Clinical imaging · UKMLA & AKT
Achilles tendon rupture
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise achilles tendon rupture — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Audible 'pop' or 'snap' - sensation of being kicked from behind
- Sudden severe posterior ankle/heel pain
- Inability to plantarflex or weight bear
- Swelling and bruising over posterior heel and lower calf
- Palpable gap ~2-6 cm proximal to calcaneal insertion
- Thompson's test (calf squeeze test) - patient prone, calf squeezed; positive = no plantarflexion; pathognomonic for complete Achilles tendon rupture
Some residual active plantarflexion may be preserved via flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus even in complete rupture - do not use weak active plantarflexion to exclude the diagnosis.
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