CompletedPhase 4

Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendonitis Treated With or Without Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer

United States52 participantsStarted 2008-12

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Achilles tendon debridement and decompression augmented with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer results in improved clinical and functional outcome as measured by ankle plantar flexion strength and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score compared to debridement and decompression alone in patients over 50 years of age with chronic insertional Achilles tendinosis. H0: There will be no difference in ankle plantar flexion strength measured using a handheld dynamometer between patients randomized to achilles tendon decompression and debridement alone (Group 1) and patients randomized to achilles tendon decompression and debridement augmented with FHL transfer (Group 2). HA: Patients randomized to achilles tendon decompression and debridement alone (Group 1) will have less ankle plantar flexion strength compared to patients randomized to achilles tendon decompression and debridement augmented with FHL transfer (Group 2).

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 50 years of age or older * Patients diagnosed with chronic insertional Achilles tendonitis * Failed greater than 3 months of conservative treatment (activity and shoe modification, heel lifts, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, and formal physical therapy) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients less than 50 years of age upon presentation * Females of child-bearing potential * Patients who have a history of ipsilateral Achilles tendon rupture * History of infection in the same lower extremity * Patients unable to undergo MRI scan

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

ankle plantar flexion strength measured using a handheld dynamometer

Timeframe: pre-operatively, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00950053

SponsorOrthoCarolina Research Institute, Inc.

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2012-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendonitis trials