THE VALUE OF ULTRASOUND AND MRI FOLLOWING SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF RUPTURE OF THE ACHILLES-TENDON

Aim: A comparison of clinical examination, sonography and MRI in the f ollow-up of suture of the Achilles tendon. Method: 60 patients were ex amined in a prospective study for 6-78 months following suture of the Achilles tendon repair; both sides were compared clinically and sonogr aphically; in 30 patients MRI was also used. Morphometric measurements (antero-posterior and transverse measurements) and changes in morphol ogical structure were correlated with clinical results. Results: All p atients showed thickening of the Achilles tendon postoperatively. Morp hometric and morphological changes showed positive and significant cor relation between sonography and MRI (p = < 0.001, p = 0.004). Structur al changes in sonography had positive correlation with general symptom s (p = < 0.001), pain on movement (p = < 0.001), reduced function (p = 0.005), and reduced sporting activity (p = 0.034). MRI findings showe d significant regression with time (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Following r epair, the Achilles tendon remained thickened throughout the period of observation. Post-operative changes in the structure of the tendon re gressed partially. Sonography and MRI correlate significantly with the clinical findings. Sonography is the imaging method of choice, MRI is an additional procedure.