Achilles Tendon Research Paper
The Achilles Tendon is one of the largest tendons in the body. The scientific name for the Achilles Tendon is Calcaneal Tendon which adheres to the calf muscle and heel bone which allows for active range of motion (AROM) which consist of running, jumping and walking. The outer layer of the Achilles tendon is the paratenon layer then tertiary fibre bundle which holds the primary fibre bundle,collagen fiber and collagen fibril. Ropes have the same structural base as the Achilles tendon, when you pull on one side of the rope in tug of war just like when the calf muscle contracts the Achilles tendon tightens. If the fibers of the Achilles get stretched too far the fibers separate causing a gap.
The definition of a Achilles tendon rupture is
a tearing or separation of tendon fibers. Which cause the tendon to no longer perform its normal daily life functions. There are different degrees and grades of ruptures of the tendon. There are four grades of the achilles tendon rupture. Grade one where the tendon partial rupture, just like a hairline fracture. The second grade is when the tendon completely ruptures with a tendinous gap usually can be fixed with end-end anastomosis. End-end anastomosis is a surgical or traumatic or pathologic formation of a connection between two normally distinct structures like a vein and a artery. Grade three is a complete rupture with tendinous gap of 3 to 6 cm, grade four is a complete rupture with tendinous gap just like grade three but the gap is greater the 6 cm. A grade four rupture is usually cured with tendon/synthetic graft and gastrocnemius recession. Special test for a Achilles tendon rupture includes palpating the Achilles tendon to see if there is a gap between the fibers of the tendons. The doctor also might check for contusions or tenderness along the calf muscle. The doctor might have you lay prone on a table with your ankle hanging off then the doctor will squeeze the calf muscle to see if the foot extends, if the foot does not extend when pressure is applied to the calf muscle that usually means you have rupture your tendon. Surgery is highly recommend if you are a serious athlete or a young person who wants to come back stronger to their regular activity. If the injury occurs again most people lean towards a nonsurgical treatment which involves wearing a plaster boot in the plantar flexion position, toes and foot pointed down for up to 4 week. Maybe after four weeks the cast will be altered to less plantar flexion. Usually after 8 weeks of wearing the cast the achilles tendon will be healed.
The definition of a Achilles tendon rupture is
a tearing or separation of tendon fibers. Which cause the tendon to no longer perform its normal daily life functions. There are different degrees and grades of ruptures of the tendon. There are four grades of the achilles tendon rupture. Grade one where the tendon partial rupture, just like a hairline fracture. The second grade is when the tendon completely ruptures with a tendinous gap usually can be fixed with end-end anastomosis. End-end anastomosis is a surgical or traumatic or pathologic formation of a connection between two normally distinct structures like a vein and a artery. Grade three is a complete rupture with tendinous gap of 3 to 6 cm, grade four is a complete rupture with tendinous gap just like grade three but the gap is greater the 6 cm. A grade four rupture is usually cured with tendon/synthetic graft and gastrocnemius recession. Special test for a Achilles tendon rupture includes palpating the Achilles tendon to see if there is a gap between the fibers of the tendons. The doctor also might check for contusions or tenderness along the calf muscle. The doctor might have you lay prone on a table with your ankle hanging off then the doctor will squeeze the calf muscle to see if the foot extends, if the foot does not extend when pressure is applied to the calf muscle that usually means you have rupture your tendon. Surgery is highly recommend if you are a serious athlete or a young person who wants to come back stronger to their regular activity. If the injury occurs again most people lean towards a nonsurgical treatment which involves wearing a plaster boot in the plantar flexion position, toes and foot pointed down for up to 4 week. Maybe after four weeks the cast will be altered to less plantar flexion. Usually after 8 weeks of wearing the cast the achilles tendon will be healed.