Category Archives: Achilles Rupture

Achilles Rupture, Achilles/Patellar/Quadricep, All Blogs, Basketball, Tendon Rupture

Kevin Durant Achilles Rupture

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On June 10, Kevin Durant ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the second quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The injury came after Durant missing nine playoff games due to a strained calf on the same leg from May 8. He underwent surgery on June 12. Durant was cleared by the team’s medical staff to play Game 5. According to Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, the team did not believe it was putting Durant at risk for further injury.

Courtesy of Mayo Clinic

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Blood flow through the tendon is poor, which may make the tendon susceptible to tearing and also slow its healing. Achilles tendon injuries often occur following an abrupt increase in activity or intensity, such as a return to competition after weeks of not playing in Durant’s case.

There is speculation that what was diagnosed as a calf strain on May 8 might actually have been Achilles tendinopathy. The Warriors organization has not yet released a timetable for Durant’s return to play. Generally, eight months is the quickest recovery time among NBA players after an Achilles rupture. Durant’s teammate DeMarcus Cousins also had an Achilles tendon rupture in January 2018. Cousins needed almost an entire year to recover enough to return to play.

Achilles Rupture, Achilles/Patellar/Quadricep, All Blogs, Ankle/Foot, Basketball, Tendon Rupture

John Wall Achilles Rupture

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The Washington Wizard’s point guard John Wall recently underwent surgery for heel pain from Achilles tendinopathy. Media reports described the planned surgery as addressing Haglund deformity. This is a discretionary surgery to attempt to improve symptoms. Details on the medical aspects of Achilles tendinopathy were addressed in a prior post here.

The surgery to remove the Haglund deformity removes bone at the insertion of the Achilles tendon. This weakens the attachment point and creates a risk of detachment.

A month after the surgery, it was reported that Wall detached his Achilles at the surgery site. Reports indicate that the detachment was discovered during an operation to deal with an infection that accompanied the initial heel surgery. The skin in the heel area can have trouble healing and infection is a noted risk. The Achilles detachment was reported to have happened when Wall slipped and fell at his home, but detachment is one of the risks of this surgery. It is more likely with wound problems or infection.

This setback will keep Wall out of play for approximately 12 months per reports. For more information on achilles ruptures click here.

 

Achilles Rupture, Achilles/Patellar/Quadricep, All Blogs, Ankle/Foot, Basketball, Tendon Rupture

J.J. Barea Torn Achilles Tendon

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On January 11, 2019, the Dallas Maverick’s point guard and sixth man J.J. Barea tore his right achilles tendon. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on a play where Barea drove to the basket and made a contested shot with little physical contact. Barea stayed on the court after the play holding his leg until play was finally stopped.

Reports indicate that Barea underwent surgery to repair the achilles a few days later. The injury  should sideline him from play for the entire 2019 season and may threaten the start of next season per reports.

For more detailed medical information about torn achilles injuries click here.