Point-of-care ultrasound diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture in the ED.

Patients with acute Achilles tendon injuries from sport related activities are frequently seen in the emergency department (ED). Missed or delayed diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture can result in significant patient morbidity. However, the diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture is not always clear clinically. Physical examination maneuvers to assess for a tendon injury can be limited by pain and soft tissue swelling. Ultrasound has been shown to be very sensitive in detecting an Achilles tendon rupture.We report a case of a 39-year-old woman who presented to the ED with severe left ankle and leg pain. Her physical examination was limited by pain. However, a point-of-care ultrasound examination helped in making a prompt and accurate diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture. This case demonstrates that point-of-care ultrasound can be a useful diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients with suspected Achilles tendon rupture, particularly when the physical examination is limited.