Achilles tendon rupture

Introduction to Achilles tendon fracture Achilles tendon rupture, as the name implies, is a break in the Achilles tendon tissue. Clinically common spontaneous fractures of the Achilles tendon generally occur in unilateral limbs. This fracture can be at the Achilles tendon-calcane junction, or at the Achilles tendon-muscle junction or the Achilles tendon tissue itself. More than 70% of spontaneous fractures occur during exercise, and patients are often engaged in athletics such as badminton, basketball, football, tennis, or athletics. Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. The Achilles tendon is about 15 cm long and is formed by the fusion of the tendons of the calf triceps (the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius, and the outer head). During this process, the tendon fibers of the Achilles tendon are twisted by 90°. The main function of the Achilles tendon is the flexion of the calf and the ankle joint, which is the most important anatomy of the calf muscle strength to the foot. People can stand upright, stand firm, run, jump, and rely on it. If the unilateral Achilles tendon ruptures, limp will occur, and if both Achilles tendons are broken, they cannot walk. The "knocking tendons" in ancient Chinese penalties refer to the cutting off of the prisoner's two-sided Achilles tendon, so that it loses its walking function. basic knowledge Sickness ratio: 2% Susceptible people: good for sports people between 30 and 50 years old Mode of infection: non-infectious Complications: ankle sprain

Achilles tendon rupture

Achilles tendon injuries are more common, and violent effects are the main cause of Achilles tendon injuries.

Spontaneous fractures occur most often in sports people between the ages of 30 and 50. In addition, non-athletic people and women over the age of 50 are also good people. Its incidence can reach 8.3/100000 people/year. The break mainly occurs in men, and the ratio of male to female is between 2:1 and 18:1. If there is a Achilles tendon rupture on one side of the limb, the chance of rupture of the other side of the Achilles tendon can be increased by more than 18 times. The causes of spontaneous rupture may be multifaceted, congenital collagen abnormalities, infectious diseases, rheumatic immune diseases, endocrine diseases, abnormal neurological functions, abnormal hormone levels, decreased blood supply to the Achilles tendon, and excessive exercise. Achilles tendon degeneration, use of fluoroquinolones such as steroids or norfloxacin, high temperature, calcification of tendons, etc. may cause spontaneous rupture of Achilles tendon.

Pathophysiology

Achilles tendon injuries are more common, violent effects are the main cause of Achilles tendon injuries. Direct violent effects such as heavy objects hitting Achilles tendon can cause Achilles tendon contusion, partial or complete rupture, due to Achilles tendon superficiality, subcutaneous, often with skin Injury, indirect violence is mainly the fierce contraction of muscles, such as improper take-off, improper landing posture, etc., the triceps of the calf suddenly contracted sharply, causing the Achilles tendon to be damaged by tears, and can also be caused by sharp instruments such as glass, knives, etc. For the less-contaminated open injury, the closed Achilles tendon injury can occur in the Achilles tendon, the middle segment and the muscle-abdominal tendon transition, mostly unconventional chaotic tears.

Achilles tendon fracture prevention

Achilles tendon injury self-test

During self-examination, you will find a depression in the lower third of the calf. Achilles tendon rupture generally occurs at the lower third of the calf junction, where the tendon and the muscle abdomen are at the junction, the most common Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon injury treatment

Suspicion of rest when the Achilles tendon breaks. If you need to brake, you can use a band of bandages, but you must go to the hospital in time. Mild Achilles tendon injuries require plaster fixation and are generally fixed for 4-6 weeks to allow the Achilles tendon to heal. Severe Achilles tendon rupture injuries require surgery.

Achilles tendon rupture Complications ankle sprain

In addition to the Achilles tendon on the calf, there are several other tendons that also have some Achilles tendon functions. Therefore, although the heel is broken, the ankle joint can still do a little toe down and raise the heel. In addition to the patient's pain, the examination is affected and may be mistaken for an acute sprain. The muscles have a strong elasticity, and the tendon ends are retracted upwards. After a long time, it is difficult to pull down. The ankle activity is not working, and you can't use your strength.

Achilles tendon rupture symptoms Common symptoms Ankle joint swelling Ankle joint pain Tendons tendon rupture

Symptoms and signs

The gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus tendon behind the calf are combined to form a thick and very strong tendon. The achilles tendon is called the calcaneus joint structure. The main function is to bend the ankle joint, maintain the balance of the knot and run and jump. The medial malleolus of the Achilles tendon is accompanied by the downward direction. Because the diaphragmatic muscles are small, the contraction force is weak.

When you are injured, you can hear the sound of Achilles tendon rupture, immediately appear heel pain, swelling, ecchymosis, walking weakness, can not lift, check can be found in the Achilles tendon rupture to tenderness and depression, emptiness, partial damage Post-injury dysfunction is not obvious, and it is treated as a soft tissue injury. Ultrasound can detect the location and type of Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon rupture

Common imaging studies include ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance. Ultrasound is currently the most accurate diagnostic method for diagnosing Achilles tendon rupture. By observing the continuity of the Achilles tendon fiber, ultrasound can not only determine whether the Achilles tendon is broken, but also determine the location of the Achilles tendon rupture, which is helpful for the determination of the treatment plan.

Diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture

Clinically, the diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture can be basically determined by medical history and clinical examination. At the time of the physical examination, the depression of the Achilles tendon can be touched at the location of the patient's Achilles tendon. In addition, the patient can stand alone, or squeeze the calf muscles in the patient's knees to observe the ankle joint activity. For patients who cannot be determined, an imaging examination can be performed to assist in the diagnosis. Ultrasound can detect the location and type of Achilles tendon injury.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.