Bilateral Open Achilles Tendon Complete Lacerations Following Interpersonal Violence: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 45-year-old man suffered rare bilateral open Achilles tendon injuries from an assault and was successfully treated surgically.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare occurrence of bilateral Achilles tendon lacerations due to interpersonal violence.

Findings

The patient presented with severe bilateral Achilles tendon injuries following an alleged assault.

Successful surgical treatment was performed without skin complications.

The case emphasizes the importance of timely intervention in such trauma cases.

Abstract

Introduction: Interpersonal violence victims account for a sizable proportion of trauma cases encountered in South African trauma centers. Open Achilles tendon injuries are more prevalent in male patients, accounting for a high number of all cases.

Case Report: A 45-year-old male was brought in a trauma casualty by a paramedic after being referred by a local clinic in severe pain on both ankles, unable to walk or stand, and dressed bilaterally with blood stains. On examination, he demonstrated the triad of Achilles tendon injuries, including Matle's sign, Thompson's test, and a gap on palpation. A surgical operation was performed within 24 h of the patient's admission.

Conclusion: This case report is aimed at increasing awareness of a rare case that presented with open bilateral Achilles tendon injuries associated with an alleged assault and received a successful surgical treatment without a skin complication.

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