MRI findings of achilles tendon rupture

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the MRI findings of achilles tendon rupture.Methods The MRI data of 7 patients with achilles tendon rupture were retrospectively analysed.All 7 patients were male with the age ranging from 34 to 71 years.Routine MR scanning was performed in axial and sagittal planes,including T1WI,T2WI and a fat suppression MRI(SPIR).Results Among 7 patients,complete achilles tendon rupture was seen in 6 cases,partial achilles tendon rupture 1 case.The site of tendon disruption were 2.6-11.0 cm(mean 5.4 cm)proximal to the insertion in the calcaneus.The MRI findings of a partial or complete rupure of the achilles tendon included enlarged and thickened achilles tendon (7 cases),wavy lax achilles tendon(2 cases),discontinuity of some or all of its fibers and intratendinous regions of increased signal intensity(7 cases).In the cases of complete tendon rupture,the size of the tendinous gap varied from 3.0-8.0 mm,which was filled with blood and appeared as edema of increase signal intensity on T2WI and SPIR.In all 7 patients,MR scanning showed medium signal intensity(7 cases)on T1WI,or medium signal intensity(1 cases),medium-high signal intensity(3 cases),hish signal intensity(3 cases)on T2WI,and medium-high singnal intensity(2 eases),high signal intensity(5 cases)on fat suppression MRI.The preachilles fat pad showed obscure in 6 cases of complete achilles tendon rupture.Conclusion MRI is an excellent method for revealing achilles tendon rupture and confirming the diagnosis. Key words: Achilles tendon; Wounds and injuries; Magnetic resonance imaging