Diagnostics

In order to detect or correctly diagnose a torn tendon, a detailed anamnesis interview is essential. Here, the affected persons themselves can give important information about a torn tendon through a detailed description of the possible course of the accident. It is the task of the doctor treating the patient to find out about the occurrence of typical symptoms and to examine them.

The intensity of the pain can be inquired, and the painfulness can be controlled by palpation of the affected tendon. At this point, the doctor can determine a possible dent or retraction in addition to the pain caused by pressure. If a patient reports a loud noise followed by severe pain and swelling of the particular tendon region, a torn tendon is very likely.

To confirm the diagnosis of a torn tendon, it is helpful to check the functionality of the tendon in an examination to estimate the resulting movement restriction. There are certain functional tests for this purpose, depending on which tendon of the body is affected. These tests are carried out to check for movement restrictions, instabilities and abnormal mobility.

In addition to anamnesis and examination, imaging procedures are also relevant for the diagnosis of a torn tendon. These include X-rays, ultrasound and, if necessary, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The use of the 3 imaging procedures varies according to localization or severity.

If there is a large tendon tear, which can already be relatively reliably diagnosed by inspection, the ultrasound examination helps to visualize the tendon structure and the tear. If there is a suspicion that the bone is broken in addition to the tendon tear, i.e. a tear fracture, an X-ray image in 2 planes can provide information about it, since the bony structures can be well depicted in an X-ray image. Finally, an MRI can be prescribed if necessary. With the help of the MRI, even the smallest structural changes in different sectional planes can be detected, making this imaging technique superior to X-rays and ultrasound in complicated cases. However, X-ray and ultrasound examinations are standard for the time being.