ACHILES  TENDON

 

Etiology:

  1. Abrupt take-off from the surface in dorsiflex  position.

S & S:

  1. Pt c/o pain, hearing "pop", weakness to plantar flexion, +/- swelling.

DX:

  1. Thompson test - placing pt's injured extremity in flexed position at knee level and squeezing the calf  the foot won't flex plantar if    there is complete fx of  tendon.
     
  2. Palpable defect on exam
     
  3. Inability of pt to stand on his/her toes.

Treatment:

  1. Posterior splint in equine position x 6-8 wk.
     
  2. Ortho referral.

 

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