Tendon Ruptures May Require Both Medical Treatment and Legal Action

A tendon rupture occurs when the tendon, the tissue that connects the muscle to the bone, breaks. A tendon rupture can happen to any tendon in the body but most often happens to the Achilles tendon in the heel of the foot, the quadriceps tendon above the knee, the rotator cuff in the shoulder or the biceps tendon near the elbow. Patients who experience significant pain, the inability to bear weight, swelling or bruising in these areas should seek immediate medical attention. Patients who are taking Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Levaquin are at an increased risk for developing this painful condition.

How is a Tendon Rupture Diagnosed?

When a patient presents with pain, swelling or bruising at the site of a tendon, a physician should ask the patient if he or she is taking Levaquin, or a similar drug, and inquire about the patient’s medical history. After that, a physical examination will occur. The doctor will want to know if the patient can bear weight on the affected area. If it is difficult to tell if a tendon has ruptured from a physical exam, the doctor may order additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an MRI.

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What are the Treatment Options for a Tendon Rupture?

You can begin to treat a tendon rupture even before you seek medical attention by resting the area, applying ice to the affected area, compressing the area with a bandage to reduce swelling and, elevating the affected area.

While these home remedies may help minimize immediate pain, further medical treatments are often necessary. The most popular treatments include casting and surgery. The affected area of the body may be placed in cast to keep the tendon immobile and allow it to repair itself. More significant tears, especially in younger people who are more greatly affected by a lifetime of decreased mobility, may need surgery. After surgery, a cast and physical therapy are necessary.

What is the Prognosis for a Tendon Rupture Patient?

A patient’s prognosis after a tendon rupture depends on how severe the tendon rupture was and how it was treated. Surgical repair followed by casting and physical therapy tend to produce the best results for significant tears and ruptures. However, permanent disability is always a concern when a tendon ruptures and patients may never regain full use of that area of the body.

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For these reasons, it is important to speak with your doctor about the potential side effects of Fluoroquinolone antibiotics before beginning treatment. If you do experience a tendon rupture during or after Levaquin use then you should seek immediate medical attention and a prompt legal consultation.

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