: This multicenter randomized controlled trial found that adding a limb length-evening orthotic to the plantar aspect of the contralateral shoe in a patient that is WBAT in a CAM boot improved patient-reported self-assessment of balance. The trial was powered to identify a difference in the primary outcome measure of balance and may have been insufficiently powered to identify differences in knee, hip, back, or total pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Ankle Arthrodesis With Anterior Plate Fixation in Patients at High Risk for Nonunion.

Between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2017, an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon performed tibiotalar arthrodesis on 221 patients. Thirty-two were included in this study. Inclusion criteria included patients with at least one risk factor for nonunion and/or malunion, isolated anterior ankle arthrodesis with plate fixation, patients older than 18, and a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Risk factors were avascular necrosis of the talus, severe segmental bone defect, smoking, inflammatory arthropathy, coronal deformity greater than 15°, diabetes mellitus, septic nonunion, failed ankle arthrodesis, and body mass index greater than 35. Functional outcome questionnaires (Ankle Osteoarthritis Score [AOS] and Foot Function Index [FFI]) were collected at the latest visit or by phone. Twenty-six (26/32, 81.2%) patients included in the study had computed tomography images available for review at an average of 3.2 months after surgery. The rate of successful arthrodesis was 93.8% (30/32) at an average of 78 days. Overall, 14 patients (14/32, 43.8%) developed a postoperative complication, including 1 patient that had a delayed nonunion and 2 patients that proceeded to nonunion. Twenty-three patients (23/32, 71.9%) completed the functional outcome questionnaires at an average of 26.8 months. Mean AOS and FFI scores improved significantly postoperatively (P < .001). Sagittal tibiotalar and coronal tibiotalar alignment improved significantly in patients with severe preoperative deformity (P < .001). Tibiotalar arthrodesis with anterior plate fixation in a high-risk cohort results in high union rates and significantly improved functional outcomes. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Prospective, comparative trial.

What to Do with the Spring Ligament.

The spring ligament complex is an important static restraint of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and its failure has been associated with progressive flatfoot deformity. Reconstruction of the spring ligament complex is most appropriate in stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, before severe peritalar subluxation and rigid deformity develops. Although an understanding of the spring ligament complex and its contribution to medial arch stability has grown, there is no unanimously accepted surgical technique that has consistently demonstrated satisfactory outcomes. This article reviews the pathoanatomy of the spring ligament complex and the role of spring ligament reconstruction in acquired flatfoot deformity, and highlights current research.

Outcome of Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Impingement of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: Open and arthroscopic techniques have been utilized in the treatment of posterior impingement of the ankle and hindfoot. Because posterior impingement occurs more frequently in patients who repetitively plantarflex the ankle, this population may especially benefit from a procedure that reduces pain and results in maximal range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of hindfoot endoscopy in patients with posterior ankle impingement through a higher level of function outcome measures and physical examination parameters, focused on analysis of ROM. METHODS: Twenty patients were followed prospectively at a minimum 1-year follow-up (mean 38.2 months). Nineteen of 20 patients were competitive athletes. Patients completed a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Diagnoses included os trigonum, tibial exostosis, talar exostosis, loose body or fracture nonunion, and ganglion cyst removal. Patients underwent arthroscopic treatment utilizing a posterior approach; all relevant pathology was addressed. RESULTS: At the most recent follow-up, visual analog scale pain and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scores showed significant improvement (P < .01) pre- to postoperatively; Tegner score remained unchanged (P = .888). Three patients were professional athletes; all returned to their previous level of professional activity. ROM variables between affected and unaffected sides reached statistical similarity at the most recent follow-up. Only ankle plantarflexion reached statistical significance when compared pre- to postoperatively. Fifteen percent of patients reported postoperative neuritis. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior ankle arthroscopy allowed for maintenance or restoration of anatomic ROM of the ankle and hindfoot, ability to return to at least previous level of activity, and improvement in objective assessment of pain relief and higher level of function parameters. Complications associated with this procedure were minimal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Anatomical reconstruction of the spring ligament complex: "internal brace" augmentation.

The calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament complex is a critical static support of the medial arch of the foot. Compromise of this structure has been implicated as a primary causative factor of talar derotation leading to the clinical deformity of peritalar subluxation. Few procedures have been described to address this deficiency. The technique we describe here is a simple yet effective method to reconstruct the spring ligament complex that can easily be used in conjunction with other more commonly used procedures for extra-articular reconstructions of this deformity. We believe this procedure allows for a more powerful deformity correction and may decrease dependency on other nonanatomic reconstructive procedures.

Early weightbearing using Achilles suture bridge technique for insertional Achilles tendinosis: a review of 43 patients.

