Rupture of the Achilles tendon: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
ICD-10 code
S86.0. Injury of the calcaneal [Achilles] tendon.
The rupture of the Achilles tendon is more common among athletes, ballet dancers and other persons performing jumps.
What causes the rupture of the Achilles tendon?
The mechanism of injury is similar to damage to other tendons.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon rupture
Sharp pain, crunch and instability of the ankle after the injury.
Diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture
In the history - an indication of an appropriate injury.
Examination and physical examination
The Achilles tendon is edematous, there are bruises. With active back flexing of the foot, the tension of the Achilles tendon is not determined, the plantar flexion is sharply weakened. On the toe of the foot the patient can not become. Palpation reveals pain and lack of tendon tendon.
[Treatment of rupture of the Achilles tendon
Surgical treatment of rupture of the Achilles tendon
Treatment of the rupture of the Achilles tendon is only operative - the connection of the ripped ends is one of the types of tendon suture (Kuneo, Kazakova, etc.).
Apply a circular gypsum dressing from the middle third of the thigh to the ends of the fingers when bending at the knee joint at an angle of 30 °, in the ankle - 10 °. The terms of immobilization are 6-8 weeks.
With delayed diagnosis of the ruptures of the Achilles tendon due to retraction of the muscles, it is impossible to sew the tendon end to the end - it is necessary to resort to plastic. Apply a variety of plastic surgery.
A distinctive feature of the method is the retention of the paratenon and immersion of the tendon autograft into it. This preserves the vessels surrounding the tendon and nerves, as well as the sliding apparatus, provides good regeneration and restores the anatomical and physiological principles of this zone.
The limb after the operation is immobilized for 3 weeks with a circular gypsum dressing from the upper third of the thigh to the ends of the fingers in the position of flexion of the shin and foot to an angle of 150 °. Then another 3 weeks impose a plaster "boot", but the flexion in the knee joint is reduced to 175 °, in the ankle - to 90 °.
After elimination of immobilization, prescribe exercise therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.