Achilles Tendon Rupture in Elite Athletes.

The management of acute Achilles tendon rupture in elite athletes is a current area of clinical controversy. Recent studies have reported near-equivocal outcomes in patients who undergo either nonsurgical or surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture; however, similar functional outcomes may not be observed in elite athletes who are at the highest levels of athletic performance and undergo nonsurgical or surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. Surgeons should understand the risks and benefits of nonsurgical and surgical management of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Surgeons also should understand the accelerated rehabilitation protocols; functional nonsurgical and postoperative rehabilitation protocols; as well as the standard open, percutaneous, and minimally invasive surgical techniques for the management of Achilles tendon rupture from the perspective of a sports medicine foot and ankle specialist.