A 53 year old male seen direct access for physical therapy after an acute trauma to his left lower leg when running. No x rays or imaging was performed and patient noted swelling and difficulty with gait and activities of daily living. No bruising was present on the affected lower extremity.
Ultrasound images were obtained and and ankle effusion was seen as well as a muscle tear in the medial head of gastrocnemius. No apparent defect in the Achilles tendon was noted. Strain of ATFL noted hypoechoic swelling and loss of fibrillar pattern of the ligament noted. Cortical irregularity of the lateral fibula was noted and the patient was referred for subsequent x rays which were normal.
With this scan we see a partial thickness gastrocnemius tear, a talocrural joint effusion, as well as a strain of the fibers of the ATFL ligament. The Achilles tendon is intact and shows normal size and echotexture.
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Registered in Musculoskeletal Sonography, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified in Vestibular Assessment and Management, and Founder of Mobile Therapy Services
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