Outcomes Following Treatment of the Infected Achilles Tendon

Background: Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat and often leads to poor outcomes. A number of treatments have been described, but there is little information concerning outcomes of these treatments. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon after acute and chronic midsubstance repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range, 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture-specific intravenous (IV) antibiotics for 3 to 6 weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Results: All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. Fourteen patients participated in the FAAM ADL survey. There were 6 patients lost to follow-up. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as “normal” or “nearly normal.” Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture-specific IV antibiotics. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Outcomes following treatment of the infected Achilles tendon

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011418s00168 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011418S0016

Author(s):

Mark Bowers ◽

Norman Turner ◽

Daniel Ryssman

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Functional Results ◽

Therapy Program ◽

Tendon Surgery ◽

Extensive Debridement ◽

Eradication Of Infection ◽

Secondary Closure ◽

Ability Measure

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Infection following Achilles tendon surgery is a devastating complication and can be difficult to treat. Our purpose was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone treatment for an infected Achilles tendon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 20 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for an infected Achilles tendon between 2000 and 2016. The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range 2-68 months). All patients underwent extensive debridement of the tendon with removal of all infected tissue and foreign material. Soft tissue wound coverage was utilized for large wounds that were not amenable to primary or secondary closure. All patients received culture specific intravenous antibiotics for three to six weeks. Postoperatively, the extremity was immobilized in a splint followed by a cast until the wound was healed. The cast was then replaced with a walking boot and the patients were provided a physical therapy program. Functional outcomes were measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Results: All wounds had healed at the time of last follow-up. Three patients (15%) required an unplanned return to the operating room for repeat debridement. All patients were able to walk without the use of a gait aid. Five patients (25%) required continued use of a boot or brace during ambulation. The average FAAM score was 87 (range, 71.4-100). At last follow-up, most patients reported their overall function as “normal” or “nearly normal”. Conclusion: Eradication of infection and satisfactory functional results can be attained after radical debridement, wound closure, and administration of culture specific IV antibiotics.

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Limited Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Calcaneal Fractures

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100719873273 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 57-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anne K. Bremer ◽

Lukas Kraler ◽

Lars Frauchiger ◽

Fabian G. Krause ◽

Martin Weber

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Internal Fixation ◽

Open Reduction ◽

Case Series ◽

Functional Results ◽

High Rate ◽

Calcaneal Fractures ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence

Background: The treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains a challenge and the optimal approach is still controversial. The main reason to avoid the extended lateral approach is the high complication rate due to wound healing problems. We report on 16 years of experience with a standardized limited open reduction and internal fixation technique. Methods: Between 2001 and 2017, we prospectively followed 240 consecutive patients operatively treated for a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Patients with open, multiple, bilateral, extra-articular, and Sanders IV fractures and those lost to follow-up were excluded. A lateral subtalar approach was used, with a cast for 8 weeks and full weightbearing allowed after 12 weeks. Follow-up examinations were scheduled until 24 months. Subjective and clinical assessment included gait abnormality, subtalar and ankle range of motion, and stability and alignment. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was calculated. Alignment was analyzed on standard radiographs. In total, 131 patients were excluded. The remaining 109 patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months (34.4 ± 14.2 [range, 24-102] months). Results: The mean AOFAS score was 87 ± 13 (range, 32-100). “Excellent” and “good” results, as well as hindfoot motion with “normal/mild” and “moderate” restrictions, were seen in 80% of patients. Early reoperations were performed for insufficient reduction (2 patients), delayed wound healing (debridement, 3 patients), and hematoma (1 patient). Late revisions were arthrodesis (3 patients), medializing calcaneal osteotomy (1 patient), and implant removal (53 patients; 49%). Conclusion: The presented approach has remained unmodified for 16 years and resulted in consistently good functional results. The main disadvantage was the high rate of heel screw removal. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Optimal Outcomes for Acute Avulsion Fracture of the Achilles Tendon Treated With the Insertional Reattachment Technique: A Case Series of 31 Cases With Over 2 Years of Follow-up

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546519869952 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (12) ◽

pp. 2993-3001 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yanbin Pi ◽

Yuelin Hu ◽

Chen Jiao ◽

Yingfang Ao ◽

Qinwei Guo

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Avulsion Fracture ◽

Case Series ◽

Postoperative Outcomes ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean ◽

