BACKGROUND Precise long-term assessment of movement and physical function following Achilles tendon rupture is required for the development and evaluation of treatment, including different regimens of physical therapy. PURPOSE To assess intermediate-term (<10 years by conventional thinking) objective measures of physical function following Achilles tendon rupture treated nonsurgically and to ...

The true frequency of acute Achilles tendon rupture is unknown but historically it was regarded as a rare injury comprising less than 0.2% of the general population (Cetti et al., 1993; Nillius et al., 1976). However, in the past decade the incidence of Achilles tendon rupture has increased (Maffuli et al., 1999). At the present time, Achilles tendon ruptures are the most common tendon rupture ...

A 65-year-old male presented with a slowly-growing mass over the right heel region in previous 6 months. No pain, disability or limited range of motion was reported as compared with usual daily activities. He has history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus for 20 years. Diabetic neuropathy resulted in progressive decline in his sensory and motor function of lower extremities in recent 6 ...

BACKGROUND Achilles tendon structure deteriorates 2-days after maximal loading in elite athletes. The load-response behaviour of tendons may be altered in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as hyperglycaemia accelerates collagen cross-linking. This study compared Achilles tendon load-response in participants with T1DM and controls. METHODS Achilles tendon structure was quantified at day-0, day-2...

Tendon properties have an important effect on the mechanical behaviour of muscles, with compliant tendons allowing near-isometric muscle contraction and facilitating elastic energy storage and recoil. Stiff tendons, in contrast, facilitate rapid force transfer and precise positional control. In humans, the long Achilles tendon contributes to the mechanical efficiency of running via elastic ener...

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between tendon micro-morphology quantified from a sonogram and tendon mechanical characteristics measured in vivo. Nineteen adults (nine with unilateral Achilles tendinosis) participated. A commercial ultrasound scanner was used to capture longitudinal B-mode ultrasound images from the mid-portion of bilateral Achilles tendons and a cust...

BACKGROUND Ankle foot orthoses are used for postoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures and decrease calf muscle electromyography activity during walking. HYPOTHESIS Achilles tendon load decreases with increased restriction of dorsiflexion and is associated with decreased triceps surae activity. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS In 8 subjects, the maximum force and...

BACKGROUND Blood platelets release a cocktail of growth factors when activated, some of which are thought to initiate and stimulate repair. EXPERIMENT AND FINDINGS We studied whether a platelet concentrate injection would improve Achilles tendon repair in an established rat model. The Achilles tendon was transected and a 3 mm segment removed. After 6 h, a platelet concentrate was injected per...

PURPOSE Tendons are specialized musculoskeletal structures responsible for transferring forces between muscles and bones. To maintain joint mechanics and structural integrity, tendons must adapt to changes in mechanical loading, but little is known about the interaction between muscle and tendon adaptations in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that tendons adapt to changes in muscle strength to ma...

BACKGROUND Rupture of the Achilles tendon often leads to long-term morbidity, particularly calf weakness associated with tendon elongation. Operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures leads to reduced tendon elongation. Tendon lengthening is a key problem in the restoration of function following Achilles tendon rupture. A study was performed to determine differences in initial separation, stre...