Achilles tendon rupture: discussion and updates

Abstract

Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury, especially in athletes and active individuals, that presents significant challenges in treatment and recovery. This article reviews current approaches, controversies, and recent advances in managing this condition. The ongoing debate between surgical and conservative treatment highlights the need for a personalized therapeutic choice, considering the nature of the injury and the patient’s profile. While surgery traditionally offers lower re-rupture rates, advances in minimally invasive techniques and accelerated rehabilitation have demonstrated similar efficacy with fewer complications. Innovations such as biological therapies, extracellular matrix grafts, and functional immobilization devices are changing the treatment scenery, although their effectiveness is still under evaluation. In addition, tissue engineering, cell therapies, and remote monitoring research open new possibilities for improving healing and rehabilitation. Prospects include an increasingly personalized and technological approach with the potential to optimize outcomes and reduce re-rupture rates. Level of evidence V; Expert opinion.