Management for complete traumatic and nontraumatic tendinopathic tears

Nontraumatic tendinopathic (degenerative) tears should be distinguished from acute traumatic tendon tears or ruptures because the management is different.

Acute traumatic tears, both complete and partial, are differentiated by their clear association with a specific traumatic event of sufficient force to result in tendon injury. Complete traumatic tears usually result from an acute injury, such as complete Achilles tendon tear, and in some cases are managed surgically.

Partial traumatic tears and tendinopathic microtears are usually managed nonsurgically. Partial traumatic tears can progress to become complete tears and surgical referral at this stage may be appropriate.