Percutaneous repair of acute achilles tendon ruptures

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in the human body, but despite its strength, is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body. Ruptures usually occur between 2 and 6 cm of its insertion into the superior surface of the calcaneus, a relatively hypovascular area.8,17 The major blood supply to tendons is from the mesotendon, and the largest supply is from the anterior mesentery.2 The tendon is at the greatest risk of rupture when the it is obliquely loaded, the muscle is contracting maximally, and tendon length is short.5 This usually occurs as a result of pushing off with the foot against resistance, and occurs most frequently in males in their fourth decade. © 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited.