After Achilles Tendon Rupture Research Articles

Differences in Player Performance and Longevity After Achilles Tendon Rupture Between Professional Basketball Players in the NBA and WNBA.

Prior studies in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) reported worse player performance after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The purpose of this study was to compare time to return to play (RTP) and performance after ATR between NBA and WNBA athletes. It was hypothesized that there would be no relative difference between the NBA and WNBA players. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. ATRs in the NBA between 1987 and 2017 and WNBA between 2006 and 2017 were identified through a rigorous online search of articles. Included athletes had no prior leg injuries and had played ≥3 seasons before and after ATR. Sex, age, position, body mass index, height, years of experience, time to RTP, and player efficiency rating (PER) were recorded. Relative performance was measured by matching injured athletes to uninjured controls in the same league in a 1:2 ratio. Relative differences were compared between leagues, with adjustment for baseline features. Multiple regression analysis was employed to identify variables correlating with RTP and PER. Included were 102 professional basketball players, of whom 34 sustained ATR (21 male, 13 female). Sex/league correlated with differences in RTP (P < .001). There was a significant difference between the WNBA and NBA in PER when comparing 1 year pre- and 1 year postinjury (1.49 ± 0.25 vs 3.87 ± 0.43, respectively; mean ± SD P < .001). Compared with intraleague controls, the relative difference in PER postinjury was 0.81 ± 0.11 (WNBA) and 3.9 ± 0.89 (NBA) (P < .001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that when controlling for years of experience, player position, and age, NBA players took 126 days longer than WNBA players to RTP (P < .001) and NBA players had 9.96 times increased odds of taking >200 days to RTP compared with WNBA players (P = .006). Sex/league was a significant predictor of RTP after ATR. When compared with their respective controls, NBA players saw a greater decrease in postinjury performance than WNBA players. NBA players took longer to RTP than WNBA players. ATRs appear to more negatively affect NBA players than WNBA players.

Comparison of different immobilisation durations following open surgery for acute achilles tendon rupture: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundIn recent decades, early rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair has been proposed. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare different immobilisation durations in order to determine the optimal duration after open surgery for ATR repair.MethodsThis study included 1088 patients (mean age, 34.9 ± 5.9 years) who underwent open surgery for acute ATR repair. The patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D) according to postoperative immobilisation durations of 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. All patients received the same suture technique and a similar rehabilitation protocol after brace removal,; they were clinically examined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks postoperatively, with a final follow-up at a mean of 19.0 months. The primary outcome was the recovery time for the one-leg heel-rise height (OHRH). Secondary outcomes included the time required to return to light exercise (LE) and the recovery times for the range of motion (ROM). Data regarding the surgical duration, complications, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score were also collected.ResultsThe recovery times for OHRH, LE, and ROM were significantly shorter in groups A and B than in groups C and D (P < 0.001). The VAS scores decreased over time, reaching 0 in all groups by 10 weeks. The mean scores in groups A and B were higher than those in the other groups at 2 and 4 weeks (P < 0.001), whereas the opposite was true at 8 weeks (P < 0.001). ATRS and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scale score increased across all groups over time, showing significant between-group differences from weeks 6 to 16 (P < 0.001) and weeks 6 to 12 (P < 0.001). The mean scores were better in groups A and B than in groups C and D. Thirty-eight complications (3.5%) were observed, including 20 re-ruptures and 18 superficial infections. All complications were resolved at the last follow-up, with no significant between-group differences.ConclusionsImmobilisation for 2 weeks after open surgery for ATR repair may be the optimal strategy for early rehabilitation with relatively minimal pain and other complications.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04663542).

PATH-2 TRIAL: PLATELET-RICH PLASMA FOR ACUTE ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE. TWO-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, SUPERIORITY TRIAL

BackgroundThe PATH-2 trial found no evidence of a benefit of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection versus a placebo after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) at six-months. ATR often leave longer-term functional deficiencies beyond six-months. This study aim is to determine if PRP affect tendon functional outcomes at two-years after rupture.Study designRandomised multi-centre two-arm parallel-group, participant- and assessor-blinded, superiority trial.MethodsAdults with acute ATR managed non-surgically were recruited in 19 UK hospitals from 2015 to 2019. Exclusions were insertion or musculotendinous injuries, leg injury or deformity, diabetes, haematological disorder, corticosteroids and anticoagulation therapy. Participants were randomised via an online system 1:1 to PRP or placebo. Primary outcome was Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) at two-years. Secondary outcomes were pain, Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), SF-12 and re-rupture. Assessors were blinded. Intention-to-treat and Compliance Average Causal effects (CACE) analyses were carried out. Consistency of effects across subgroups age, BMI, smoking and gender were assessed using Forest plots. Pearson's correlation was used to explore ATRS correlation with blood and growth factors.Results216/230 (94%) participants completed the 6-months follow-up were contacted. 182/216 (84%) completed the two-year follow-up. Participants were aged mean 46 (SD 13.0), 57 female/159 male. 96% received the allocated intervention. Two-years ATRS scores were 82.2 (SD 18.3) in the PRP group (n=85) and 83.8 (SD 16.0) in the placebo group (n=92). There was no evidence of a difference in the two-years ATRS (adjusted-mean difference −0.752 95%CI −5.523 to 4.020, p=0.757), or in any secondary outcome, and no re-rupture between at two-years. Neither PRP cellular or growth factors correlated with the two-year ATRS.ConclusionPRP did not improve patient-reported function or quality of life two-years after acute Achilles tendon rupture, compared with placebo, indicating that PRP offers no patient benefit in the longer term.

Long-term patient outcome is affected by deep venous thrombosis after Achilles tendon rupture repair.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) on patient outcomes 3 years after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair and if there were continued improvements between 1 and 3 years after surgery. A secondary aim was to determine risk factors associated with impaired patient outcomes in the long term. This cohort study consisted of 181 ATR-repaired patients, from two large randomized clinical trials, who attended a 3-year follow-up evaluation. Patients were postoperatively randomized to two different weight-bearing interventions compared with immobilization in a below-knee plaster cast for 2 weeks. During immobilization, screening for DVT was performed with Doppler ultrasound. At 1 and 3 years postoperatively, functional- and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated by the validated heel-rise test and self-reported questionnaire, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). In total, 76 out of 181 (42%) patients exhibited a DVT at the 2- or 6-week screening after ATR surgery. Suffering from a DVT during immobilization resulted at 3 years in a worse limb symmetry index (LSI) of heel-rise total work compared to patients without DVT, adjusted for age (DVT mean LSI 68% vs. no DVT 78%, p = 0.027). At 3 years, patients with a DVT during immobilization displayed lower ATRS (DVT median 88 vs. no DVT 93, p = 0.046), which was not significant after adjustment for age. However, patients with DVT exhibited an improvement in ATRS, LSI total work, and LSI maximum height between 1 and 3 years, which was not seen among patients without DVT. Independent risk factors for reduced patient functional outcomes at 3 years were older age, greater calf muscle hypotrophy, and suffering a DVT. DVT during immobilization affects patients' long-term functional outcomes 3 years after ATR repair. Clinicians should adequately address risk factors contributing to impaired patient outcomes in the long term, including calf muscle hypotrophy, DVT, and older age. Level Ⅲ.

Differential elongation of the gastrocnemius after Achilles tendon rupture: a novel technique of selective shortening to treat push-off weakness with case series and literature review.

