Autologous tenocyte stem cell injection for chronic tendinosis secondary to ruptured Achilles tendon repair: a case study

Findings The patient ruptured the Achilles tendon working as a nurse and underwent an orthopaedic surgery primary repair. At 6 months post operatively the patient had developed chronic tendinopathy affecting over 80% of the Achilles tendon. The patient was referred for opinion and had been off work for over 6 months with limitation in activities of daily living. The patient underwent a surgical excision of a posterior calcaneal exostosis and debridement of the diseased Achilles tendon and harvest of tenocytes. 13 weeks postsurgery the tenocytes were injected into the Achilles tendon. The patient returned to full time work and normal activities of daily living at 8 weeks post injection. MRI studies were performed pre and post injection to assess diseased state of the tendon. Conclusions Autologous tenocyte injection provides the clinician with a tool for treatment of chronic tendinopathy, where other treatment options have failed.