Achilles tendon rupture

NewsBot · Jul 25, 2026

Clinical Outcome of Isolated Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures of Demanding Patients
António Serrano et al
Foot Ankle Spec. 2026 Jul 25:19386400261465108.

Background: Chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon, including neglected primary lesions and re-ruptures, remains a demanding clinical condition, particularly in active individuals. Endoscopic-assisted procedures with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer have gained increasing popularity. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of isolated endoscopic-assisted flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in patients with high functional demands over an 11-year period.

Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients (29 males, 6 females; mean age 48.3 ± 11.6 years) who underwent isolated endoscopic-assisted flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for treatment of chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon between 2014 and 2024. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score, the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, and the single-leg heel-rise test. The mean follow-up was 20.0 ± 11.3 months. Rates of return to sports, running and work were evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre and postoperative scores. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association between functional outcomes and both patient age and time from injury to surgery.

Results: Significant improvement was observed in functional scores: the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from a median of 49 to 97, and the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score from 18 to 95 (both P < .001). The heel-rise test was completed by 97.1% of patients. All previously active patients returned to sport, and 96.9% resumed work. Weak, nonsignificant negative correlations were observed between functional outcomes and both age and time to surgery. Three postoperative complications (8.6%) were observed.

Conclusions: Endoscopic-assisted flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer is an effective treatment option for chronic Achilles tendon ruptures in demanding patients. It provides excellent functional outcomes, a high rate of return to previous activity levels, and a low rate of complications.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Jul 26, 2026

Analysis of Patient Factors That Predict Early
Restoration of Neutral Dorsiflexion After
Achilles Tendon Rupture
W. Chad Elliott,et al
Source

Background: Achilles Tendon Rupture (ATR) is a common musculoskeletal injury with an increasing incidence in the
United States. Early functional rehabilitation is a key component of improving patient outcomes, and restoration of
range of motion is a common threshold for progression to strengthening. Neutral ankle dorsiflexion represents an
important early milestone in ATR recovery. This study aimed to assess which patient factors were associated with
achieving this early rehabilitation milestone.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 70 patients who sustained ATR and were treated at an academic
center. Demographics, baseline characteristics, and common ATR risk factors were collected. The primary outcome
was whether patients achieved neutral ankle dorsiflexion at the six-week follow-up visit. Univariate analysis was
conducted to assess associations between risk factors, and multivariate analysis was subsequently performed for
variables of interest.
Results: There were 70 patients, with a mean age of 41.87 years ± 13.8 years; 56 were male (80%) and 14 were female
(20%). In univariate logistic regression, only operative management demonstrated a statistically significant association
with achieving the six-week clinical milestone of neutral dorsiflexion (Odds Ratio [OR]: 5.48, 95% Confidence Interval
[CI]: 1.51 – 22.01, P < 0.01). This association persisted after controlling for age, sex, and hypertensive status (OR: 5.48, 95%
CI: 1.66 – 19.9, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Operative treatment of acute ATR was independently associated with earlier recovery of ankle dorsiflexion.
Achievement of early dorsiflexion was largely independent of most baseline patient characteristics. For patients who
prioritize early rehabilitation progression, operative management may offer a meaningful short-term advantage.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Jul 27, 2026

Criteria for Return to Running After Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study
Maxime Gaspar, Nicola Maffulli, Geoffrey Memain, Michael R. Carmont, Alexandre Hardy & Choplin Arnaud
Sports Medicine

Background
The annual incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures has increased by almost 3%. Despite the large amount of data available on post-injury treatment, there is a lack of evidence-based criteria to guide return to running after surgery.

Objective
The aim of this study was to reach a consensus among experts on the criteria for resuming running following surgery for Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods
Thirty-five international Achilles tendon experts were invited to participate in this modified Delphi study. The study was conducted in three rounds, with a threshold of 75% agreement (or disagreement) required for an item to achieve consensus. Sixteen clinical criteria were submitted to the expert panel. A five-point Likert scale was used. The study was conducted between January and June 2025.

Results
Eight criteria achieved consensus after three rounds: seven criteria reached consensus for inclusion, and one criterion reached consensus for exclusion (calf circumference symmetry). The seven criteria were (1) the absence of pain in daily life; (2) the absence of pain during and after rehabilitation sessions; (3) walking without limping; (4) the ability to walk on tiptoes; (5) the ability to perform ten single-leg heel rises; (6) good single-leg balance; and (7) the patient feeling psychologically ready to resume running.

