"Effectiveness of the Ultrasound - Guided Lengthening of the Gastrocsoleus Complex"

Summary

The study analyzes the effectiveness of different ultrasound-guided surgical techniques to treat gastrocnemius contracture and equinus deformity, conditions that affect ankle dorsiflexion and can cause problems such as plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. Four techniques were compared: Strayer, Plantaris, Baumann and Gastro-soleo, evaluating their impact on the improvement of ankle motion.

Conditions

• Gastrocnemius Equinus

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Stayer

In group A, the intervention involves using the Strayer technique, an echo-guided recession of the gastrocnemius tendon, with local anesthesia and sedation as needed. The patient can be in a prone or supine position. Ultrasound will identify the sural nerve and blood vessels to prevent damage. The entry point is 2-3 cm distal to the medial head of the gastrocnemius. Local anesthetic is infiltrated, and blunt dissection creates a working space. V-shaped curettes widen the entry point without harming noble structures. Under direct ultrasound control, a curved scalpel is inserted until reaching the medial border of the gastrocnemius tendon. Transection occurs progressively from medial to lateral while flexing the foot. Verification of complete tendon transection is done with a blunt dissector. Finally, a dressing with adhesive strips and an elastic bandage is applied, eliminating the need for sutures.

PROCEDURE

Plantar transection

In group B, an echo-guided transection of the plantar tendon will be performed. Local anesthesia and sedation will be used as needed. The patient will be in prone or supine position. The plantar tendon will be identified ultrasonographically on the medial aspect of the gastrocnemius distal to the myotendinous junction. Local anesthetic will be infiltrated at that point to isolate the plantar tendon. An ultrasound-guided retrograde hook is introduced until the plantar tendon is engaged. Then proceed to retrograde transection of the tendon from lateral to medial, verifying complete section. At the end, a dressing with adhesive strips and elastic bandage, without sutures, will be performed.

PROCEDURE

Baumann

It consists of an ultrasound-guided recession of the anterior gastrocnemius aponeurosis. Under local anesthesia, the myotendinous junction is accessed 3 cm proximal to the myotendinous junction, using saline for hydrodissection. Under ultrasound guidance, the entry portal is enlarged and a scalpel is introduced for transection of the aponeurosis and plantar tendon. The procedure is verified with a buttoned probe and does not require sutures. The patient wears a Walker boot for 4 weeks and follows a stretching protocol.

PROCEDURE

Gastro-Soleus

This technique adapts the Strayer technique to include the soleus. Under local anesthesia, access is gained 4-5 cm distal to the medial head of the gastrocnemius. Transection of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis and a superficial section of the soleus tendon are performed, all under ultrasound guidance. Without the need for sutures, the patient wears a Walker boot for 4 weeks and follows a progressive rehabilitation protocol.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• SIMONE MORONI, Dr. · UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE VALENCIA

• JAVIER FERRER-TORREGROSA, Dr. · UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE VALENCIA

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

10 Years

Max Age

90 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-03-15

Primary Completion

2024-12-30

Completion

2025-01-15

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations