An "Achilles rupture" specifically describes a complete tear of the Achilles tendon, meaning the tendon is fully severed. Last year, Bernhard Langer tore his Achilles and returned to competition three months later, but a tear is not as severe an injury as a rupture, which is what Woods suffered.

Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he has suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon, forcing him off the course for a lengthy period of time as he recovers.