[Achilles tendon rupture-Part 1: etiology and diagnostics]

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. Rupture of the Achilles tendon prevents the transmission of forces from the calf muscles to the foot and thus the push-off phase of walking and running is no longer possible. The diagnostics of Achilles tendon rupture are typically based on the symptoms and clinical examination. A palpable gap and the Thompson test are sometimes difficult to evaluate in situations with a large hematoma. Benchmarking for a definitive rupture is the inability to perform a one leg heel raise. Sonography is used to determine the localization of the Achilles tendon and during the dynamic examination enables detection of a possible adaptation of the tendon ends. A complete adaptation of the tendon ends gives the possibility of conservative treatment. Sonographic control examinations after 4 and 8 weeks document the course of healing. A visible increase in volume, especially at the rupture site confirms a normal course of healing. Magnetic resonance imaging enables verification of an Achilles tendon rupture and provides more information about the tendon structure.