Disorders of the Achilles tendon are universal, affecting people in a wide range of age groups. Because the Achilles tendon is one of the most pow- ful musculotendinous structures in the body, the impact of an injury to the Achilles tendon becomes magnified. There is a wide range of disorders or problems that can involve the insertional region, where pathology may rest with bone, tendon, or bursae. A completely different set of pathologic entities resides in the noninsertional region, one of which may include the frustrating degenerative tendinopathy. As our growing population ages but remains phy- cally active longer into life, the incidence of these disorders will continue to increase. I am proud to be given the opportunity to write the foreword to this text, which is intended for foot and ankle surgeons worldwide. Seldom does a book on a single entity become a current concepts review, as this work has. Too often, textbooks are not published for several years after the chapters have been written, making them obsolete upon publication. Not so with this book, which deals with timely topics on the Achilles tendon. Dr. James Nunley has compiled this work in slightly over a year, thus providing the reader with sta- of-the-art material. Dr. Nunley had the foresight to create a much needed techniques-oriented book dealing with the complexities of the Achilles tendon. His approach was to develop a comprehensive guide to managing Achilles tendon problems.
As the population ages while remaining active, both Achilles tendon injuries and their treatment techniques have multiplied. The Achilles Tendon: Treatment and Rehabilitation is a comprehensive guide to the Achilles tendon, from basic anatomy, physiology and pathomechanics through the most cutting-edge treatment techniques. Internationally renowned contributors weigh in on traditional, nonoperative, and less invasive treatments, acute ailments, chronic conditions, and problems specific to specialized populations. The book also takes a practical approach to the role of the Achilles in sports training, with a view to developing patient management and rehabilitation practices and that enable a quicker return to play. The inclusion of handy case studies help to tie concepts together for orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians alike. Distilling diverse opinions on treatment and the wealth of information available on this subject into a succinct and straightforward guide, The Achilles Tendon is an indispensable reference for those treating the pathologies related to Achilles tendon disorders.
