Clinical imaging · UKMLA & AKT
Achilles tendon rupture
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
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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