Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
02:15
Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
477
Persistent Deficits after an Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Narrative Review
Rikke Hoeffner1,2,3, Rene B Svensson1,2, Nicolai Bjerregaard1
1Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Translational Sports Medicine
|April 24, 2024
Summary
Achilles tendon rupture often leads to lasting muscle weakness and tendon elongation, with full recovery taking over a year. Restoring normal tendon length may improve outcomes after this common sports injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Acute Achilles tendon rupture frequently results in persistent muscle weakness, tendon elongation, and incomplete functional recovery.
- Current literature lacks robust evidence-based guidelines for optimal rehabilitation following Achilles tendon rupture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the impact of Achilles tendon rupture on muscle, tendon, and function.
- To evaluate recovery extent using measures like the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), muscle strength, cross-sectional area, tendon length, and heel-rise tests.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on Achilles tendon rupture outcomes.
- Analysis of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), including ATRS scores at different time points post-injury.
- Assessment of biomechanical parameters such as muscle strength, cross-sectional area, tendon length, and heel-rise performance.
Main Results:
- Patient-reported outcomes suggest recovery extends beyond six months, with ATRS scores plateauing around 82 out of 100 one year post-injury.
- Muscle mass, strength, and function deficits can be permanent in some cases.
- Tendon elongation during the first six months post-injury is negatively correlated with heel-rise function.
Conclusions:
- Achilles tendon rupture recovery is prolonged and often incomplete, with potential for permanent functional deficits.
- Tendon elongation is a significant factor negatively impacting functional recovery.
- Further research is warranted, particularly focusing on interventions to restore normal tendon length to improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:02Long-patch Base Excision Repair
Since the discovery of the two BER pathways, there has been a debate about how a cell chooses one pathway over the other and the factors determining this selection. Numerous in vitro experiments have pointed out multiple determinants for the sub-pathway selection. These are:
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:20Microcracking in Concrete
Microcracking in concrete refers to the tiny cracks that can form within the material even before any external load is applied. These microcracks typically occur at the interface between the coarse aggregate and the hydrated cement paste, often as a result of differential volume changes prompted by variations in stress-strain behavior, as well as thermal and moisture movement. Initially, these microcracks remain stable and do not grow substantially until the concrete is stressed to about 30...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
01:24Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...