Achilles Tendon Pathology

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Abstract

The achilles tendon is the confluence of the distal gastrocnemius and soleus muscles which inserts on the posterior superior calcaneus. Pathology of the achilles tendon falls in a spectrum of disorders including retrocalcaneal bursitis/insertional achilles tendinopathy, achilles tendinosis/tendonitis, and achilles tendon rupture. Diagnosis relies most heavily on clinical presentation and examination. Although commonly not needed for diagnosis, imaging techniques for evaluation include conventional radiography, ultrasound, and MRI. Nonoperative management strategies are the treatment of choice across the spectrum of achilles pathology. In select scenarios, including a prominent Haglund’s deformity in recalcitrant retrocalcaneal bursitis and achilles tendon rupture, surgical intervention may be indicated and performed with excellent results.

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Correspondence to Ryan J. McNeilan .

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McNeilan, R.J., Jones, G.L. (2017). Achilles Tendon Pathology. In: Eltorai, A., Eberson, C., Daniels, A. (eds) Orthopedic Surgery Clerkship. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52567-9_87

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52567-9_87

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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