Alex Trebek’s leg in “Jeopardy!”?

What is “he tore his Achilles tendon chasing a burglar?”

That question would be correct if the answer was: The reason Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek was walking with crutches. The 71-year old Canadian was a host of the National Geographic World Championship at Google’s California headquarters yesterday. Earlier that morning, he injured his leg while chasing a burglar down the hallway of his San Francisco hotel. According to Trabek:

“My Achilles tendon ruptured and I then fell on carpet, bruising the other leg in process. Surgery on Friday.”

A 56- year old woman, Lucinda Moyers, has been booked on felony burglary and possession of stolen property charges. Allegedly, she took cash and a bracelet Trebek’s mother had given him.

In homage to Mr. Trebek, I’m writing the rest of this blog in “Jeopardy! style”. Play along with me… and Remember- Your answer must be in the form of a question.

Alex, I’ll take Epic Body Parts for 100.

• A: The strongest and thickest tendon in the human body.
• Q: What is the Achilles tendon (AT)?

• A: It runs from along the back of the calf connecting the large calf muscle (gastrocnemius) with the heel.
• Q: Where is the Achilles tendon located?

• A: It helps to raise the heel off the ground.
• Q: How does the Achilles tendon help you walk?

OK, Alex, let’s switch to It’s “A’Killin’ Me for 200.
Note that it has a visual clue. Can I call your attention to the monitor?

• A: The injury shown in the picture.
• Q: What is a torn Achilles tendon?

• A: Snap, crackle, pop
• Q: What is the sound an Achilles tendon makes when it ruptures?

• A: Feeling like you’ve been kicked in the heel and being unable to walk.
• Q: What are the symptoms of an AT rupture?

• A: Basketball, tennis, and other ball sports
• Q: What are over 75% of AT ruptures associatied with?

It’s time for Final Jeopardy!- Today’s topic is: Doctor, Doctor, Give me the News

• A: Decreased risk of re-rupture, improved muscle function and movement of the ankle.

AND, the Final Jeopardy! question is: What are some advantages of surgical over non-surgical treatment of a torn AT?

Hope you’ve enjoyed this session of Jeopardy. If you want more information about Achilles Tendon Ruptures, click here to go to the Resounding Health Casebook on the topic.