Achillessehnenriss OP: Methoden, Heilungsverlauf & Behandlung

Achilles Tendon Tear (Achilles Tendon Rupture): Symptoms & Treatment

A sudden movement (such as starting to sprint or jumping when playing tennis), patients can suffer an Achilles tendon tear when the tendon suddenly contracts. Runners with chronic pre-damaged tendons are frequently affected, and incomplete tears of the Achilles tendon can also occur.

Another typical injury mechanism is a direct kick to the tendon, which can be incurred, for example, during a football match by a rough opponent. A clear “crack” is often heard when this happens.

Typical symptoms include pain and restriction of movement, and a definite indentation can often be felt in the Achilles tendon. The injured person is no longer able to stand on tip toes. A typical diagnostic indication is a positive Thompson test: Compression of the calf while the patient is kneeling does not lead to plantar flexion (flexion of the foot or the toes towards the sole of the foot), when compared to the uninjured side. If a diagnosis cannot be made with absolute certainty, an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be carried out.

Treatment involves an operation to directly suture both tendon stumps, possibly strengthened using an autologous tendon (plantaris tendon). Conservative treatment is only useful if it is possible to verify by X-ray that both tendon stumps are well apposed in plantar flexion.

Im Anschluss ist eine mehrwöchige Gipsbehandlung erforderlich. Angenehmer als der Gipsverband ist ein „Walker“, eine stiefelähnliche Stütze, die das Operationsergebnis schützt.