anabolic steroids and tendon rupture

Last reviewed 10/2022

Tendon rupture:

• contrary to the anabolic effects of androgens on bone and muscle, they have a paradoxical effect on tendons and ligaments
  • anecdotal reports have shown that athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) experience rupture of biceps and quadriceps tendons
    • ultrastructural analysis of tendons in rodents treated with anabolic steroids shows dysplasia of collagen fibrils

Reference:

• 1) Basaria S.Androgen abuse in athletes: detection and consequences. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Apr;95(4):1533-43.