A review of ruptures of the Achilles tendon.
Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a relatively infrequent injury that is often missed by the initial treating physician. The diagnosis can be established on the basis of the physical examination with weakness of plantarflexion, a palpable gap in the tendon, and a positive squeeze test. Special diagnostic studies are rarely necessary. In the majority of cases, the etiologic basis for the rupture appears to be a combination of intratendon degeneration and mechanical stress. Conservative treatment of an acute rupture by immobilization with a cast provides satisfactory results. For the younger, more athletic patient, surgical repair should be considered.
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000150:complications