Management of partial tears of the gastro-soleus complex

Although Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body, it is one of the most commonly injured tendons. Most Achilles ruptures are associated with sports activity. Up to one-fourth of all Achilles tendon pathologies are partial ruptures. Increased recognizability of partial rupture of Achilles tendon is connected with the development of ultrasound and MRI techniques. Partial ruptures of Achilles tendon are a clinical demonstration of asymmetric loading of Achilles tendon caused by its special anatomic structure. To describe those partial injuries, the author created histologic and anatomic classification. In this article detailed treatment options has been proposed.