Tendoscopy of Achilles, peroneal and tibialis posterior tendons: An evidence-based update.

BACKGROUND: Tendoscopy has been proposed in treating several conditions affecting tendons around the ankle. We reviewed literature to investigate the efficacy of Achilles, peroneal and tibialis posterior tendoscopy.

METHODS: Following the PRISMA checklist, the Medline, Scopus and EMBASE databases were searched, including studies reporting patients affected by disorders of Achilles, peroneal and tibialis posterior tendons and treated by tendoscopy (or tendoscopic-assisted procedures). The tendoscopic technique, rehabilitation protocol, clinical scores, patient satisfaction, success and failure rates and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: Sixteen studies (319 procedures) dealt with Achilles tendoscopy, nine (108) and six (78) about peroneal and tibialis posterior, respectively. Wound healing, cosmetic results, complication rate, work and sport resumption delay were satisfactory. Clinical scores, classification methods and rehabilitation protocols adopted were heterogeneous.

CONCLUSIONS: The recent scientific evidence suggests that tendoscopy and endoscopic-assisted percutaneous procedures are a safe and effective treatment in chronic and acute disorders of tendons around the ankle.