Primary Care Lectures-Achilles Rupture

Achilles Rupture

Pdf Summary

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, formed by the merging of calf muscles and inserts into the heel bone. Its blood supply is limited in the "watershed" zone approximately 1 to 4 inches above the insertion into the heel bone. Paratendonitis and tendinosis develop in this area. The Achilles tendon can experience heavy loads. Thompson's test is a screening tool for Achilles tendon rupture. The literature is insufficient to give a conclusive recommendation for the use of imaging studies in the assessment of Achilles tendon rupture. The picture demonstrates a mini-open technique for Achilles tendon repair. Limited data is available to draw conclusions, as noted in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Achilles clinical practice guidelines. If there are any questions, please contact the AOFAS office. The content is copyrighted by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

Keywords

Achilles tendon

largest tendon

calf muscles

heel bone

blood supply

paratendonitis

tendinosis

Thompson's test

Achilles tendon rupture

Achilles tendon repair