Differential elongation of the gastrocnemius after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) may compromise the ability of athletes to return to competition. Recognition of this differential elongation of the gastrocnemius relative to the soleus is vital to treat patients with weakness in push-off. This paper describes a novel technique performed for selective shortening of the gastrocnemius to treat push-off weakness. Three patients with differential proximal retraction of the gastrocnemius greater than 20mm after treatment for ATR with inability to run and jump underwent surgical correction with this novel technique and were followed-up for 2years. A novel selective shortening of the gastrocnemius with autologous hamstring graft was performed in these patients. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up. All three patients were able to return to running and jumping at final follow-up. The ATRS improved significantly in the strength, fatigue, running and jumping domains but there appeared to be a less notable improvement in activities of daily living domain. The AOFAS score showed improvement with the greatest margin in the domain of activity limitation. This procedure is the first described selective shortening method of the gastrocnemius tendons after differential elongation following ATR. It is a safe and reliable technique providing improved ATRS and AOFAS scores in three patients who were all able to return to running and jumping sports at 2-year follow-up. IV.

The Influence of Patient Characteristics and Social Determinants of Health on Post-Operative Complications Following Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Category: Sports; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: While patient comorbidities are known to affect surgical complication rates after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair, the correlation between social determinants of health (SDH) and postoperative complication rates is poorly understood. Two validated indices representative of SDH include the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), which ranks neighborhoods by social disadvantage, and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which uses 16 US census variables to identify communities at risk before or after natural disasters. In this study, we aim to determine whether there is any correlation between patient demographics, SDH, and postoperative complication rates following surgical treatment of ATR. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 521 patients who underwent surgical repair of an acute ATR between 2015 and 2021. Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 18 years, a minimum 30 day follow up, and patients who underwent acute repair within 28 days of ATR. Collected variables included patient demographics, time to surgery (TTS), injury characteristics, and postoperative complications sub-categorized into venous thromboembolism (VTE), re-rupture, surgical site infection (SSI), wound dehiscence, and sural nerve injury. SDH variables included age, race, smoking status, insurance status, level of education, and employment status. The ADI and SVI measurements of patient deprivation or vulnerability were also extracted from the data. A univariate regression test was performed to determine the correlation between each complication and each SDH indicator. Variables that showed significance (p &lt; 0.05) were then included in a multivariate regression to determine the correlation coefficients and significance. Results: Sixty-eight complications occurred in 59 patients (11.3%). Multivariate regression showed higher ADI was associated with VTE occurrence (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16 –0.91, p = 0.03). Female patients and open surgical approach correlated with decreased VTE occurrence (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.66, p&lt; 0.01), (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04 – 0.55, p&lt; 0.01), respectively. Higher BMI was associated with VTE (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05 – 2.51, p=0.03) and re-rupture (OR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.51 – 9.08, p&lt; 0.01). Women experienced decreased wound dehiscence rates (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.69, p&lt; 0.01) and SSI (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11 – 0.93, p=0.04) compared to men. TTS correlated with sural nerve injuries (OR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.32 – 3.31, p&lt; 0.01). Conclusion: This study found that SDH, such as ADI, impacts complication rates after ATR repair, though the nature of this relationship remains unclear. Patient demographic and anthropometric factors such as gender and BMI also have an impact. Future studies should include a larger, more diverse sample population to better understand the impact of these factors on surgical outcomes.

Psychological Factors Change During the Rehabilitation of an Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveThe authors sought to gain insight into the changes in psychological factors during rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and to explore the association between psychological factors during rehabilitation and functional outcome 12 months after ATR.MethodsFifty patients clinically diagnosed with ATR were invited to visit the hospital 3, 6, and 12 months after injury for data collection. They completed questionnaires assessing psychological factors: psychological readiness to return to sport (Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Questionnaire); kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia); expectations, motivation, and outcome measures related to symptoms and physical activity (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score); and sports participation and performance (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire). To determine whether psychological factors changed over time, generalized estimating equation analyses were performed. Multivariate regression analyses were used to study the association between psychological factors at 3, 6, and 12 months and outcome measures at 12 months after ATR.ResultsPsychological readiness to return to sport improved, and kinesiophobia decreased significantly during rehabilitation. Psychological readiness at 6 and 12 months showed significant associations with sports participation and performance. Kinesiophobia at 6 months was significantly associated with symptoms and physical activity. Motivation remained high during rehabilitation and was highly associated with symptoms and physical activity, sports participation, and performance.ConclusionPsychological factors change during rehabilitation after ATR. Patients with lower motivation levels during rehabilitation, low psychological readiness to return to sports, and/or high levels of kinesiophobia at 6 months after ATR need to be identified.ImpactAccording to these results, psychological factors can affect the rehabilitation of patients with ATR. Physical therapists can play an important role in recognizing patients with low motivation levels and low psychological readiness for return to sport and patients with high levels of kinesiophobia at 6 months post-ATR. Physical therapist interventions to enhance motivation and psychological readiness to return to sport and to reduce kinesiophobia need to be developed and studied in the post-ATR population.Lay SummaryWith Achilles tendon rupture, level of motivation, psychological readiness for return to sport, and fear of movement can affect rehabilitation outcome. A physical therapist can help recognize these factors.

