The Achilles Tendon: Imaging Diagnoses and Image-Guided Interventions—AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

Presurgical Perspectives and Post-treatment Evaluation of Achilles Tendon Injuries

“…Achilles injury occurs due to chronic overuse in athletes, forceful dorsiflexion, as well as with medications (fluoroquinolones, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy), obesity, and inflammatory disorders. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14…”

“…14 A minimally invasive treatment technique is Achilles tenotomy, performed to disrupt scar tissue and induce a healing response. 11 Lidocaine injections have been performed for postoperative Achilles repair at regions of suture granulomas or painful scar tissue.…”

“…Insertional tears are typically repaired with one or two large suture anchors, often combined with resection of a Haglund's deformity (bony prominence at the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneal tubercle). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14…”

“…Displacement or migration of anchor components, or fluid signal surrounding the anchor are signs of failure of repair. 1 2 10 11 12 13 14…”

“…Achilles injury occurs due to chronic overuse in athletes, forceful dorsiflexion, as well as with medications (fluoroquinolones, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy), obesity, and inflammatory disorders. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The spectrum of tendon degeneration and tear has led to the development of a variety of treatment options, ranging from minimally invasive to open surgical solutions. Beyond conservative management including rest, physical therapy, and medication, Achilles tendon treatment ranges from needle-based procedures, tenotomy, open versus percutaneous tendon repair, graft reconstruction, and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer.…”