From the Metaphor of the Lizard's Tail to That of the Doughnut: A Case of Achilles Tendon Complete Regrowth

J Orthop Case Rep. 2024 Jul;14(7):46-50. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i07.4570.

Abstract

Introduction: Tendon tissue turnover is a very slow process. However, some tendons show very unique regeneration capabilities. The Achilles tendon regeneration and maturation process occurs uniformly and centripetally along the entire the length of the neo-tendon.

Case report: The present case report describes a complete regeneration of the Achilles tendon in a 54-year-old patient with a reinjury to the Achilles tendon following open tenorrhaphy surgery. The regenerative process had a positive outcome despite the patient suffering, at the time, from an infection caused by Cutibacterium acnes.

Conclusion: This case report is a paradigmatic example of how the Achilles tendon is able to maintain its regenerative capacity even in extremely critical biological situations such as after an infection. However, the issue concerning the biological characteristics of the regenerated tendon remains open.

Keywords: Achilles tendon; mechanical properties; post-surgical infection; regenerative process; tendon histology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports