117 Achilles Tendon Rupture Clinic, a Successful and Reproducible Model

Abstract

Abstract Background In the view of busy Emergency departments and general fracture clinics, a delay in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Achilles tendon injuries can lead to poor outcomes. A dedicated Achilles tendon rupture clinic can provide efficient care and avoid such complications. Aim To assess the efficiency of the dedicated Achilles tendon rupture clinic (model) in avoiding delay in the assessment and management of Achilles tendon injuries. Method Analysis of retrospectively collected data of the patients who have been reviewed in the Achilles clinic. All patients had Ultrasound scan (USS) by trained Orthopaedic surgeons to assess the size of the gap. Non operative treatment followed an approved functional rehabilitation protocol in the department. Data for analysis included : demographic data, Time interval between injury and assessment in the Achilles clinic ,size of the gap (USS) and ATRS (The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score ). Results 45 patients have been reviewed in the Achilles tendon rupture clinic over nine months, the mean age was 52.05 the mean time interval between referral and assessment in the Achilles clinic was 6.1 days (SD 3.59 ), The mean size of the tear was 10.65 mm (SD 5.95). The mean ATSR score at three months follow up was 70.29 ( SD 15.3). Conclusions The model of dedicated Achilles tendon rupture clinic including on-site USS can help deliver a safe and more efficient arm of the trauma service to patients and avoid delay in management that might affect the patients functional outcome and require complex surgical procedures.