Teaching File - MR Ankle: Achille's Tendon Rupture

Comment

Comment by radRounds Radiology Network on November 25, 2008 at 3:36pm

Achilles Tendon Rupture

- Ruptures of the Achilles tendon most commonly occur spontaneously in healthy, young, active individuals who are aged 30-50 years and have no antecedent history of calf or heel pain.
- Unlike tears or ruptures at the musculotendinous junction of the Achilles tendon, Achilles tendon ruptures are located within the tendon substance itself, approximately 1-2 inches proximal to its insertion into the calcaneus.
- Poor conditioning, advanced age, and overexertion are risk factors for this injury. However, the common precipitating event is a sudden eccentric force applied to a dorsiflexed foot.
- Ruptures of the Achilles tendon also may occur as the result of direct trauma or as the end result following Achilles peritenonitis with or without tendinosis.

Imaging Findings for Achilles tendon rupture
- Ultrasound and MRI are not routinely ordered for tendon ruptures.
- Ultrasound and MRI help the physician confirm the diagnosis, but these studies are more helpful when partial tendon ruptures are suspected.