How is an Achilles tendon rupture measured?

The Thompson test examines the integrity of the Achilles tendon by squeezing the calf. It is performed as a clinical test to identify the presence of a complete Achilles rupture.

What is a full thickness tear of the Achilles?

a full-thickness tear often shows a tendinous gap filled with edema or blood. complete rupture shows retraction of tendon ends. T2: partial thickness or interstitial tears may show high signal on long TR, and tendon swelling to >7 mm AP.

Are Achilles ruptures rare?

Most of the tears occur in the watershed area, which is an area of structural weakness approximately 6 cm proximal to the tendon insertion on the calcaneus. The most common cause of Achilles tendon rupture is trauma during sports [5]. Bilateral Achilles tendon ruptures are rare with an incidence of about 1% [6].

What is a high grade partial tear of the Achilles tendon?

Partial tears of the Achilles tendon are caused when the calf muscles are contracted strongly. A strong contraction can overstress the tendon, causing it to tear. This commonly occurs in sports when changing direction quickly, lunging or jumping.

What is a positive Thompson test?

The feet extend farther than the end of the bed. The examiner then squeezes the calf muscle. This motion, in a normal patient, should cause the toes to point downward as the Achilles pulls the foot. In a patient with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the foot will not move. That is called a positive Thompson test.

What indicates a positive result in the Thompson test?

A positive test has been reported to indicate a complete rupture of the tendon,4 and the cited mechanical reason for the positive test (complete rupture) is the loss of integrity of the soleal part of the tendon.

Is a partial Achilles tear better than a full tear?

A partial rupture of the Achilles tendon causes the tendon to tear, but not completely. Scar tissue will form which is likely to lead to inflammation of the tendon. Often the player will not feel the rupture at the time but will become aware of it later when the tendon has cooled down.

Can you fully recover from an Achilles injury?

Professional or weekend warrior, Achilles injuries don’t discriminate. And they can often require a year or longer to fully recover, including rehab.

What is a Grade 3 Achilles tendon rupture?

Grade 3: A full rupture, often with a “pop” or other sensation in the calf area. You no longer have the power to walk, much less run or jump.

Is surgery necessary for a partial Achilles tear?

Surgical treatment with excision of degenerated tissue which leads to complete pain relief and full restoration of function with long-standing effects in most cases is why persistent Achilles tendon pain due to partial rupture preferably should be treated surgically.

How reliable is the Thompson test?

The sensitivity of the Thompson’s test for the diagnosis of a complete Achilles tendon rupture is 96-100% and the specificity is 93-100%, but data is limited.