Achilles tendon rupture

• Age >60 years
• Known renal impairment or nephrotoxic medications

• Early recognition of injury through Simmonds triad examination.
• USS can help delineate the injury in clinically difficult cases but is not required in complete ruptures.
• If unsure of severity of injury an USS should be requested prior to TTC.
• After USS patients should represent to ED for MIA appointment for results +/- TTC referral.
• Delegate observations, sharps box collection and weighing of the patient to CSW if available (Discuss with NIC).
• Early plaster technician referral for application of weight bearing aircast boot, (only use an equinus POP casts if the patient is unable to fit into a boot).

• Aircast boot plus wedges
• Weight bearing crutches
• Due to increased risk of DVT please complete Thromboembolism risk assessment, found on below and on Trak
• Please do not send the patient to physiotherapy

Intranet links to:

• Lower limb immobilization VTE risk assessment
• Dalteparin prescribing guidance for lower limb immobilization
• Achilles tendon tear PIL
• Orthopaedic referral pathway poster