BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the clinical application of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography (HFCDU) in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 68 patients with suspected Achilles tendon injury were examined by HFCDU. There were 42 Achilles tendon injury patients who underwent surgery, and they were randomly divided into a routine treatment group (n=21) and a rehabilitation group (n=21). HFCDU was performed at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 9, and months 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 after the operation. The thickness of the injured Achilles tendon, echo, blood flow, and tissue adhesion were compared to those of the uninjured side.

RESULTS: Of the 68 patients, 14 had normal ultrasound presentation with strong echo; 7 had laceration, presenting as swelling and decreased echo; 26 had partial tear, presenting as discontinued rupture with no or low echo; 19 had complete rupture, presenting as discontinued fibers with hypoechoic hemorrhage and hyperechoic fat tissue between ends; 1 had plantar tendon rupture and periapical hemorrhage; and 1 had acute Achilles tendonitis. The postoperative tendon thickness decreased over time, echo turned homogeneous, blood flow and adhesions decreased, and these results were consistent with clinical symptoms. Patient condition and ultrasound recovery were better in the rehabilitation group, and the diameter of the injured tendon increased compared with the uninjured side.

CONCLUSIONS: HFCDU can determine the types and extent of tendon injuries, and can help in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injury.

Keywords: Diagnosis, Rehabilitation, Ultrasonography, Doppler