Tendoscopic Debridement for Stage I of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Purpose: This study aims at assessing the role of endoscopic tenosynovectomy in controlling stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction not responding to conservative measures, and thus preventing its progression.Methods: In this case series study, 9 patients (8 males and 1 female) with stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were managed by tendoscopy tenosynovectomy using the two-portal technique described by Van Dijk over a 3 years period.Results: After an average follow-up of 5.8 years, the results were more than satisfactory with similar effectiveness as that of the open technique reported in literature. There were no complications, with less hospital stay. None of the patients progressed into stage II or more of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. All 9 patients were good according to Holz rating system.Conclusions: Posterior tibial tendon endoscopic tenosyn-ovectomy is a minimally invasive and effective operative procedure to treat patients with posterior tibial tendon dys-function stage I after failure of conservative measures. It is associated with fewer incidences of complications, smaller scars, less wound pain and shorter hospital stay.