Gouty Tophi Encompassing Retained Suture Material 7 Years After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair

JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Nov 23;12(4). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00433. eCollection 2022 Oct 1.

Abstract

Case: We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient with no history of gout who developed gouty tophi encompassing retained suture material 7 years after initial repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon. The patient had a posterior ankle mass concerning for abscess. Monosodium urate crystals were identified, and uric acid level was elevated at the time of irrigation and debridement.

Conclusion: Surgical site gout is a rare but important phenomenon to recognize in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon repairs, particularly in patients with a history of abscess, infection, or collections localized to retained suture material.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess
  • Achilles Tendon* / surgery
  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Gouty*
  • Gout*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rupture
  • Sutures
  • Tendon Injuries*