Achilles tendon rupture following surgical management for tendinopathy: a case report

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinopathy is understood to be a failed healing response. Operative management is utilised following the failure of non-operative methods. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of Achilles tendon rupture, sustained whilst isometrically loading the Achilles tendon during an eccentric loading exercise programme. Conclusion: Bilateral surgical exploration and debridement had previously been performed after conservative management of bilateral Achilles tendinopathy had been unsuccessful

Percutaneous repair of acute achilles tendon ruptures: The maffulli procedure

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in the human body, but despite its strength, is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body. Ruptures usually occur between 2 and 6 cm of its insertion into the superior surface of the calcaneus, a relatively hypovascular area [7, 17]. The major blood supply to tendons is from the mesotendon, and the largest supply is from the anterior mesentery [2]. The tendon is at the greatest risk of rupture when it is obliquely loaded, the muscle is contracting maximally, and tendon length is short [12]. This usually occurs as a result of pushing off with the foot against resistance, and occurs most frequently in males in their fourth decade