[Evaluation of the post-traumatic course of injuries of the Achilles tendon using computerized telethermography]

Follow-up of Achilles tendon injuries was carried out by means of computerized telethermography. The thermographic examination was performed at definite time intervals (a few hours, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months after acute traumatism) on 15 young patients subdivided into two different groups according to the tenonic injured site: proximal (6 cases) or insertional (9 cases). The study showed a satisfying correlation between hyperthermal level and clinical symptoms, thus allowing to define accurately the resolution or persistence (3 cases) of inflammatory process. In conclusion, the authors recommend the combined use of computerized telethermography and diagnostic US for a complete evaluation of Achilles tendon disorders according to their different evolutive phases.