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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Published on: January 23, 2018
Achilles tendon rupture must be excluded in the neutral, non-fractured ankle X-ray study
Paul D Kiely1, Joseph F Baker, D Lim Fat
1Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth, Ireland.
Background:
Rupture of the Achilles tendon (TA) is a common injury. Nevertheless, there is significant potential for missing the diagnosis on initial presentation. We investigated the potential role of lateral ankle X-ray studies in aiding diagnosis.
Objectives:
To determine the potential role of radiographs of the ankle in assisting in the diagnosis of Achilles tendon ruptures.
Methods:
In a regional trauma unit, 27 patients with confirmed TA rupture at operation had the "tibio-first metatarsal angle" measured as an indication of ankle neutrality. A neutral ankle was defined as an angle of≤100°. Twenty-seven patients with intact TA were used as controls.
Results:
The mean angle in the TA rupture group was 88° (range 70-120°) and 125° (104-146°) in the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
In cases of TA rupture, the ankle adopts a more dorsiflexed position than in the ankle with an intact TA. We believe that an ankle joint adopting a neutral position on a lateral X-ray study of the ankle provides a clue to help reduce the rate of missed TA ruptures at initial presentation.
