[Ultrasound follow-up of experimental partial Achilles tendon rupture]

We performed surgically an experimental partial Achilles tendon dissection on 28 New Zealand white rabbits. The changes in the healing process were sonographically followed and documentated in short periods of time for 2 months. The sonographically detectable changes during the healing process underlie certain rules. The changes in sonography can be explained by the histopathology with respect to the theoretics of ultrasound physics. Hematomas and the fibrous scars can be followed closely with sonography. Sonography is a method of high value in the diagnosis of partial and complete tendon tears and with respect to certain limits in the follow-up of the healing process, too. Certain limits in the evaluation of tendon injuries and their follow-up by sonography remain.