FGF gene expression in injured tendons as a prognostic biomarker of 1-year patient outcome after Achilles tendon repair

PurposeHealing outcome after Achilles Tendon Rupture (ATR) is variable and unsatisfactory. Many ATR patients still exhibit pain, functional deficits and limitations in walking one-year post-surgery. The present study was designed to investigate the association between the expression of healing biomarkers and patient outcome after ATR.MethodsTendon biopsies were collected from 25 ATR patients during surgery. At 1-year post surgery, all patients completed questionnaires; Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and were tested for functional outcomes by heel-rise test. In biopsies, FGF, COL III, FN, COL I and MMP-9 mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR while protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC).ResultsOur analysis confirmed the presence of FGF, COL III, FN, COL I and MMP-9 at mRNA and protein levels in tendon biopsies. FGF gene expression associated positively with improved total ATRS and better functional outcomes. Additionally, FGF mRNA levels were associated with less pain, less running limitations and less loss in physical activity. In addition, higher COL III mRNA expression was associated with more tendon strength.ConclusionOur findings indicate that FGF gene expression is associated with improved patient-reported outcome. FGF expression in surgical biopsies could potentially be used to assist the prognostic evaluation of patient outcome and may be used as a predictor for healing. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the role of FGF in Achilles tendon healing.Level of evidenceII

Effect of Achilles Tendon Rupture on Player Performance and Longevity in Women's National Basketball Association Players.

Background:Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players have a greater incidence of lower extremity injury compared with male players, yet no data exist on functional outcomes after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).Purpose:To evaluate the effect of Achilles tendon repair on game utilization, player performance, and career longevity in WNBA athletes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:WNBA players from 1997 to 2019 with a history of ATR (n = 12) were matched 1:2 to a healthy control group. Player characteristics, game utilization, and in-game performance data were collected for each athlete, from which the player efficiency rating (PER) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed comparing postinjury data to preinjury baseline as well as cumulative career data. Changes at each time point relative to the preinjury baseline were also compared between groups.Results:Of the 12 players with ATR, 10 (83.3%) returned to play at the WNBA level at a mean (±SD) of 12.5 ± 3.3 months. Four players participated in only 1 WNBA season after injury. There were no differences in characteristics between the 10 players who returned to play after injury and the control group. After return to play, the WNBA players demonstrated a significant decrease in game utilization compared with preinjury, playing in 6.0 ± 6.9 fewer games, starting in 12.7 ± 15.4 fewer games, and playing 10.2 ± 9.1 fewer minutes per game (P < .05 for all). After the index date of injury, the players with Achilles repair played 2.1 ± 1.2 more years in the WNBA, while control players played 5.35 ± 3.2 years (P < .01) Additionally, the players with Achilles repair had a significant decrease in PER in the year after injury compared with preinjury (7.1 ± 5.3 vs 11.0 ± 4.4; P = .02). The reduction in game utilization and decrease in PER in these players was maintained when compared with the matched controls (P < .05 for both).Conclusion:The majority of WNBA players who sustained ATR were able to return to sport after their injury; however, their career longevity was shorter than that of healthy controls. There was a significant decrease in game utilization and performance in the year after return to play compared with healthy controls.

