A 30-year-old male has sustained a complete transection of his Achilles tendon while playing badminton. He felt a sudden 'snap' in his right heel and ...

Question

A 30-year-old male has sustained a complete transection of his Achilles tendon while playing badminton. He felt a sudden 'snap' in his right heel and cannot plantarflex the ankle. Simmonds' test is positive (no plantarflexion when the calf is squeezed). What is the correct pre-hospital management?

Accepted Answer

Immobilise the ankle in an equinus (plantarflexed) position using a backslab or splint; provide analgesia and refer to orthopaedics within 24 hours

Answer

Apply ice and elevate only - no splinting required

Answer

Dorsiflex the ankle to stretch the tendon ends into apposition

Answer

Apply a compression bandage and advise the patient to walk on it

Answer

No immobilisation is needed - the tendon will heal in any position

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Achilles Tendon Rupture Management

A 30-year-old male has sustained a complete transection of his Achilles tendon while playing badminton. He felt a sudden 'snap' in his right heel and cannot plantarflex the ankle. Simmonds' test is positive (no plantarflexion when the calf is squeezed). What is the correct pre-hospital management?