Diagnosis and follow-up US evaluation of ruptures of the medial head of the gastrocnemius ("tennis leg").
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ultrasonographic (US) findings of rupture and the healing process of the medial head of the gastrocnemius ("Tennis Leg").


METHODS
Twenty-two patients (age range: 30 to 45 years) with clinically suspected ruptures of the medial head of the gastrocnemius were referred to us for US examination. All the patients underwent US of the affected limb and the contralateral asymptomatic limb. Follow-up clinical evaluation and US imaging of all patients were performed at two-week intervals during the month after injury and at one-month intervals during the following six months.


RESULTS
Of the 22 patients who had an initial US examination after their injury, partial rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle was identified in seven patients (31.8%); the remaining 15 patients were diagnosed with complete rupture. Fluid collection between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle was identified in 20 patients (90.9%). The thickness of the fluid collection, including the hematoma in the patients with complete rupture (mean: 9.7 mm), was significantly greater than that seen in the patients with partial tear (mean: 6.8 mm) (p < 0.01). The primary union of the medial head of the gastrocnemius with the soleus muscle in all the patients with muscle rupture and fluid collection was recognized via the hypoechoic tissue after four weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography is a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis and follow-up examination for the patients suffering with rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius.
Kwak
Hyo-Sung
HS
Department of Radiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Chonju, Korea. kwak8140@yahoo.co.kr
Han
Young-Min
YM
Lee
Sang-Yong
SY
Kim
Ki-Nam
KN
Chung
Gyung Ho
GH
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D011379:Prognosis; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*