J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2021 Apr;56(2):157-163. 10.4055/jkoa.2021.56.2.157.

Wedge-Shaped Resection for Massive Xanthomatosis of Achilles Tendon

• Kim S
• Ahn YS
• Jung DM
• Jung ST

• KMID: 2514862
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2021.56.2.157

Abstract

Purpose
Xanthomatosis of the Achilles tendons is rare. In some patients, however, the lesions in the Achilles tendon need to be removed, which may be painful and disfiguring. While studies of successful surgical outcomes for the total resection and reconstruction of the Achilles tendon have been reported, reconstruction surgery has a technical challenge, and extended surgical exposures are required. This study analyzed five cases of bilateral xanthoma of the Achilles tendon, which was treated surgically using a wedge-shaped tendon-sparing approach to eliminate the need for tendon reconstruction.
Materials and Methods
From July 2010 to May 2018, five patients with xanthomatosis in both Achilles tendons underwent wedgeshaped tendon preserving surgery. The average age was 49 years (range, 40–55 years), and the follow-up period was 21.4 months (range, 12–31 months). The patients consisted of three males and two females. Complications related to surgery were recorded. The outcome measures included the range of motion of the ankle joint, American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall satisfaction at the last follow-up. The availability of a single-limb heel raise and returning time to work were also measured.
Results
Wound dehiscence that did not require secondary surgery was noted in one patient. At the last follow-up, the range of motion of the ankle joint was normal in all patients. The mean AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score was 91 (range, 85–96) and the VAS for the overall satisfaction ranged from 8 to 10. The average time between surgery and return to work was 27.6 days (range, 17–58 days) and all patients could perform a single-limb heel raise test.
Conclusion
The tendon-sparing technique, which can preserve the anatomical functioning of the Achilles tendon, could be an excellent surgical approach because it has very promising functional and cosmetic surgical outcomes in patients with Achilles tendon xanthomatosis.

Keyword

xanthomatosis; Achilles tendon; wedge-shaped resection