Achilles tendon disorders

Med Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;98(2):331-8. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2013.11.005.

Abstract

Achilles tendon disorders include tendinosis, paratenonitis, insertional tendinitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and frank rupture. Patients present with pain and swelling in the posterior aspect of the ankle. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are helpful in confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment. Nonsurgical management of Achilles tendon disorders includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, bracing, and footwear modification. Surgical treatment includes debridement of the diseased area of the tendon with direct repair. Tendon transfer may be necessary to augment the strength of the Achilles tendon.

Keywords: Achilles rupture; Achilles tendinosis; Achilles tendon; Haglund deformity; Paratenonitis; Retrocalcaneal bursitis; Tendinitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon* / diagnostic imaging
  • Achilles Tendon* / injuries
  • Achilles Tendon* / surgery
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Bursitis* / diagnosis
  • Bursitis* / physiopathology
  • Bursitis* / therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Rupture* / diagnosis
  • Rupture* / physiopathology
  • Rupture* / therapy
  • Tendinopathy* / diagnosis
  • Tendinopathy* / physiopathology
  • Tendinopathy* / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal