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A complete tear of Achilles tendon caused by a kite string - A case report
Anil Kumar Kotteda1, Mehar Dhillon2, Akshay Shreegan2
1Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, Mangalagiri, 522503, India.
Background:
Kite flying in India and other South-East Asian countries is a significant cultural activity, especially during festive seasons. There is an increasing use of non-biodegradable kite strings like the Chinese manja has caused a rise in injuries not just to kite flyers but also to pedestrians and motorcyclists, sometimes even causing life threatening injuries.
Case:
We present a rare case of a 27-year-old male patient who was injured by a kite string while crossing the road. He sustained a lacerated wound and a completely torn tendo achilles on the right side. Surgical debridement and end-to-end Krackow repair of the tendon was done using non-absorbable suture successfully. Functional outcome of the patient at 12 months follow-up was excellent.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the rare but serious risk of Achilles tendon injury caused by kite strings. It emphasizes the need for public awareness, safety regulations, and enforcement regarding the use of hazardous kite strings. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical management are essential for optimal outcomes in such injuries.
