[Sonography of Achilles tendon rupture]

The authors report on the possibility of demonstrating Achilles tendon rupture via ultrasound. The characteristics echo pattern in the healthy (normal) Achilles tendon, and the sonographic criteria of the various types of rupture, are described. Sixteen patients with clinically suspected subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture were examined using a 5 MHz transducer. In ten cases, an Achilles tendon rupture could be demonstrated, all of which were confirmed by surgery. In six patients, rupture could be excluded; after renewed clinical examination, these cases were successfully treated as distorsions. In clinically evident rupture of the Achilles tendon, ultrasound examination may not only provide further diagnostic information on the localisation and type of rupture, but also on the condition of the tendon at the site of rupture. It can also supply pointers regarding secondary changes, such as haematoma, oedema, and deviations in the position of the Achilles tendon. In doubtful cases, ultrasound can be a helpful additional diagnostic method.