Tendon Injury and Reconstruction

Dear Colleagues,

Tendon injuries are among the most common problems in professional and amateur athletes. Injuries are often due to overtraining.

Besides sports activity, other risk factors may be involved in the development of tendinopathy, such as age (adolescents appear to be less affected) and gender (although there is no clear trend in prevalence or incidence between male and female athletes).

The most common tendon injuries include tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon caused by repetitive movements), tendinosis (degeneration of the tendon due to untreated microtrauma), and tendon rupture.

Patients present localized pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

In many cases, physical therapy and rehabilitation allow athletes to recover from the damage. Most effective treatments are eccentric exercises (movements that help strengthen the tendon and improve endurance), shock waves therapy (which stimulate tendon tissue regeneration), and biological therapies (such as platelet rich plasma—PRP).

A well-structured rehabilitation program can prevent further injuries and improve tendon function. If this therapeutic approach fails or the tendon ruptures, surgery is performed to repair or replace the damaged tendon, restoring full function.

In conclusion, tendon injuries are a common problem for athletes, but they can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and targeted treatment. Physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques play a crucial role in recovery, while surgery is the last option in more severe cases.

The aim of this Special Issue is to discuss issues related to the prevention and specific treatment of tendon injuries in professional and amateur athletes. The scope of the Issue is intentionally broad to encourage the coverage of a wide range of topics and perspectives related to tendon injury management. This includes both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments, as well as pain management, epidemiology, and health promotion. Understanding tendon injuries as much as possible allows for the development of the most appropriate treatment for these conditions, improving professional and amateur athletes’ health and enabling an early return to sport.

Prof. Dr. Marisa Megna
Dr. Maurizio Ranieri
Guest Editors

Dr. Riccardo Marvulli
Guest Editor Assistant

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