Original scientific paper
The Risk of Sports Activities – The Injuries of the Achilles Tendon in Sportsmen
Ivan Krolo
Klaudija Višković
Đurđica Ikić
Ratimira Klarić-Ćustović
Miljenko Marotti
Tatjana Cicvara
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether professional sports activities and intensive training practice affect
pathological changes of the Achilles tendon. We also aimed to investigate whether these injuries primarily occur earlier
or later in life. This was a cross sectional study of 214 athletes and non-athletes between the ages of 17–66. Participants
were divided into four groups: 63 active young athletes, 64 young persons not involved in sports, 6 elderly athletes and 58
elderly people who did not participate in intensive athletic activities during their lifetimes. Ultrasound measurements of
the Achilles tendon were performed on all participants. All participants also completed a self-administered survey to collect
demographic information and data on athletic participation. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and
Fisher’s exact test. Overall, those who were active athletes sought medical care more often than those who did not participate
regularly in sports. Twenty-seven (33%) of young athletes had some Achilles tendon pathology, compared to 9 (14%)
younger non-athletes. A total of 36 (64%) of elderly athletes were diagnosed with Achilles tendon disorders, compared to
15 (26%) of elderly people who were not active in sports. Microtears, acute tendonitis and peritendonitis were associated
with younger age. By contrast, calcifications, scar tissue, and partial or complete rupture were only seen in the elderly
groups.
Keywords
sport overuse; Achilles tendon injuries
Hrčak ID:
27304
URI
Publication date:
4.1.2007.
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