Achilles tendon ossification
Updates to Article Attributes
Achilles tendon ossification ( is an uncommon condition that consists of characteristic bone formation within the substance of the Achilles tendon. ATO) is
Epidemiology
Achilles tendon ossification is more common in males 4.
Pathology
The aetiology is unknown but Achilles tendon ossification is seen both with previous macrotrauma of the tendon (e.g Achilles tendon rupture, previous surgery) as well as repetitive microtrauma 1. There may be a familial or genetic component 3.
It is somewhat more common than dystrophic calcification of the Achilles tendon and may represent a separate entity rather than progression.
Radiographic features
It is characterised by mature bone in all of its components (i.e. cortex, trabeculae, and marrow) and can occur within the body of the tendon or at its calcaneal insertion.
Treatment and prognosisComplications
Complications
An ossified Achilles tendon may fracture.
-<p><strong>Achilles tendon ossification</strong> (<strong>ATO</strong>) is an uncommon condition that consists of characteristic bone formation within the substance of the <a href="/articles/calcaneal-tendon">Achilles tendon</a>. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Achilles tendon ossification is more common in males <sup>4</sup>. </p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>The aetiology is unknown but Achilles tendon ossification is seen both with previous macrotrauma of the <a href="/articles/calcaneal-tendon-1">tendon</a> (e.g <a href="/articles/achilles-tendon-tear">Achilles tendon rupture</a>, previous surgery) as well as repetitive microtrauma <sup>1</sup>. There may be a familial or genetic component <sup>3</sup>. </p><p>It is somewhat more common than dystrophic calcification of the Achilles tendon and may represent a separate entity rather than progression.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><p>It is characterised by mature bone in all of its components (i.e. cortex, trabeculae, and marrow) and can occur within the body of the tendon or at its calcaneal insertion.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><h5>Complications</h5><p>An ossified Achilles tendon may fracture.</p>- +<p><strong>Achilles tendon ossification</strong> is an uncommon condition that consists of characteristic bone formation within the substance of the <a href="/articles/calcaneal-tendon">Achilles tendon</a>. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Achilles tendon ossification is more common in males <sup>4</sup>. </p><h4>Pathology</h4><p>The aetiology is unknown but Achilles tendon ossification is seen both with previous macrotrauma of the <a href="/articles/calcaneal-tendon-1">tendon</a> (e.g <a href="/articles/achilles-tendon-tear">Achilles tendon rupture</a>, previous surgery) as well as repetitive microtrauma <sup>1</sup>. There may be a familial or genetic component <sup>3</sup>. </p><p>It is somewhat more common than dystrophic calcification of the Achilles tendon and may represent a separate entity rather than progression.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><p>It is characterised by mature bone in all of its components (i.e. cortex, trabeculae, and marrow) and can occur within the body of the tendon or at its calcaneal insertion.</p><h4>Complications</h4><p>An ossified Achilles tendon may fracture.</p>
References changed:
- 5. Montoli C, Barbieri S, De Pietri M, D'Angelo F. Post-traumatic ossification of the Achilles tendon: description of a case. (2004) La Chirurgia degli organi di movimento. 89 (1): 51-7. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15382586">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>
- 6. Arora AJ, Arora R. Ossification of the bilateral Achilles tendon: a rare entity. (2015) Acta radiologica open. 4 (9): 2058460115599184. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2058460115599184">doi:10.1177/2058460115599184</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26413314">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>