A Step in the Right Direction: Point-of-Care Ultrasound as an Evaluation Tool of Achilles Tendon Injuries in the Emergency Department

Abstract

This report describes the diagnosis of an Achilles tendon tear in a female patient with an inconclusive physical exam, which was limited by the patient's body habitus. Expedient use of point-of-care ultrasound supported the diagnosis of an Achilles tear with findings of a tendinous defect, fibrous stranding, and surrounding anechoic fluid, suggestive of localized hemorrhage. The patient was splinted in plantar flexion and had prompt orthopedic referral with MRI that verified Achilles tear.