Bilateral Spontaneous Rupture of the Achilles Tendon as an Initial Presentation of Alkaptonuria: A Case Report

Abstract

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common occurrence in the athletic population with a history of injury; however, a complete rupture of both Achilles tendons is uncommon. Spontaneous rupture of the bilateral Achilles tendons is an even rarer phenomenon, usually highlighting an underlying pathological condition. The authors present a 32-year-old healthy male patient with no previous known co-morbidities and radiological evidence of a complete tear of both Achilles tendons. Histopathological examination of resected tendon tissue revealed dark-coloured deposits within, and further investigations established the diagnosis of alkaptonuria. Non traumatic bilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon should raise suspicion of underlying metabolic/genetic disorders like alkaptonuria.

Keywords

• ankle joint
• grading of tendon ruptures
• phenylalanine catabolism