Tibial nerve block with anesthetics resulting in achilles tendon avulsion.

Abstract

Diagnostic tibial nerve block with anesthetics is a common and safe procedure for the management of the spastic equinovarus foot. Side effects have been rarely reported. We present the case of a hemiplegic patient with a spastic equinovarus foot who presented with an avulsion fracture of the calcaneum at the insertion of the Achilles tendon consecutive to a diagnostic tibial nerve block with anesthetic agents. Although rare, such a complication should be considered when the Achilles tendon is shortened and when the patient is suspected of bone osteoporosis or dystrophy.