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. 2013 Dec;6(4):285-93.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-013-9185-8.

Achilles tendon ruptures

David Pedowitz  1 , Greg Kirwan
Affiliations

Achilles tendon ruptures

David Pedowitz et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

The incidence of acute Achilles tendon ruptures is on the rise. This is thought to be due to the increasing number of middle-aged persons participating in athletic and/or strenuous activity. Ruptures of the Achilles tendon can be severely debilitating, with deficits seen years after the initial incident. Also, these injuries can have substantial socioeconomic impacts regardless of the treatment selected. Debate continues over the optimal treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures, especially the argument whether to treat patients nonoperatively or surgically. Newer evidence shows that functional rehabilitation, including early weight-bearing, should be an integral part of successful treatment of acute Achilles ruptures. Further research is needed to further investigate the ideal treatment and rehabilitation protocols.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Intraoperative photograph of traditional open repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intraoperative photograph utilizing percutaneous technique with the Achillon device (Integra, Plainsboro, NJ)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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