Role of Ultrasound Investigation in Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the reliability of ultrasound in differentiating between partial and complete TA ruptures. It also aims to establish whether ultrasound findings of TA ruptures are in accordance with intraoperative findings.Method: The authors identified all cases of Achilles tendon rupture treated operatively in a unit over the course of the year. Charts were reviewed retrospectively to identify whether cases had undergone ultrasound. Intraoperative findings and ultrasound reports were compared.Results: 49 cases of Achilles tendon rupture were diagnosed and treated operatively. 23 cases underwent ultrasound of the tendoachilles preoperatively. 8 were reported as partial ruptures. All cases were found to be complete rupture intraoperatively. The sensitivity of ultrasound in establishing completeness of tendoachilles rupture is 63.5%.Conclusion: Ultrasound differentiation of complete vs partial ruptures is not a useful differentiator.