Achilles Tendonitis & Rupture Flashcards
how can this occur
- repetitive strain (sports) leading to peritendonitis
- degeneration process with intrasubstance microtears
what can predispose to this
quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), RA, inflammatory arthropathies and gout
where can pain be felt
main substance of the achilles tendon or at its insertion in the calcaneus
what is treatment
rest, physio, heel raise to offload tendon, splint or boot
what treatment can resistant cases benefit from
tendon decompression and resection of paratendon
what is the problem with tendon decompression and resection of paratendon
scars when condition is usually self limiting anyway
why should steroid injections not be given around the achilles tendon
risk of rupture
who does tendon rupture usually occur in and why
middle aged or older groups usually due to degenerative changes within the tendon or recent tendonitis
what signs can be seen on examination
weakness on plantar flexion and a palpable gap in the tendon
no plantar flexion seen on squeezing of the calf (simmond’s test)
what surgery can be performed
suture repair of damaged tendon
what are benefits of surgery
restores tension of tendon more accurately and lower re-rupture rate
how many weeks is a person in a series of casts after surgery
8
what are some negatives of surgery
wound problems, can be very problematic if they don’t heal
what is the non-operative management
series of casts in equinous position
what is the equinous position
ankle plantar flexed with the toes pointing down
