Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Uranga, Romina

Area of Concentration

Natural Sciences with Biology

Abstract

This thesis will examine the impact of an Achilles tendon rupture on recovery and performance in professional athletes. The primary question is whether the modern surgical technique has produced better outcomes compared to traditional surgical repair methods. To address this question, this thesis analyzes the structure and function of the Achilles tendon, the mechanisms that cause injuries, and treatment approaches, including the nonsurgical and surgical options. It includes a comparative case analysis of professional athletes Aaron Rodgers, who underwent a minimally invasive procedure, and Klay Thompson, who underwent a traditional surgical repair. The recovery processes, timelines, and post-recovery performances are evaluated to determine which surgical approach is more effective. The studies indicate that the modern technique allows for faster recovery, enabling players to return to play more quickly. However, players are not guaranteed to return to their pre-injury performance levels. The long-term effects depend on the physical demands of each athlete’s sport, injury history, and individual playing style. This study concludes that advancements in surgical techniques have helped improve recovery timelines, although limitations following an Achilles tendon rupture persist.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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