title: Achilles tendon injuries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to review the current literature of Achilles tendon injuries, specifically chronic tendinopathy and acute ruptures in regard to etiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of Achilles tendon injuries is increasing, but the necessity for surgical intervention is decreasing due to improved conservative therapies, which may provide comparable outcomes without the implied surgical risk. If surgery is undertaken, no difference has been noted between open and minimally invasive techniques. The majority of patients are able to return to pre-injury level of activity, with the elite athlete as an unfortunate exception. Achilles injuries can be devastating injuries, but if addressed early and appropriately, most patients have good self-reported long-term outcomes regardless of the treatment modality implemented. Further research is needed into the etiology, potential preventative measures, and longer-term outcomes of the different treatment options for wide range of Achilles pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 2049 E 100th St, Desk A40, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. eggera@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Anthony C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Egger
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 2049 E 100th St, Desk A40, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Berkowitz
keywords: Acute Achilles rupture; Chronic Achilles tendinopathy