Bilateral spontaneous rupture of Achilles tendons: A case report

SK Rao, BC Navadgi, A Vasdev
Department of Orthopaedics, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal 576 119, India

Spontaneous bilateral rupture of Achilles tendon is rare. Rupture of the Achilles tendon has been described in patients on oral corticosteroid therapy. The sudden dorsiflexion of the plantar-flexed foot is the usual mechanism of injury. Spontaneous bilateral rupture is common in the degenerated tendon, which is often seen in patients with long-term corticosteroid therapy. This case is unusual because the patient has never taken steroids. We discuss the mechanism of injury and other probable causes.

 
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery 2005;13(2):178-180
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Last update: 1 September 2005