Taekwondo Athlete’s Bilateral Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Report

Abstract

(1) Background: Achilles tendon rupture is a common sports injury that may result in severe disability. The overall incidence of Achilles tendon rupture is increasing as a result of growing sports participation. However, cases of spontaneous bilateral Achilles tendon rupture with no underlying disease or risk factors, such as systemic inflammatory disease, steroid or (fluoro)quinolone antibiotics use, are rare. (2) Objective: Here, we report a case of a Taekwondo athlete’s bilateral Achilles tendon rupture after kicking and landing. By sharing the experience of treatment and the patient’s course, we suggest one of the possible treatment options and the need to establish a treatment method. (3) Procedure: A 23-year-old male Taekwondo athlete visited the hospital, presenting foot plantar flexion failure and severe pain in both tarsal joints, which had occurred upon kicking and landing on both feet earlier that day. During surgery, no degenerative changes or denaturation were observed in the ruptured areas of the Achilles tendons. Bilateral surgery was performed using the modified Bunnel method on the right side and minimum-section suturing on the left side was performed using the Achillon system, followed by lower limb casting. (4) Result: Good outcomes were observed on both sides at 19 months postoperatively. (5) Conclusion: The possibility of bilateral Achilles tendon rupture during exercise in young subjects with no risk factors should be acknowledged, especially in association with landing. In addition, in athletes, even if there is a possibility of complications, surgical treatment should be considered for functional recovery.