30Achilles Tendon Injuries in Athletes
Sports Medicine (1994) · M Kvist
This review analyzes the causes, pathology, and treatment outcomes of Achilles tendon injuries in competitive and recreational athletes. Overuse and repetitive stress are primary contributors to both partial and complete ruptures. The study highlights that chronic overloading of the tendon leads to degeneration, including poor-quality tissue remodeling and vascular changes. Notably, athletes with a history of repetitive mechanical stress exhibited a proliferation of immature connective tissue and impaired healing capacity. These findings support the idea that excess mechanical loading during the healing cycle can be harmful and contribute to chronic injury.
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38Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture (PATH-2 Trial)
BMJ (2019) · Keene DJ, Alsousou J, Harrison P, et al.
This multicenter, double-blind randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of PRP injections in 230 adults with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Participants received either a PRP injection or a placebo (dry needle) alongside standard rehabilitation. At 24 weeks, there were no significant differences between the groups in muscle-tendon function, patient-reported outcomes, or quality of life. The study concluded that PRP injections did not provide additional benefits over placebo in the recovery from acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
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