Abstract
BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture can be debilitating, and there is substantial variability in outcomes after Achilles tendon rupture. Patient- and tissue-level characteristics are beginning to emerge as healing indicators with the potential of identifying impaired healing earlier in recovery. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient with fluoroquinolone-induced, bilateral Achilles tendon rupture managed nonoperatively. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Tendon tissue level outcomes on ultrasound, strength, range of motion, and patient-reported outcomes are reported. With similar treatment of bilateral tendons, the patient achieved good healing outcomes (evidenced by limited tendon elongation and walking capacity) on one side but had limited healing (evidenced by tendon retraction and need for bracing with walking) on the other side. DISCUSSION: The findings from this case report highlight the variability of patient outcomes after Achilles tendon rupture, even when treatment and the systemic healing environment is similar. This report also demonstrates the potential clinical utility of routine ultrasound imaging to assess early tendon healing before strength and other functional outcomes can be assessed. JOSPT Cases 2024;4(1):12-18. Epub 13 November 2023. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2023.12109
Published Version
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