← Debridement and Drainage Clinical Cases

Exposed Achilles Tendon in an Elderly Patient

Clinical presentation, surgical treatment and documented healing.

01 / Problem: Clinical presentation
02 / Procedure: Surgical approach
03 / Outcome: Healing & follow-up

Clinical photographs below include wounds and surgical treatment.

01 / CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Problem

An 81-year-old woman presented with an extensive diabetic foot soft-tissue defect with exposure of the Achilles tendon, one of the most challenging wounds to heal because of the tendon’s poor vascularity and limited soft-tissue coverage. The wound carried a high risk of persistent infection, tendon desiccation, and loss of function.

Exposed Achilles Tendon in an Elderly Patient before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

Serial surgical debridements were performed, removing all devitalized tissue. Because part of the Achilles tendon had become non-viable, limited tendon debridement was necessary while preserving as much functional tendon as possible. Careful wound bed preparation and meticulous local wound care promoted progressive granulation tissue formation and healing by secondary intention.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

The wound healed progressively over approximately 6 months, achieving complete soft-tissue coverage and durable wound closure. Despite partial Achilles tendon sacrifice, the patient retained independent ambulation without requiring tendon reconstruction or major amputation.

This case demonstrates that even extensive wounds with exposed Achilles tendon can be successfully managed with meticulous limb-salvage surgery, preserving both limb function and quality of life.