Achilles Tendon Rupture

Mechanism: sudden push-off, dorsiflexion against resistance, often during sport (badminton, tennis, running). Features: • Sudden 'kick' / 'snap' to back of heel; sound often heard. • Inability to push off / weak plantarflexion. • Palpable gap 2–6 cm above calcaneal insertion. • Bruising + swelling. Examination: Simmonds-Thompson test — patient prone, knee flexed; squeeze calf — absence of plantarflexion = positive (rupture). Matles test — patient prone, knee flexed 90°; affected foot remains in dorsiflexion (vs neutral / plantarflexion in normal). USS (operator-dependent) or MRI confirms diagnosis + identifies tendinopathy / partial vs complete. Distinguish from gastrocnemius tear (medial calf pain, less dramatic, no gap).