[Genesis and treatment of Achilles tendon rupture (author's transl)]

Recent experimental studies on the Achilles tendon show that a rupture of the tendon can be caused by trauma. This statement is supported by the results of special examinations on intraoperatively excised tendon tissue. In the treatment of the rupture, the choice of surgical technique depends on the age of the rupture at the time of surgery. Ruptures less than 5 days old are sutured end to end with absorbable sutures whereas older ruptures frequently require a tendinoplasty. Finally we are developing an etiopathological interpretation of Achilles injury. From this it may be concluded that this was perhaps the first traumatic rupture of Achilles tendon to be described in the literature.