Purpose of the study: We reviewed a series of 52 cases of chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated surgically by release of the fascia cruris, resection of peritendon, longitudinal incision of the tendon and occasional excision of intratendinous lesions.

Materials and methods: The mean course prior to surgery was about 18 months. Twenty-six patients practiced sports. Complaints were bilateral in 12 cases. Pain was always present. Ultrasound exploration evidenced paratendinitis (n = 21), tendinosis (n = 22) and paratendinitis with tendinosis (n = 9) (Puddu classification). Patients were reviewed after a minimal 2-year follow-up. Results were assessed on the basis of clinical findings.

Results: Mean follow-up was 5 years 6 months. Twenty-nine patients were free of pain. The range of motion was normal in 48 cases and 29 patients resumed sports activities at the same level as prior to surgery. Outcome was very good in 29 patients, good in 14 average in 6 and poor in 3.

Discussion: Stiffness of the tibio-tarsal joint can be avoided by proper mobilization. Outcome appears to be better in middle-aged patients. Poor outcome is closely related to amyotrphy. The presence of a foot deformity does not appear to have an unfavorable influence on outcome. The Achilles tendon must not be infiltrated. Ultrasound is highly contributive, but MRI provides a more accurate analysis.

Conclusion: Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathies can be proposed when conservative treatment has been unsuccessful. Outcome is better in young active patients and in cases where paratendinitis predominates.

Purpose of the study: We reviewed 30 cases of osteochondral lesions of the astragalar vault treated surgically.

Material and methods: Among the 30 patients, 17 participated in sports activities and 24 had a history of trauma. Mean delay to surgery was 10 months. Treatment included osteochonritis curettage and Pridie perforations. Direct access was used in 11 cases, malleolar osteotomy in 13 and arthroscopy in 6. Cancellous bone grafts were used in 6 cases.

Results: Mean follow-up was 3 years 7 months (minimum 2 years). All patients had an arthroscan at last follow-up. Evaluation of post-operative outcome was based on clinical assessment and arthroscan findings. Surgical treatment provided very good results in 75 p. 100 of cases with pain relief and improved walking distance.

Discussion: Our cases pointed out the important contribution of the FOG (Fracture Osteonecrosis Geode) classification to pathogenic and prognostic analysis. The Berndt and Harty classifications were not found to be useful.

Conclusion: In case of localized necrosis, we propose arthroscopic perforation curettage. In case of bone loss, a direct cancellous graft may be used.