A rare case of neglected Achilles tendon rupture for a period of more than 4 months was successfully treated by the Orthopedic Surgeon and Director of the 4th Orthopedic Clinic for Sports Injuries and Knee and Hip Arthroplasty of MITERA, Dr. Panagiotis Kontovazainiti and his colleagues: orthopedist K. Anagnostou and anesthesiologist Chr. Apostolides.

Specifically, the case concerns a 75-year-old patient, with various accompanying health problems, (Diabetes, chronic autoimmune diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic use of cortisone and smoking). Because of these problems there was an increased risk of complications, such as the obvious difficulty in finding and repairing the tendon, wound breakdown, infection, etc.

With the aim of a) the best possible treatment of the damage and b) the minimization of possible complications, it was decided to transfer another tendon which was ‘called’ to act as an Achilles tendon. Thus, with a posterior ankle arthroscopy, the flexor tendon of the big toe was removed.

This specific operation provided a solution to the patient’s serious and chronic problem. The patient was re-examined 10 days after the operation, where she came walking, with partial weight bearing and was able to do a full range of motion of the ankle being fully satisfied with the even result.

It is worth noting that this specific surgical technique is applied extremely rarely and only by specialized surgical teams. It allows the treatment of chronic neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon safely and without any complications in patients with serious accompanying health problems. Thus, the patient enjoys a rapid recovery, without the fear of serious complications and a quick return to his daily activities.