1159 Achilles Tendon Rupture Rate – Is There a COVID-19 Pandemic Effect?

Abstract

Abstract Aim The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a noticeable shift in trauma injuries across the United Kingdom. Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) – a common sports-related injury – are frequently seen in athletes who are active intermittently. This retrospective study is aimed at proving the hypothesis that restriction easing and shift in activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a higher prevalence of ATR in comparison to pre-pandemic numbers. Method Our study looked at ATR cases referred to the Virtual Fracture Clinic locally. We reviewed historical cases from 2015 to 2021 to compare rates and incidences of pre-pandemic cases with those during the pandemic and after restrictions were lifted. Additionally, we developed a scoring system to quantify the level of physical activity and exercise restrictions during the pandemic. The incidence and rate of ATRs were recorded and mapped against a restriction score over the course of the pandemic. Results Pre-pandemic, the yearly average number of ATR referrals was 77, but was 110 in 2021 after restrictions were lifted. In addition, the number of cases in 2020 during the pandemic was 63. Furthermore, when cases were mapped against activity restrictions throughout the pandemic period (2020-2021), a clear elevation in the number of cases emerges as the restrictions ease. Conclusions After restrictions were lifted, yearly cases were revealed to be considerably higher than the average pre-pandemic numbers. This shows that after a period of more sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic, the risk of ATR becomes higher upon return to play, hence supporting our hypothesis.