Return to Play After Achilles Tendon Rupture Introduction Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures are seen in both the weekend warrior and professional athlete.
Return to Play After Achilles Tendon Rupture Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures are seen in both the weekend warrior and professional athlete. The prevalence in the general population is 8-18 per 100,000 people. The incidence of new cases is highest in patients aged 40 or greater.
The Achilles tendon is compromised of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle and the solues muscle. The AT is surrounded by the partenon, which is a sheath of connective tissue and tenocytes. The AT inserts on the posterior calcaneal tuberosity where it aids in plantarflexion.
Anatomy of the Achilles Tendon Treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture can be surgical or non-surgical. Most high level athletes will choose surgical repair of the Achilles tendon, but there is no clear consensus (3,7). Previous data has shown that there is a rate of return to sports in elite athletes of 80% after rupture.
However, in a study looking at return to play in NFL athletes, they only had a 61% to 73% rate of play following an AT rupture. This lower rate of return to play has also been identified in NBA players. Among NFL, NBA, and MLB players following an AT rupture, they all had reduced playing time one and two years after the rupture.
The challenge when looking at return to play rates is that many studies do not have the same criteria for what is deemed a successful return to play. For example, some studies look at a return to unrestricted practice as a return to play, while some studies look at whether that athlete can return to the same professional level of play they were at prior to an injury. Historically, surgically treated AT ruptures were found to have superior jump and muscular endurance compared to their nonsurgically treated counterparts.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to return to play following achilles tendon rupture, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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