Achilles tendon rupture
Revision as of 13:55, 20 December 2012 by Rossdonaldson1 (talk | contribs)
Background
- Most frequently ruptures 2-6cm above calcaneus (where blood supply is weakest)
- Typical pt is 30-50yr old man who participates in strenuous activities on occasional basis
DDX
Clinical Features
- Sudden, severe pain
- Inability to run, stand on toes, or climb stairs
- Palpable gap in Achilles tendon 2-6cm proximal to calcaneus
- Thompson test
- Lay pt prone w/ knee bent at 90'
- In normal pt, squeezing calf results in plantarflexion
Treatment
- Short leg cast w/ ankle slightly plantarflexed
- Ortho referral
Source
- Tintinalli