basic science
Tendon Biology and Healing
intermediate
6 min
28 marks
6 questions
Clinical Scenario
A 42-year-old male recreational basketball player presents 2 days after an acute Achilles tendon rupture while playing. He felt a sudden "pop" with immediate inability to push off. He was treated initially with a plaster backslab. Physical examination confirms the diagnosis with a palpable gap 4cm proximal to insertion and positive Thompson test. He is keen to return to sport and asks about treatment options.
MRI of the ankle is provided.
MRI of the ankle is provided.
Clinical image for Tendon Biology and Healing
Source: Achilles Tendon Rupture MRI • PMC5099495 • CC-BY
Questions
Question 1 (4 marks)
Describe the structure and composition of tendon. What gives tendon its mechanical properties?
Question 2 (5 marks)
Describe the blood supply to tendon. How does this relate to zones of injury?
Question 3 (6 marks)
What are the stages of tendon healing? How do intrinsic and extrinsic healing differ?
Question 4 (5 marks)
What factors affect tendon healing? How does loading influence the healing process?
Question 5 (4 marks)
Compare operative versus non-operative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. What is the current evidence?
Question 6 (4 marks)
Describe rehabilitation principles for tendon repair.