The joint Orthoplastic management of an Achilles tendon avulsion: A rare case report

Abstract

Summary: Rupture of the Achilles tendon typically occurs at the mid-substance, and less commonly at the distal insertion or proximal musculotendinous junction. We report the case of a 60-year-old multi-morbid patient presenting with an avulsion of the Achilles tendon from the gastrocnemius-soleus complex - a variant of injury previously unrecorded in the literature. Initial Orthoplastic management involved debridement and primary fixation of the avulsed tendon to the muscle with a concurrent lateral rotational flap. Flap failure and loss of tendon viability necessitated further debridement and eventual split-skin grafting (SSG). A residual dorsiflexion deformity will undoubtedly require further operative intervention. Here, we report the management of this unreported variant of Achilles tendon injury and discuss alternatives to our initial management that could have resulted in fewer procedures and improved long-term functional outcomes.

Keywords

• Achilles tendon avulsion
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Rotational flap
• FHL tendon transfer
• Primary repair