Posterior heel pain caused by insertional Achilles tendinosis can necessitate surgical intervention when recalcitrant to conservative care. Surgical treatment can necessitate near complete detachment of the Achilles tendon to fully eradicate the offending pathologic features and, consequently, result in long periods of non-weightbearing. A suture bridge technique using bone anchors is available for reattachment of the Achilles tendon. This provides restoration of the Achilles footprint on the calcaneus, including not only contact, but also actual pressure between the tendon and bone. We performed a review of 43 patients who underwent surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinosis with reattachment of the Achilles tendon using the suture bridge technique. The mean age was 53 (range 29 to 87) years. The mean follow-up period was 24 (range 13 to 52) months. The mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 90 (range 65 to 100). The mean preoperative visual analog scale pain score was 6.8 (range 2 to 10) and the mean postoperative visual analog scale pain score was 1.3 (range 0 to 6). The mean interval to weightbearing was 10 (range 0 to 28) days. No postoperative ruptures occurred. Of the 43 patients, 42 (97.6%) successfully performed the single heel rise test at the final postoperative visit. Concomitant procedures were performed in 35 patients, including 33 (77%) requiring open gastrocnemius recession and 2 (5%) requiring flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. A total of 42 patients (97.6%) returned to regular shoe gear, and 42 (97.6%) returned to their activities of daily living, including running for 20 athletic patients (100%). Complications included postoperative wound dehiscense requiring surgical debridement in 2 patients (5%) and soft tissue infection requiring antibiotics and surgical debridement in 1 (2%) patient. Our findings support using the Achilles tendon suture bridge for reattachment of the Achilles tendon in the surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinosis.

Fixation of lapidus arthrodesis with a plantar interfragmentary screw and medial locking plate: a report of 88 cases.

Lapidus arthrodesis is a powerful procedure that can be used to correct pathologic features within the forefoot or midfoot. Many different methods of fixation for this procedure have been reported. The use of plating constructs has been shown to provide increased stability compared with screw-only constructs. The technique we have described consists of a plantar to dorsal retrograde lag screw across the arthrodesis site, coupled with a low-profile medial locking plate. A total of 88 consecutive patients were treated with this modification of the Lapidus procedure by 2 surgeons and were retrospectively evaluated. All patients followed an early postoperative weightbearing protocol. Patient age, gender, follow-up duration, interval to weightbearing and radiographic fusion, preoperative and postoperative intermetatarsal angle, hardware removal, preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot scores, and adjunct procedures were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 16.76 ± 5.9 (range 12 to 36) months, and all healed fusions demonstrated radiographic union at a mean of 51 ± 19.1 (range 40 to 89) days. The patients were treated with weightbearing starting a mean of 10.90 ± 4.1 (range 5 to 28) days postoperatively. Complications included 15 patients (17%) requiring hardware removal, 2 cases (2%) of hallux varus, 6 cases (7%) of radiographic recurrent hallux valgus, and 2 patients (2%) with first metatarsocuneiform nonunion. The results of the present study have demonstrated that plantar lag screw fixation with medial locking plate augmentation for Lapidus arthrodesis allows for early weightbearing with satisfactory outcomes, improved clinical and radiographic alignment, and improved American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores.

Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of Achilles tendinosis.

BACKGROUND: In patients with Achilles tendinosis, Achilles tendon debridement can be supplemented with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. Outcomes have not been studied prospectively in older, sedentary, and overweight patients. METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive limbs in fifty-six consecutive older, sedentary patients with insertional or midsubstance Achilles tendinosis were enrolled prospectively and underwent the procedure. Ten patients were lost to follow-up, leaving forty-eight limbs in forty-six patients available for evaluation after twenty-four months. RESULTS: The forty-six patients who were included in the study had an average age of 54 ± 10 years with an average body mass index of 33.8 ± 6.8 kg/m². Significant improvement was observed between baseline and twenty-four months in terms of the visual analog scale for overall pain intensity (6.7 ± 2.3 versus 0.8 ± 2.0; p < 0.001), the Short Form-36 physical score (34.3 ± 8.0 versus 49.0 ± 9.3; p < 0.001), the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale pain (54.4 ± 19.2 versus 1.9 ± 2.7; p < 0.001) and dysfunction (62.6 ± 21.4 versus 11.0 ± 24.2; p < 0.001) subscale scores, and performance of a single-leg heel rise (1.9 ± 3.0 versus 7.3 ± 2.7 cm; p < 0.001). Significant improvement compared with baseline was observed at three or six months except in the single-leg heel rise. Improvements in terms of pain and function occurred over twenty-four months, with the most improvement occurring in the first twelve months. At twenty-four months, maximum gastrocnemius circumference was significantly less in the involved compared with the uninvolved leg (40.2 ± 5.1 versus 41.2 ± 4.8 cm; p < 0.001). The mean passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint decreased from 85.1° ± 25.3° preoperatively to 68.1° ± 36.7° (a 20% change) at six months (p = 0.03). Most patients reported no hallux weakness (57%; twenty-six of forty-six patients) and no loss of balance due to hallux weakness (76%; thirty-five of forty-six patients). Postoperative peroneal tendinitis was observed in seven patients. Complications included deep-vein thrombosis (two patients), superficial infection or delayed wound-healing (six), scar pain (four), and early disruption of the reconstruction due to a fall (one). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical debridement of the Achilles tendon with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer was associated with significant improvement in terms of Achilles tendon function, physical function, and pain intensity in a group of relatively inactive, older, overweight patients. When present, hallux weakness had minimal functional sequelae.