Ultrasound-guided microfragmented adipose graft injection to regenerate a large partial-thickness Achilles tendon rupture: a case report

Partial-thickness Achilles rupture appears to be a neglected diagnosis in the medical community and lacks an adequate standard treatment regimen. Currently, conservative treatment options include a combination of rest, physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications. When these conservative measures fail, or in cases where the partial Achilles rupture is large, surgical repair is usually required to regain the function of the gastroc-soleus complex. However, this case represents the second documented circumstance where regenerative medicine was able to fully repair a large partial-thickness Achilles rupture. We present a case report of a 69-year-old man diagnosed with a left large partial-thickness Achilles rupture following an acute sport injury. The patient expressed a desire to return to moderate athletic activity for his age group and was treated with autologous micro-fragmented adipose transfer. He was re-evaluated at 5 weeks and again at 10 weeks post-treatment and demonstrated musculoskeletal sonographic evidence of complete resolution and remodeling of his partial thickness Achilles rupture. This case presents a promising option for patients with partial thickness Achilles ruptures who would like to refrain from or are unable to have surgery. Further research and possible randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the full efficacy of micro-fragmented adipose transfer in the treatment of partial thickness Achilles ruptures.