Changes in Tendon Elongation and Muscle Atrophy Over Time After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects of Early Functional Mobilization

Background: Early functional mobilization (EFM) may improve patient outcome after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). However, whether EFM affects patient outcome via changes in tendon elongation, thickening, or calf muscle atrophy is unknown. Purpose: To analyze differences in tendon and muscle morphology recovery over time between groups treated with EFM or standard treatment after ATR repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 86 patients (20 women) with ATR repair who had a mean (SD) age of 39.3 (8.2) years and were part of a larger prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients were postoperatively randomized to immediate postoperative weightbearing and ankle motion (EFM group) or to immobilization in a below-knee plaster cast for 2 weeks (control group). Patient-reported and functional outcomes were assessed at 6 and 12 months with the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score and the heel-rise test for endurance. At 2 and 6 weeks and 6 and 12 months postoperatively, B-mode ultrasound imaging was performed to assess the length and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Achilles tendon, the gastrocnemius CSA, as well as the thickness of soleus. Results: The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score for the EFM and control groups were 65.8 (18.7) and 56.8 (20.1; P = .045), respectively, at 6 months and 79.6 (15.8) and 78.9 (17.2; P = .87), respectively, at 12 months. At 2 weeks, tendon elongation was significantly more pronounced in the EFM group as compared with the control group (mean side-to-side difference, 1.88 cm vs 0.71 cm; P = .005). Subsequently, tendon elongation increased in the control group while it decreased in the EFM group so that at 6 and 12 months no significant differences between groups were found. Mean Achilles tendon elongation at 1 year was 1.73 (1.07) cm for the EFM group (n = 55) and 1.67 (0.92) cm for the control group (n = 27), with a mean difference of 0.06 cm (95% CI, 0.54 to –0.42; P = .80). Achilles tendon CSA and calf muscle atrophy displayed no significant differences between the groups; however, significant changes were demonstrated over time (P ≤ .001) in both groups. Conclusion: EFM results in more Achilles tendon elongation at early healing, but this difference subsides over time. EFM does not seem to affect patient outcome via changes in tendon elongation, thickening, or calf muscle atrophy. Registration: NCT02318472 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Higher pyruvate levels after Achilles tendon rupture surgery could be used as a prognostic biomarker of an improved patient outcome

PurposeThe primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the metabolites lactate and pyruvate in the healing tendon after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and patient-reported outcome at 6 and 12 months. A secondary aim was to evaluate which underlying factors regulate lactate and pyruvate concentrations.MethodsLactate and pyruvate concentrations were measured two weeks post-operatively in both the healing- and healthy Achilles tendon in 109 patients (90 men, 19 women; mean age 40 ± 7.9 years). Patient demographics, degree of physical activity, timing of surgery, operation time, patient-reported loading and step counts were investigated in relation to metabolite concentrations. At 6 and 12 months, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) questionnaire was used to assess patient outcome.ResultsThe mean number of steps taken during the post-operative days 1–10 was the only factor significantly related to the mean concentration of lactate (R2 = 0.34, p = 0.038), and pyruvate (R2 = 0.46, p = 0.006). Pyruvate was demonstrated as the only factor significantly associated with ATRS at both 6 months (R2 = 0.32, p = 0.003) and at 12 months (R2 = 0.37, p = 0.004) using multiple linear regression.ConclusionThe mean concentration of pyruvate during early ATR healing may predict patient outcome at 6 and 12 months post-operatively and possibly be used as a biomarker of healing. Early mobilization with an increased number of steps taken is an important clinical strategy to improve the metabolite concentrations during healing.Level of evidenceIII

Deep venous thrombosis after Achilles tendon rupture is associated with poor patient-reported outcome

