Treatment of Insertional Achilles Tendinosis With Polyurethane Urea-Based Matrix Augmentation

IntroductionSurgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinosis (IAT) sometimes requires tendon repair augmentation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of polycaprolactone-based polyurethane urea (PUUR) matrix augmentation in the treatment of IAT. MethodsA retrospective review was performed in surgically treated IAT. Repairs were augmented with a PUUR matrix. Factors evaluated included date of full weightbearing, patient satisfaction, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, strength, and ankle motion. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare baseline and final follow-up VAS scores. ResultsA total of 18 cases were included in the study. The mean patient age was 54.61 & PLUSMN; 8.25 (40-75) years with a mean follow-up of 163.61 & PLUSMN; 57.81 (92-314) days. Patient satisfaction was obtained on 15 of 18 patients, with 14 patients satisfied with their outcome. Mean VAS for pain significantly decreased from 6.19 & PLUSMN; 1.97 (2.5-9) to 0.83 & PLUSMN; 1.54 (0-5) postoperatively, which was statistically significant (P < .01). ConclusionAchilles tendon augmentation with the PUUR matrix is a viable option in the treatment of IAT. Its use in this condition has minimal morbidity and can be an alternative to other forms of augmentation.