Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (CIAT) is a common cause of posterior heel pain that often necessitates surgical intervention. This condition involves the Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the body, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). In CIAT, the portion of the tendon that attaches to the heel bone becomes inflamed and painful, often requiring surgical management for relief.
The typical surgical procedure for CIAT involves detaching a portion of the Achilles tendon from its insertion point on the heel bone. This allows for the removal of any devitalized or thickened tendon tissue, as well as any bony prominence that may be contributing to the problem. Following this, the tendon is reattached to the heel bone using suture anchors, a type of surgical fixation device.
A common belief in the medical community is that patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) may be at a greater risk of complications following this type of surgery. BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. If your BMI is high, you may have an increased risk of developing certain health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The theory behind the increased risk in higher BMI patients is that excess weight can put additional strain on the Achilles tendon, potentially leading to further damage or complications. Moreover, obesity is often associated with other health conditions, such as diabetes, which can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection following surgery.
However, it’s important to note that, according to the abstract, there is currently no published evidence to support the claim that a higher BMI leads to an increased risk of complications following surgery for CIAT. This highlights a gap in the existing research and suggests that further studies are needed to investigate this potential relationship.
In the meantime, it’s crucial for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of this commonly held belief and to consider it when discussing treatment options. If you have a high BMI and are considering surgery for CIAT, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits, and can work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
In conclusion, while CIAT is a common condition that often requires surgical management, the impact of BMI on surgical outcomes is not yet fully understood. Despite the common belief that a higher BMI may increase the risk of complications, there is currently no published evidence to support this claim. Further research is needed to clarify this potential relationship and to guide treatment decisions for patients with CIAT.
To read the full journal article, head to https://www.jfas.org/article/S1067-2516(23)00339-3/fulltext?rss=yes