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Calcific achilles tendonitis is one of the most common
findings radiographically. After review of almost 20,000 xrays, over 1500 cases were recorded. Interestingly, only 100 cases
were actually symptomatic.
Clinically, there is no correlation to the amount of calcification or size of the spurring
to symptoms.
Surgery should be the last resort. Until you can not walk or take a step pain-free, avoid surgical intervention.
Why? The tendon will re-calcify even after surgical resection.
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Earliest signs of calcification at the middle posterior 1/3 of the calcaneus
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Signs of calcification within the insertion of the achilles
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Further propagation of the calcification within the tendon substance and the spur further protrudes
posteriorly
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Calcification usually gets fragmented the more proximal it progresses
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Typical patient with calcific achilles pre-operatively
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Post-surgical xray showing the resection of the superior 1/3 of the calcaneus and posterior calcaneus
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