Achilles Tendon Rupture - Pathogenesis and clinical findings
• The Achilles tendon is 15cm long in adults and is the strongest tendon in the body
• Achilles tendon ruptures are more common in men, and more common in episodic athletes ("weekend warriors")
• Acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is usually multi-factorial with no specific pre-determined etiology
Signs/Symptoms/Complications:
- Audible "Pop"
- Palpable gap in the A.T.
- No plantar flexion while squeezing the gastrocnemius (+ Thompson calf squeeze test)
- Pain over rupture
- Antalgic gait
- Weakness to ankle plantar flexion
- Bruising & swelling over rupture site
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