Conclusion
An expert consensus on the criteria to return to running after surgery for Achilles tendon rupture has been developed. These criteria, agreed by experts, may inform clinical decision making regarding return to running, but they require prospective validation before they can be used as decision rules. Further studies are needed to refine these criteria and evaluate their impact on functional outcomes during the return-to-running phase.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 2, 2026 at 9:26 PM

Ten-year follow-up of functional and biomechanical outcomes after open double-Tajima repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture in non-competitive adults
Ahmet Aybar , Kemal Gökkuş, Abdullah Şükün, Canan Gönen Aydın, Erdem Özden, Celal Bozkurt
Jt Dis Relat Surg. 2026 Jul 13;37(3):756-767.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and objective biomechanical outcomes at a minimum 10-year follow-up following open double-Tajima repair combined with a structured functional loading protocol.

Patients and methods: Between January 2011 and December 2014, a total of 47 consecutive non-competitive adults (Tegner Activity Scale ≤ 4) with acute unilateral Achilles tendon rupture treated with open double-Tajima repair and an eight-week functional loading protocol were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Secondary outcomes included isokinetic dynamometry (peak torque at 30°/s and total work at 120°/s for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion), joint position sense, and ankle/calf circumference. Between-limb comparisons were performed.

Results: Of the patients, 35 were male and 12 were female with a mean age at the time of surgery of 36.7 ± 6.6 (range, 22 to 55) years. The mean follow-up was 132.4 ± 13.5 (range, 120 to 168) months. The rupture involved the dominant limb in 29 patients (61.7%) and the non-dominant limb in 18 patients (38.3%). The primary outcome (AOFAS score) showed no statistically significant between-limb difference: the median score was 91.0 (IQR, 91.0 to 93.0) on the operated limb versus 93.0 (IQR, 91.0 to 93.0) on the contralateral limb (median difference: 0.00 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.00 to 1.00; p = 0.92). No statistically significant between-limb differences were detected across the secondary outcomes, including peak torque at 30°/s, total work at 120°/s, joint position sense, and ankle/calf circumference (p ≥ 0.09 for all). The complication rate was 4.3% (2/47): one partial rerupture managed conservatively and one superficial wound infection treated with oral antibiotics. No complete reruptures were observed.

Conclusion: Open double-Tajima repair combined with a structured functional loading protocol seems to be associated with clinically acceptable long-term outcomes in this cohort of non-competitive adults. However, given the retrospective, single-cohort design without an independent comparison group or formal equivalence framework, these findings should be interpreted as descriptive long-term observations.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 2, 2026 at 9:28 PM

Epidemiology of Achilles tendon ruptures in the United States: 2019 to 2024
Orett C. Burke Jr. et al
Source

Background

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in the human body; however, the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) continues to rise. This study aimed to update the epidemiology of ATRs in the United States from 2019 to 2024, with emphasis on demographic patterns and mechanisms of injury.
Methods

Patients presenting to the emergency department with ATRs from 2019 to 2024 were identified using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Demographic variables including age, sex, and race were extracted, and national incidence estimates were calculated. Injury mechanisms were analyzed overall and in subgroup analyses stratified by demographic characteristics.
Results

An estimated 31,549 ATRs occurred in the United States during the study period, with significant variation over time (p < 0.001). Males accounted for 86.31% of all ruptures (p < 0.001). The highest incidence occurred in the 20–39-year age group for both males and females, with incidence rates of 6.10 (95% CI, 6.01–6.19) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86–0.93) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. White (38.21%) and Black (29.28%) individuals comprised the largest proportion of reported cases. Basketball was the most common sport leading to ATRs for men, ages <60 years, and most races included in this study.
Conclusion

Young male patients (20 to 39-years-old) who participate in recreational sports continue to be at the highest risk for ATRs. Basketball was associated with most of the ATRs for males and individuals between ages <60 years, while ball sports/other (ie, pickleball, etc.) was popular among individuals 60+ years and females. The results of this study emphasize the need for raising awareness among high-risk individuals to promote injury prevention
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 2, 2026 at 9:37 PM

Short-Term Workload Patterns Before Achilles Tendon Rupture in National Basketball Association Players: A Descriptive Epidemiology Study
Vineet Kumar et al
Source

