The Reliability of Kager's Triangle in Detecting Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Abstract

The Achilles tendon is a common site of anatomical injury among athletes and those participating in recreational sporting activities. Acute Achilles tendon ruptures are often misdiagnosed as a sprained ankle and are more common in the male population. Mechanism of injury is often a noncontact injury, resulting from sudden forced plantar flexion or violent dorsiflexion in a plantar flexed foot. Delays in diagnosis and treatment may complicate the clinical outcome. Because findings may be subtle on history and physical examination, the use of readily available adjunctive studies is important for practitioners. One method is the analysis of Kager's triangle on lateral ankle radiographs. Obscuration of Kager's triangle has been described as a radiographic indicator of Achilles tendon rupture, but the sensitivity and specificity of this finding have been poorly reported. [Orthopedics. 2020; 43(2): e91-e94.].