Achilles tendon laceration

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Left Achilles tendon region laceration a few hours before the presentation.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
ultrasound

The lateral fibers of the Achilles tendon show a full-thickness defect approximately 25 mm away from the insertion site. There is no significant retraction. The central fibers of the tendon show a partial thickness defect involving superficial fibers. The medial most fibers of the tendon are intact. There is a defect in the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. The rest of the tendon shows normal echopattern.

There is no effusion in the retro-calcaneal bursa. The retrocalcaneal fat pad is normal.

Case Discussion

The case is an example of two useful concepts in the musculoskeletal ultrasound. One is the use of a gel pad. The defect is better characterized by a standoff jet pad as shown in the images. The other is the concept of a partial and full-thickness tear. The central fibers of the tendon show partial thickness tear involving superficial fibers. However, there is a full-thickness tear of the lateral most fibers.

Surgical repair of the tendon was done.

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