History and Images
45 y/o construction worker fell off a fence catching his foot and dangling for a while.
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45 y/o construction worker fell off a fence catching his foot and dangling for a while.
msk ankle all mr plain
Publication Date: 12 October 2003
45 y/o construction worker fell off a fence catching his foot and dangling for a while.
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The lateral plain film shows marked soft tissue swelling with mild posterior subluxation of the talus. The saggital T1- and T2-weighed images show complete disruption of the normal black signal of the Achilles tendon. The bright signal surounding the tendon on the T2-weighted images is edema and perhaps some hemorrhage. The first axial image below is at a level just above the disrupted tendon. Note the oval dark signal of the tendon. The second axial images is throught the proximal portion of the disruption showing abnormal increased signal throughout the tendon.
Torn Achilles Tendon
A torn Achilles tendon is frequently seen in the weekend athlete who either does not exercise regularly or fails to stretch properly before exercise. They are frequently in their40's or 50's. Professional athletes in running and jumping sports may tear the tendon as a result of a sudden, strong contraction of the calf muscles, particularly with the tendon in a stretched position.