An important new literature review of achilles tendon rupture treatment found that surgical versus nonsurgical treatment produced essentially similar outcomes. The injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) at the injury site was not found to have any clear benefits. The lead author of this latest report was Dr. Anish Kadakia, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine in the US.
Some of the other interesting findings:
Recent research has found that there is no difference in re-rupture rates between functional rehabilitation versus minimally invasive surgical repair of achilles tendon ruptures.
In the long term, patients undergoing functional rehabilitation saw similar outcomes in comparison to those opting for surgical treatment when it comes to ankle range of motion; strength; calf circumference; or functional outcome scores.
However, patients undergoing surgery did have a small but statistically significant increase in plantar flexion strength at one and two years after surgical repair. This would make surgery potentially advantageous for high-performance athletes.
I have no idea what to say anymore when it comes to the national football league (NFL) and achilles tendon ruptures this season.
Last week, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (age 28) ruptured his right achilles tendon last, while the San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker NaVorro Bowman (age 28) ruptured his left achilles tendon.
The unlucky Mr. Weatherspoon already ruptured his left achilles tendon in 2014 and missed the whole season.
The number of achilles tendon ruptures in the NFL is sure to reach a new high this year. It already hit a new high last year. I wonder if something in our diet in general is causing such a problem?
Earlier in the season, San Diego Chargers’ running back Branden Oliver (age 25) and tight end Jeff Cumberland (age 29) both also ruptured their achilles tendons.