Background:
Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is one of the most serious injuries in professional basketball, requiring nearly a year of recovery and resulting in declines in player performance and career longevity. In the 2024-2025 NBA season, a record-high 7 ATRs highlighted the need to evaluate workload-related risk factors.
Hypothesis:
NBA players experiencing ATR may have a higher-than-average workload in games preceding injury, which could be associated with increased risk.
Study Design:
Descriptive epidemiology study.
Methods:
This retrospective exploratory review analyzed publicly available NBA data from the 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 seasons. Inclusion required players to have sustained a basketball-related ATR during a regular season or playoff game after participating in at least 1 full game that season. Variables included age, position, specialization, meters run, minutes played (5-, 10-, 15-game spans before ATR), games played, and scheduling metrics (back-to-backs, rest days). Data sources included official NBA statistics, StatMuse, and ESPN. Statistical analyses included paired and unpaired t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and Spearman correlations.
Results:
Nineteen players (19 ATRs; mean age, 27.8 ± 3.2 years; mean league experience: 7.4 ± 3.2 years) sustained basketball-related ATRs. Playing time was significantly higher in the 10 games (29.0 ± 2.1 vs 27.4 ± 2.0 min/game; P = .01) and 15 games (28.6 ± 2.1 vs 27.4 ± 2.0 min/game; P = .03) preceding injury compared with each player’s season average. Years of league experience were positively correlated with workload measures, including total season minutes (P = .02) and minutes in the 5 games preceding rupture (P = .0498), such that veteran players generally accumulated higher workload, whereas ATRs among less-experienced players occurred in the setting of comparatively lower observed workload.
Conclusion:
Significant workload spikes were found in the 10 to 15 games preceding Achilles ruptures for NBA players. Veteran players carried heavier cumulative workloads, whereas younger players ruptured tendons under lighter use. Proactive workload management, athlete education, and targeted prevention strategies may help preserve player health and career longevity in the NBA.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 2, 2026 at 9:39 PM

Criteria for Return to Running After Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study
Maxime Gaspar, Nicola Maffulli, Geoffrey Memain, Michael R. Carmont, Alexandre Hardy & Choplin Arnaud
Sports Medicine

Background

The annual incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures has increased by almost 3%. Despite the large amount of data available on post-injury treatment, there is a lack of evidence-based criteria to guide return to running after surgery.
Objective

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus among experts on the criteria for resuming running following surgery for Achilles tendon rupture.
Methods

Thirty-five international Achilles tendon experts were invited to participate in this modified Delphi study. The study was conducted in three rounds, with a threshold of 75% agreement (or disagreement) required for an item to achieve consensus. Sixteen clinical criteria were submitted to the expert panel. A five-point Likert scale was used. The study was conducted between January and June 2025.
Results

Eight criteria achieved consensus after three rounds: seven criteria reached consensus for inclusion, and one criterion reached consensus for exclusion (calf circumference symmetry). The seven criteria were (1) the absence of pain in daily life; (2) the absence of pain during and after rehabilitation sessions; (3) walking without limping; (4) the ability to walk on tiptoes; (5) the ability to perform ten single-leg heel rises; (6) good single-leg balance; and (7) the patient feeling psychologically ready to resume running.
Conclusion

An expert consensus on the criteria to return to running after surgery for Achilles tendon rupture has been developed. These criteria, agreed by experts, may inform clinical decision making regarding return to running, but they require prospective validation before they can be used as decision rules. Further studies are needed to refine these criteria and evaluate their impact on functional outcomes during the return-to-running phase.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 4, 2026 at 10:22 PM

MRI-based classification system may predict location of Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendon rupture

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Depression folowing surgery for an achilles tendon rupture

Are bacteria involved in achilles tendon ruptures?

Past ruptured achilles tendon

Achilles Tendon rupture and Plantar Fasciitis

Achilles Tendonitis Relief From Heel Lifts

Relief and Recovery: How Atlas Biomechanics Cork Heel Lifts Treat Achilles Tendonitis

Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury

Share This Page

Achilles tendon rupture

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Depression folowing surgery for an achilles tendon rupture

Are bacteria involved in achilles tendon ruptures?

Past ruptured achilles tendon

Achilles Tendon rupture and Plantar Fasciitis

Achilles Tendonitis Relief From Heel Lifts

Relief and Recovery: How Atlas Biomechanics Cork Heel Lifts Treat Achilles Tendonitis

Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury

Share This Page

Useful Searches