Advisor Information
Dr. Adam Rosen
Location
Student Research and Creative Activity Fair
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
1-3-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
1-3-2019 10:15 AM
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present the case of an Achilles tendon rupture including surgical repair and rehabilitation in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, male, soccer athlete.
Background: While attempting to perform a backflip following a match victory, the athlete jumped up and experienced a gunshot sound and feeling on his posterior, distal, left leg. On-field evaluation included a positive Thompson Test for Achilles tendon (AT) rupture. Post injury imaging revealed a coinciding diagnosis.
Differential Diagnosis: AT strain, calcaneal fracture, fibula fracture, Shepard’s fracture
Treatment: Open surgery technique to repair the tear followed by rehabilitation protocol beginning with rest and pain relief shortly followed by range of motion exercises, stretching, strengthening, balance, unidirectional agility, side-to-side agility, sport specific activity, and return to activity.
Uniqueness: This injury occurred after a history of chronic pain within the AT that was not treated properly. Also, throughout rehabilitation, the tendon thickness has remained excessively larger with bilateral comparison. Further examination into the potential explanation of tendon size following open surgical technique is suggested.
Conclusions: Thompson Test appears to be a highly effective clinical tool in diagnosing Achilles rupture. Surgical repair followed by a recommended rehabilitation protocol was a safe and successful route for return- to- activity. Treat chronic AT conservatively to decrease critical injury risk.
Key Words: athletic injuries, Achilles tendon, open surgery technique, rehabilitation
Left Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Male Collegiate Soccer Player
Student Research and Creative Activity Fair
ABSTRACT
Objective: To present the case of an Achilles tendon rupture including surgical repair and rehabilitation in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, male, soccer athlete.
Background: While attempting to perform a backflip following a match victory, the athlete jumped up and experienced a gunshot sound and feeling on his posterior, distal, left leg. On-field evaluation included a positive Thompson Test for Achilles tendon (AT) rupture. Post injury imaging revealed a coinciding diagnosis.
Differential Diagnosis: AT strain, calcaneal fracture, fibula fracture, Shepard’s fracture
Treatment: Open surgery technique to repair the tear followed by rehabilitation protocol beginning with rest and pain relief shortly followed by range of motion exercises, stretching, strengthening, balance, unidirectional agility, side-to-side agility, sport specific activity, and return to activity.
Uniqueness: This injury occurred after a history of chronic pain within the AT that was not treated properly. Also, throughout rehabilitation, the tendon thickness has remained excessively larger with bilateral comparison. Further examination into the potential explanation of tendon size following open surgical technique is suggested.
Conclusions: Thompson Test appears to be a highly effective clinical tool in diagnosing Achilles rupture. Surgical repair followed by a recommended rehabilitation protocol was a safe and successful route for return- to- activity. Treat chronic AT conservatively to decrease critical injury risk.
Key Words: athletic injuries, Achilles tendon, open surgery technique, rehabilitation