Significance of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of achilles tendon rupture.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study is to show the importance of ultrasound method in the diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture, the choice of method of treatment and monitoring of treatment using the same method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 1999 and 2009, 134 patients with Achilles tendon rupture were referred to our Clinic. 66 patients (with a mean age of 38 years) were treated with surgical suture followed by plaster immobilization for a period of 8 weeks. 68 patients (with a mean age of 42 years) were treated conservatively with plaster immobilization for a period of 8 weeks. The follow-up in both groups of patients was 2 years. RESULTS During the clinical and ultrasound monitoring of the patients it was proved that repeated rupture of the same tendon occurs on average within 12 months. Return to sports activities showed in 57% of the conservatively treated patients and in 55% of surgically treated patients. The patients with Achilles tendon rupture were treated at our Clinic with previously standardized protocol which, besides the clinical examination, used the ultrasound method. SUMMARY Ultrasound examination is a very important method in the diagnosis and the choice of the method of treatment, as well as in the evaluation of results in patients with Achilles tendon rupture, either in operative or conservative treatment.