GP-confirmed complete Achilles tendon rupture using pocket-sized ultrasound: a case report

Abstract

The incidence of complete Achilles tendon rupture is 18 per 100 000 patient-years and is usually diagnosed clinically by GPs. The extent of clinical misdiagnosis is unknown in Norway, but may be high. This is important as delayed treatment has unfavourable consequences. We report how a GP, with no clinical ultrasound experience, recorded images with a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PSUD) under supervision to confirm a complete Achilles tendon rupture. This could present a new indication for GP ultrasound.