Achilles Tendon Pathology
A 42-year-old recreational basketball player felt a sudden "pop" in the back of his ankle during a jump shot, describing it as feeling like he was "kicked from behind." He has immediate pain and difficulty walking. Examination reveals a palpable gap in the Achilles tendon 4 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion, weak plantar flexion, and loss of the normal Achilles contour. The Thompson (calf squeeze) test is positive. The orthopedic surgeon discusses the diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture and explains both non-operative (functional bracing) and operative treatment options, including re-rupture rates, complications, and return to sport considerations. Regarding Achilles tendon rupture:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
ACHILLES RUPTURE occurs in middle-aged "weekend warriors" (30-50 years); rupture is typically 2-6 cm...
CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS: THOMPSON TEST (calf squeeze test) is gold standard - patient prone, squeeze calf...
Achilles rupture occurs at the insertion (not 2-6 cm proximal); it affects elderly patients over 80 ...
NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT (functional rehabilitation): EARLY FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION with removable ...
OPERATIVE TREATMENT: OPEN REPAIR most common (direct end-to-end suture with Krackow or Bunnell techn...
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Click T (True) or F (False) for each option