Arthroscopically Assisted Anatomic Repair of a Medial Gastrocnemius Proximal Tendon Avulsion

The medial gastrocnemius tendon's (MGT) primary role is to perform plantarflexion of the foot. It attaches to the gastrocnemius tubercle, one of the primary medial femoral osseous landmarks. Injury to the musculotendinous junction of the MGT often is referred to in the literature as "tennis leg" syndrome because of the classic acute onset of pain while participating in such sports. Tendon avulsions of the medial gastrocnemius occur less frequently, and documentation is limited as injuries typically occur at the musculotendinous junction. Conservative treatment typically is recommended for MGT avulsion injuries unless patient function continues to be limited, and then surgical intervention is considered. This technique describes an anatomic repair of a proximal avulsion tear of the medial gastrocnemius tendon in the setting of a chronic injury.