Simultaneous bilateral Achilles tendon ruptures associated with statin medication despite regular rock climbing exercise.
BACKGROUND
Ruptures of the Achilles tendon are common however simultaneous ruptures occur less frequently. Eccentric loading exercise programmes have been used to successfully treat Achilles tendinopathy.


METHODS
We report a case of simultaneous bilateral Achilles tendon rupture in a patient predisposed to rupture due to longstanding raised serum lipoprotein and recently introduced therapeutic statin medication. The patient was also a keen rock climber and had regularly undertaken loading exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates that the therapeutic effect of mixed loading exercises for the Achilles tendon may not be adequate to overcome the predisposition to rupture caused by hyperlipidaemia and statin medication.
Carmont
Michael R
MR
The Sheffield Foot and Ankle Unit, the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK. mcarmont@hotmail.com
Highland
Adrian M
AM
Blundell
Christopher M
CM
Davies
Mark B
MB
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors