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Achilles Tendon Tear MRI and Abnormal X-ray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the images presented above, the lateral x-ray of the ankle demonstrates attenuation in Kager’s fat pad with poor definition of the posterior border of Kager’s fat pad which correlates to the Achilles tendon (arrows). In these images, there is also poor definition of the fat stripe around the attenuation that is typically seen in the region of the Achilles tendon (arrows). This is a sign on the x-ray that underlying Achilles tendon pathology is likely. The MRI which followed then clearly demonstrates an Achilles tendon tear.

This case demonstrates the importance of closely evaluating and commenting on soft tissues on x-ray. In this case, the soft tissue abnormality is not seen by the referring clinician but seen and reported by the radiologist. This allowed the patient to get the MRI performed in a timely fashion and then appropriately treated by a specialist.