This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Jfdwolff (talk | contribs) at 13:36, 31 July 2005 (paragraphs, dab ultrasound, added cipro as rare medical cause for ATR). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 13:36, 31 July 2005 by Jfdwolff (talk | contribs) (paragraphs, dab ultrasound, added cipro as rare medical cause for ATR)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Achilles tendon rupture commonly occur as an acceleration injury e.g. pushing off or jumping up. Diagnosis is made by clincal history, typically people say it feels like been kicked or shot behind the ankle, and by examination, a gap may be felt in the tendon, and Simmon's test is positive.
Simmon's test is where on squeezing the calf of the affected side, no movement is elicted in the foot, which would normally be expected to move. Sometimes an ultrasound scan may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment remains divided between operative and non-operative management. Non-operative management consists of restriction in an "equinus" plaster cast for eight weeks with the foot pointed (to oppose the ends of the ruptured tendon). Some surgeons feel an early surgical repair of the tendon is beneficial. The surgical option offers a slightly smaller risk of re-rupture, but has the attendant risks of surgery i.e. infection, bleeding etc.
Most cases of Achilles tendon rupture are traumatic (caused by injury). Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, have been linked with an increased risk of ATR.
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