A Step in the Right Direction: Point-of-Care Ultrasound as an Evaluation Tool of Achilles Tendon Injuries in the Emergency Department

Abstract

This report describes the diagnosis of an Achilles tendon tear in a female patient with an inconclusive physical exam, which was limited by the patient's body habitus. Expedient use of point-of-care ultrasound supported the diagnosis of an Achilles tear with findings of a tendinous defect, fibrous stranding, and surrounding anechoic fluid, suggestive of localized hemorrhage. The patient was splinted in plantar flexion and had prompt orthopedic referral with MRI that verified Achilles tear.

Keywords: achilles injury; achilles tendon; lower extremity trauma; obesity; point-of-care-ultrasound; thompson test.