Achilles tendon tears

The Achilles tendon is the lower part of the triceps, the muscle of the leg that allows extending the ankle, to put on tiptoe for example. This tendon attaches the triceps to a bone of the foot, the calcaneus

Achilles tendon tears occur during a violent effort with the flexed ankle (on the impulse or the reception of a jump for example), the pain felt at the back of the ankle is lively and followed by a loss of tonicity during the extension of the ankle with impossibility of putting on tiptoe.

A visible change in the appearance of the ankle can be noted and a simple clinical examination by a professional can confirm the diagnosis.
However, additional tests such as ultrasound or MRI will help to assess the level and size of the rupture.

Inquire in advance is mandatory in order to perform the most suitable examination

Treatment options

Medical Treatment

It is possible to simply immobilize the joint in a resin boot for a period of 3 months, however the tendon could not heal or shrink too much to be able to consider a later surgical repair

Surgical Treatment
The technique is called percutaneous and consists in suturing the tendon by small incisions on its edges.

At the Bordeaux-Merignac Sport Clinic, this procedure is performed as an outpatient basis.

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