An Achilles tendon rupture, in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, refers to a complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon, the thick cord connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This common injury, often due to sudden forceful movements, presents clinically with acute pain, swelling, and impaired ankle function. Ultrasound is a primary diagnostic tool for confirming the rupture, visualizing the gap within the tendon, assessing its extent, and detecting associated hematomas.
Medical professionals use MSK ultrasound to evaluate the integrity of the Achilles tendon, differentiate between partial and complete tears, and guide management strategies. The real-time imaging capabilities of ultrasound make it invaluable for assessing the dynamic nature of the injury and monitoring healing, providing crucial insights for orthopedic and sports medicine specialists.