Achilles Tendon Rupture

http://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Achilles_tendon_repair

http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=13205

http://www.aspetar.com/journal/viewarticle.aspx?id=34#.U9nKSWPzlwU

http://www.expertconsultbook.com/expertconsult/ob/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=none&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-3792-9..00116-8&isbn=978-1-4377-3792-9

http://cjem-online.ca/v11/n3/p242

http://www.podiatrytoday.com/current-concepts-in-treating-achilles-tendon-ruptures

Usually occurs at area of least blood supply – 2 to 6 cm proximal to calcaneal insertion.

Aetiology:
Direct (eg laceration)
Indirect (eg forced dorsiflexion and knee extension)

Clinical features:
Patients usually recalls precipitating event
Pain and swelling at posterior ankle; weakness
May be able to palpate deficit in tendon
Some plantarflexion is possible – from other muscles
Thompson’s test – squeeze calf – if foot doesn’t plantarflex  rupture
On x-ray – Kager’s triangle should normally be clear – if rupture  increased soft tissue density in triangle

Treatment:
Conservative:
Generally used in older and more sedentary patients
Non-weightbearing below knee equinus cast – change every two weeks gradually bringing foot to neutral.

Surgical:
Generally used in younger and more active patients
Suture ends of tendon together  equinus cast – replace cast to bring foot gradually back to neutral

We have not yet got to this page to finish it yet. We will eventually. Please contact us if you have something to contribute to it or sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter.

Page last updated: @ 10:01 pm