Potential Factors

Background: Avulsion fracture of the Achilles tendon is a less common but debilitating disorder. There is a paucity of literature on this problem. Purpose: To present a retrospective case series assessing the clinical outcomes of avulsion fracture of the Achilles tendon after a reattachment procedure and to identify potential factors predicting postoperative outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A consecutive case series of 35 patients with acute insertional rupture of the Achilles tendon who received a reattachment procedure between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed. All patients were measured and classified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical findings. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, Foot Function Index (FFI), Tegner score, and Ankle Activity Score (AAS). The range of motion and single-legged heel raise test were also conducted for both ankles. Results: Thirty-one out of 35 (88.57%) patients were followed up for an average of 43.65 months. The VAS pain score and AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score improved from 4.87 ± 1.61 preoperatively to 2.07 ± 1.57 postoperatively and from 58.32 ± 18.66 preoperatively to 87.32 ± 7.53 postoperatively, respectively (both P < .001). The mean FFI, AAS, and Tegner scores after the operation were 11.84 ± 1.62, 5.71 ± 2.18, and 4.61 ± 1.31, respectively. Compared with the intact ankle, the mean deficit in dorsiflexion in the involved ankle was 9.54°± 6.25° (range, 0.59°-23.70°; P < .001) and the mean deficit in plantarflexion in the involved ankle was 6.31°± 4.02° (range, 0.24°-14.92°; P < .001). Thirty patients could perform the single-legged heel raise on the operative leg. A larger body mass index was associated with worse postoperative AOFAS and FFI outcomes. Longer follow-up predicted statistically significantly better FFI scores. Better postoperative dorsiflexion was associated with better postoperative FFI, AAS, and Tegner scores, and a statistically significant interaction was found between the VAS score and plantarflexion deficit. Age, preoperative insertional tenderness, Haglund deformity, and MRI classification showed little association with postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the reattachment procedure for acute avulsion fracture of the Achilles tendon can achieve firm fixation and promising outcomes.

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Endoscopic Achilles Tendon Augmentation With Suture Anchors After Calcaneal Exostectomy in Haglund Syndrome

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100717750888 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 551-559 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Jordi Vega ◽

Albert Baduell ◽

Francesc Malagelada ◽

Jörg Allmendinger ◽

Miki Dalmau-Pastor

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Suture Anchor ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Case Series ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Sports Activity ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Mean

Background: Haglund syndrome is a common cause of heel pain. Risk for tendon detachment after calcaneoplasty can exist. Open Achilles tendon detachment, calcaneoplasty, bursectomy, pathologic tendon-tissue debridement, and tendon reattachment of the Achilles tendon is a common surgical management of Haglund syndrome combined with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic calcaneoplasty and anchor suture augmentation of the Achilles insertional area, and the results obtained in patients with an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture after calcaneoplasty. Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, endoscopic calcaneal ostectomy and suture anchor augmentation was performed in 12 patients. Mean age was 44.8 years (range, 35-52 years), and mean follow-up was of 33.5 months (range, 21-46 months). Results: The mean AOFAS score increased from 70 preoperatively (range, 55-85) to 92 (range, 63-100) at final follow-up. The mean VISA-A questionnaire increased from 34 preoperatively (range, 15-63) to 92 (range, 30-100) at follow-up. No major complications were reported. All patients returned to their daily activities without limitations, but 2 described complaints with sports activity. Conclusion: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty and tendon augmentation with suture anchor for the treatment of Haglund syndrome was a reproducible and safe technique that offered the advantages of the endoscopic technique. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Operative Outcome of Side-Locking Loop Suture Technique Accompanied by Autologous Semitendinosus Tendon Grafting for Chronic Rupture of Achilles Tendon

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/24730114211003541 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 247301142110035

Author(s):

Keisuke Tsukada ◽

Youichi Yasui ◽

Maya Kubo ◽

Shinya Miki ◽

Kentaro Matsui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Scale Score ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Case Series ◽

Semitendinosus Tendon ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Operative Outcomes

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the operative outcomes of the side-locking loop suture (SLLS) technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: A chart review was conducted of consecutive patients treated with the SLLS technique at our department from 2012 to 2017. Postoperatively, a below-knee splint was applied for 2 weeks in 20 degrees of plantar flexion and then active range of motion exercise was started. Partial weightbearing exercise was allowed at 4 weeks according to patient tolerance, and full weightbearing without crutches was allowed at 8 weeks. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score and the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: Ten patients (6 men, 4 women) were included in the analysis. Mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score increased significantly from 64.2 ± 5.6 points preoperatively to 95.0 ± 5.3 points at the final follow-up ( P < .001). The mean ATRS also increased significantly from 29.8 ± 4.4 points to 86.2 ± 7.7 points, respectively ( P < .001). Mean time between surgery and ability to perform 20 continuous double-leg heel raises of the operated foot was 13.5 ± 3.4 (range 10-18) weeks. One patient complained of postoperative hypoesthesia in the foot, which had spontaneously resolved by 3 months after surgery. Conclusion: The SLLS technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting provided successful operative outcomes for patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture regardless of the size of the defect, and thus long-term orthotic use was not needed after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Lateral open wedge calcaneus osteotomy with bony allograft augmentation in adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Clinical and radiological results

