Achilles tendon ossification: Pathology, imaging and aetiology

Background. We report a patient with ossification of the Achilles tendon, presenting plain radiographs, ultrasound, power doppler, computed tomography and magnetic resonance findings. The majority of the tendon was ossified, and there was adjacent soft tissue oedema. The appearance of peritendinous...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disability and rehabilitation 2008, Vol.30 (20-22), p.1651-1665
Main Authors: Richards, Paula J., Braid, Jennifer C., Carmont, Michael R., Maffulli, Nicola
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
achilles ossification
Achilles tendon
Achilles Tendon - pathology
achilles tendon MRI
achilles US (ultrasound)
Aetiology
Bones
Calcification
Diagnostic Imaging
Female
Humans
Imaging
Middle Aged
Oedema
Ossification, Heterotopic - etiology
Ossification, Heterotopic - pathology
Surgery
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Summary:Background. We report a patient with ossification of the Achilles tendon, presenting plain radiographs, ultrasound, power doppler, computed tomography and magnetic resonance findings. The majority of the tendon was ossified, and there was adjacent soft tissue oedema. The appearance of peritendinous oedema associated with ossification has not, to our knowledge, been reported in the literature, and could account for hindfoot pain in cases of tendon ossification. Method. A review of 44 articles on aetiology, histology and imaging was performed. Results. Trauma, either accidental or from surgery, rather than tendinopathy is the likely aetiological factor. Conclusion. The Achilles tendon usually responds to an insult with the development of mature bone, not dystrophic calcification, with no evidence of inflammatory or degenerative changes.
ISSN:0963-8288
1464-5165
DOI:10.1080/09638280701785866