Apparent tendo achilles rupture in the elderly: is routine radiography necessary?

Abstract

Avulsion fractures involving the insertion of the tendo achilles into the calcaneus have been reported previously (Lowy, 1969; Protheroe, 1969). We wish to describe a case which presented clinically as a ruptured tendo achilles and the correct diagnosis was only made on the basis of a radiograph. We wish to stress the need for radiographic assessment of suspected tendo achilles ruptures in the elderly.