The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body and can withstand loads up to 400 kg before rupturing.
Most tears occur at about 3-5 cm above the insertion of the Achilles tendon which corresponds to an area of relative hypovascularity. The poor perfusion is thought to pre-dispose the tendon to rupture as from an early stage, haematoma is seen interspersed among the torn fibres.
The adequacy of the blood supply to the tendon decreases with age and most probably accounts for the relative disproportion of this injury in the sporting, middle aged.
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