An Apparent Achilles Heel of the NFL: Have Achilles Tendon Injuries Significantly Increased to Unacceptably High Incidence Levels in the NFL and if so, why? A Clinical Insight.
Timothy E Hewett, Chad D Lavender, Andrew L Schaver
PMID 38313673WHAT IT FOUND
The author argues that Achilles tendon ruptures in the NFL have increased significantly and suggests that risk factors are complex, involving both modifiable and non-modifiable elements rather than just turf surfaces.
What this paper is
This is a clinical commentary and opinion piece discussing the rise in Achilles tendon ruptures in the NFL and potential risk factors. It reports no original patient data, methods, or outcomes from a study, so there are no findings here to change your practice on.
What it does not show
This is an editorial/commentary piece, not a research study. No original data was collected or analyzed. Claims about incidence rates are based on historical reports and social media, not a new systematic review.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the reported increase in Achilles tendon ruptures or the discussion of risk factors as evidence from a controlled study. This piece offers expert opinion and historical context, not new clinical data.