Achilles tendon ossification after treatment with acitretin

Abstract

Achilles tendon ossifications are rare. Usually they develop after surgery or trauma. The present case report illustrates a severe and tender Achilles tendon ossification of 10cm in length a few months after treatment with acitretin for lichen ruber. With discontinuation of acitretin therapy, regression of pain was achieved but the ossification was irreversible. This case should raise awareness for possible and severe calcifications in the use of retinoid therapy.

Keywords::

• achilles tendon
• acitretin
• Neotigason
• ossification

Acknowledgement

Source of funding: none.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.