Achilles tendon lengthening, the panacea for plantar forefoot ulceration?

Abstract

Lengthening of the Achilles tendon is effective in healing plantar neuropathic ulceration. Patients with complete anaesthesia of the heel pad should not undergo this procedure and extreme dorsiflexion should be avoided because of the risk of heel ulceration. Moreover, the procedure should be performed only in a multidisciplinary setting for immediate dealing with complications and for surveillance and treatment of future ulceration.