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology ◽

10.1007/s00590-021-02888-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gabriele Colo’ ◽

Mattia Alessio Mazzola ◽

Giulio Pilone ◽

Giacomo Dagnino ◽

Lamberto Felli

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Case Series ◽

Deformity Correction ◽

Tibialis Posterior ◽

Open Wedge ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of patients underwent lateral open wedge calcaneus osteotomy with bony allograft augmentation combined with tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior tenodesis. Twenty-two patients underwent adult-acquired flatfoot deformity were retrospectively evaluated with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographic preoperative and final comparison of tibio-calcaneal angle, talo–first metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles have been performed. The Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure were used for subjective and functional assessment. The instrumental range of motion has been also assessed at latest follow-up evaluation and compared with preoperative value. There was a significant improvement of final mean values of clinical scores (p < 0.001). Nineteen out of 22 (86.4%) patients resulted very satisfied or satisfied for the clinical result. There was a significant improvement of the radiographic parameters (p < 0.001). There were no differences between preoperative and final values of range of motion. One failure occurred 7 years after surgery. Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity correction demonstrated good mid-term results and low recurrence and complications rate. Level of evidence Level 4, retrospective case series.

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Plafond Malreduction and Talar Dome Impaction Accelerates Arthrosis After Supination-Adduction Ankle Fracture

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/10711007211006032 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107110072110060

Author(s):

Michael F. Githens ◽

Malcolm R. DeBaun ◽

Kimberly A Jacobsen ◽

Hunter Ross ◽

Reza Firoozabadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

High Energy ◽

Ankle Fractures ◽

Posttraumatic Arthritis ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Radiographic Findings ◽

Posttraumatic Arthrosis ◽

Patient Reported

Background: Supination-adduction (SAD) type II ankle fractures can have medial tibial plafond and talar body impaction. Factors associated with the development of posttraumatic arthritis can be intrinsic to the injury pattern or mitigated by the surgeon. We hypothesize that plafond malreducton and talar body impaction is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort of skeletally mature patients with SAD ankle fractures at 2 level 1 academic trauma centers who underwent operative fixation were identified. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The presence of articular impaction identified on CT scan was recorded and the quality of reduction on final intraoperative radiographs was assessed. The primary outcome was radiographic ankle arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4), and postoperative complications were documented. Results: A total of 175 SAD ankle fractures were identified during a 10-year period; 79 patients with 1-year follow-up met inclusion criteria. The majority of injuries resulted from a high-energy mechanism. Articular impaction was present in 73% of injuries, and 23% of all patients had radiographic arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4) at final follow-up. Articular malreduction, defined by either a gap or step >2 mm, was significantly associated with development of arthrosis. Early treatment failure, infection, and nonunion was rare in this series. Conclusion: Malreduction of articular impaction in SAD ankle fractures is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Recognition and anatomic restoration with stable fixation of articular impaction appears to mitigate risk of posttraumatic arthrosis. Investigations correlating postoperative and long-term radiographic findings to patient-reported outcomes after operative treatment of SAD ankle fractures are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Plantar Fasciotomy Using Microdebrider Coblation Wand

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100719883266 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 187-192

Author(s):

Ricardo E. Colberg ◽

Monte Ketchum ◽

Avani Javer ◽

Monika Drogosz ◽

Melissa Gomez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conservative Treatment ◽

Plantar Fasciitis ◽

Case Series ◽

Successful Outcome ◽

Oral Steroid ◽

Tarsal Tunnel ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Plantar Fasciotomy

Background: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. Multiple conservative treatment plans exist; however, some cases do not obtain significant clinical improvement with conservative treatment and require further intervention. This retrospective case study evaluated the success rate of percutaneous plantar fasciotomy and confounding comorbidities that negatively affect outcomes. Methods: A series of 41 patients treated with percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using the Topaz EZ microdebrider coblation wand were invited to participate in this retrospective follow-up study, and 88% ( N = 36) participated. A limited chart review was completed and the patients answered a survey with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire. Average outcomes were calculated and 45 variables were analyzed to determine if they were statistically significant confounders. Patients had symptoms for an average of 3 years before the procedure and were contacted for follow-up at an average of 14 months after the procedure. Results: The average VAS for pain score was 1.3 ± 1.8 and the average FAAM score was 92 ± 15. Eighty-nine percent of patients had a successful outcome, defined as FAAM greater than 75. In addition, patients at 18 months postprocedure reported complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms with an FAAM score greater than 97. Concurrent foot pathologies (eg, tarsal tunnel syndrome), oral steroid treatment prior to the procedure, and immobilization with a boot prior to the procedure were statistically significant negative confounders ( P < .05). Being an athlete was a positive confounder ( P = .02). Conclusion: Percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation was an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, particularly without concurrent foot pathology, with a low risk of complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Loss of Correction After Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus as a Function of Preoperative Deformity

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100718807699 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 287-296 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Gerhard Kaufmann ◽

Stefanie Sinz ◽

Johannes M. Giesinger ◽

Matthias Braito ◽

Rainer Biedermann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hallux Valgus ◽

Case Series ◽

X Rays ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Loss Of Correction ◽

Chevron Osteotomy ◽

Significant Correction ◽

Preoperative Deformity

Background: Recurrence is relatively common after surgical correction of hallux valgus. Multiple factors are discussed that could have an influence in the loss of correction. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative radiological factors with an influence on loss of correction after distal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus. Methods: Five hundred twenty-four patients who underwent the correction of a hallux valgus by means of distal chevron osteotomy at our institution between 2002 and 2012 were included. We assessed weightbearing x-rays at 4 time points: preoperatively, postoperatively, and after 6 weeks and 3 months. We investigated the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), joint congruity, and the position of the sesamoids. Results: At all points of the survey, significant correction of the IMA and HVA was detected. The IMA improved from 12.9 (± 2.8) to 4.5 (± 2.4) degrees and the HVA from 27.5 (± 6.9) to 9.1 (± 5.3) degrees. Loss of correction was found in both HVA and IMA during follow-up with a mean of 4.5 and 1.9 degrees, respectively. Loss of correction showed a linear correlation with preoperative IMA and HVA, and a correlation between preoperative DMAA and sesamoid position. Conclusion: The chevron osteotomy showed significant correction for HVA, IMA, and DMAA. Preoperative deformity, in terms of IMA, HVA, DMAA, and sesamoid position, correlated with the loss of correction and could be assessed preoperatively for HVA and IMA. Loss of correction at 3 months persisted during the follow-up period. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Postarthroscopy Imaging in Femoroacetabular Impingement: Persistent Pain May Be Due to an Insufficient Correction of Preoperative Abnormalities

Joints ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1601411 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 05 (01) ◽

pp. 021-026 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cosimo Tudisco ◽

Salvatore Bisicchia ◽

Sandro Tormenta ◽

Amedeo Taglieri ◽

Ezio Fanucci

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

Persistent Pain ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Mean Values ◽

Center Edge ◽

Patient Groups ◽

The Mean ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of correction of abnormal radiographic parameters on postoperative pain in a group of patients treated arthroscopically for femoracetabular impingement (FAI). Methods A retrospective study was performed on 23 patients affected by mixed-type FAI and treated arthroscopically. There were 11 males and 12 females with a mean age of 46.5 (range: 28–67) years. Center-edge (CE) and α angles were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and were correlated with persistent pain at follow-up. Results The mean preoperative CE and α angles were 38.6 ± 5.2 and 67.3 ± 7.2 degrees, respectively. At follow-up, in the 17 pain-free patients, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angle were 38.1 ± 5.6 and 32.6 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles at MRI were 66.3 ± 7.9 and 47.9 ± 8.9 degrees, respectively. In six patients with persistent hip pain, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angles were 39.8 ± 3.6 and 35.8 ± 3.1 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles were 70.0 ± 3.9 and 58.8 ± 2.6 degrees, respectively. Mean values of all the analyzed radiological parameters, except CE angle in patients with pain, improved significantly after surgery. On comparing patient groups, significantly lower postoperative α angles and lower CE angle were observed in patients without pain. Conclusion In case of persistent pain after arthroscopic treatment of FAI, a new set of imaging studies must be performed because pain may be related to an insufficient correction of preoperative radiographic abnormalities. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.

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