Methods

Twenty seven patients with twenty-eight acute complete TA ruptures confirmed on ultrasound were recruited within a week of injury. The mean age at presentation was 42 years (range 23-80 years). Ultrasound measurements included location of the rupture and the gap distance between the superficial tendon edges with the ankle in neutral and knee extended. The gap distance was sequentially measured with the foot in maximum equinus and 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion.