Achilles tendon rupture

From ArticleWorld

Achilles tendon rupture is an acceleration injury that occurs, characterized by the rupture of the Achilles tendon. It commonly appears after the tendon is stretched out suddenly, by jumping up or pushing off.

Achilles tendon ruptures usually occurs in person 30-40 year old, and the vast majority of the patients are male. The risk of Achilles tendon rupture seems to be increased by fluoroquinolone antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin and glucocorticoids.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis can easily be done by the symptoms. A gap can be felt in the tendon, and people often describe the feeling as if they had been kicked behind the ankle. Simmon's test may be performed if needed, and it will be positive if the tendon is ruptured. Simmon's test consists of squeezing the calf on the damaged site. Normally, the foot should move, but if the tendon is damaged, it will not move. If there are still doubts about the diagnosis, an ultrasound scan may be performed.

Treatment

If the diagnosis is positive, there are two types of available treatment:

• Non-operative treatment, which involves the restriction in an equinus plaster, with the foot positioned so that the ends of the rupture tendon are opposed. Non-operative treatment is expected to last for several weeks, usually between 7 and 9 weeks.

• Operative treatment, which involves a surgery. Some specialists consider this to pose less re-rupture risks, and it is considered a good trade-off, as the risks of surgery are minimal.