Abstract
Background
Rupture of the Achilles tendon (TA) is a common injury. Nevertheless, there is significant
potential for missing the diagnosis on initial presentation. We investigated the potential
role of lateral ankle X-ray studies in aiding diagnosis.
Objectives
To determine the potential role of radiographs of the ankle in assisting in the diagnosis
of Achilles tendon ruptures.
Methods
In a regional trauma unit, 27 patients with confirmed TA rupture at operation had
the “tibio-first metatarsal angle” measured as an indication of ankle neutrality.
A neutral ankle was defined as an angle of≤100°. Twenty-seven patients with intact TA were used as controls.
Results
The mean angle in the TA rupture group was 88° (range 70–120°) and 125° (104–146°)
in the control group (p
<0.001).
Conclusions
In cases of TA rupture, the ankle adopts a more dorsiflexed position than in the ankle
with an intact TA. We believe that an ankle joint adopting a neutral position on a
lateral X-ray study of the ankle provides a clue to help reduce the rate of missed
TA ruptures at initial presentation.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 28, 2010
Accepted:
May 11,
2010
Received in revised form:
February 21,
2010
Received:
September 25,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