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate whether patient subjective and functional outcomes after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) are related to deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during leg immobilization.MethodsA cohort study with prospectively collected randomized data was conducted between 2010 and 2017. Two-hundred and fifty-one Patients with an Achilles tendon rupture (mean age = 41 ± 8), treated with uniform surgical techniques, were retrospectively analyzed. DVT incidence at 2 and 6 weeks was assessed using compression duplex ultrasound. At 12 months patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), Foot- and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Physical Activity Scale (PAS) and functional outcome with the calf-muscle endurance test. ANOVA analyses were used and adjusted for assumed confounding factors (patient age, sex, BMI and rehabilitation).ResultsThe total DVT incidence was 122 out of 251 (49%). Patients suffering a DVT exhibited significantly lower ATRS at 1 year compared to patients without DVT (mean 76 vs 83, 95% CI 71–79 vs 80–87; p < 0.01). Sixty-seven percent (95% CI 57–77%) of the patients devoid of DVT reported a good outcome (ATRS > 80) compared to 51% (95% CI 41–61%) of the patients sustaining a DVT (p < 0.05). Quality of life displayed significantly better outcome in the non-DVT versus DVT patients (mean = 75 (95% CI 71–79) vs. mean = 68 (95% CI 64–72); p < 0.05). A significant difference in total concentric work was observed between non-DVT and DVT patients (median = 1.9 kJ (IQR = 0.9 kJ) vs. median = 1.6 kJ (IQR = 1.0 kJ); p < 0.01).ConclusionSustaining a DVT during leg immobilization significantly impairs patient-reported outcome at 1 year after surgical repair of ATR.Level of evidenceIII.

The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score is a responsive primary outcome measure: an evaluation of the Dutch version including minimally important change

PurposeAim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the Dutch version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS-NL).MethodsPatients (N = 47) completed the ATRS-NL at 3 and 6 months after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). Additionally, they filled out the Euroqol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) and Global Rating of Change Score (GRoC). Effect sizes (ES) and standardized response means (SRM) were calculated. The anchor-based method for determining the minimally important change (MIC) was used. GRoC and improvement on the items mobility and usual activities on the EQ-5D-5L served as external criteria. The scores on these anchors were used to categorize patients’ physical functioning as improved or unchanged between 3 and 6 months after ATR. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was performed, with the calculation of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the estimation of MIC values using the optimal cut-off points.ResultsThere was a large change (ES: 1.58) and good responsiveness (SRM: 1.19) of the ATRS-NL between 3 and 6 months after ATR. Using ROC analysis, the MIC values ranged from 13.5 to 28.5 for reporting improvement on EQ-5D-5L mobility and GRoC, respectively. The AUC of improvement on mobility and improvement on GRoC were > 0.70.ConclusionThe ATRS-NL showed good responsiveness in ATR patients between 3 and 6 months after injury. Use of this questionnaire is recommended in clinical follow-up and longitudinal research of ATR patients. MIC values of 13.5 and 28.5 are recommended to consider ATR patients as improved and greatly improved between 3 and 6 months after ATR.Level of evidenceII.

Impact of Physiotherapy on the Calf Muscle Torque Variability after Achilles Tendon Rupture

It has been established that muscle torque variability determines movement stability during the task [1]. Calf muscle weakness, ankle range of motion reduction and postural misbalance are common pathological limitations after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). Most studies analyse rehabilitation influence for muscle strength and body balance, but there is a lack of information about calf muscle torque variability. The aim of the study was to determine ankle plantar flexion and dorsal flexion muscle maximal voluntary contraction torque and variability Q. Organization and methods. We measured five males, (aged 29 ± 6) after 6.5 – week surgery of ATR. Participants performed isometric ankle flexion and extension force with injured and non-injured legs. Muscles maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and torque variability were measured at –15°; 0°; 15° angles. The variability of target force was 20% of MVC torque. Rehabilitation programme consisted of balance, muscle strength and stretching exercises. Calf muscle MVC torque and variability were observed before and after 8-week rehabilitation. The results of the research. We determined that after physiotherapy the injured and the non-injured leg isometric ankle flexion and extension muscle MVC torque increased and muscle torque variability decreased.Keywords: muscle torque variability, isometric maximal voluntary contraction torque, rehabilitation suformavimas.

High Plantar Force Loading After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair With Early Functional Mobilization

Background: Mechanical loading is essential for tendon healing and may explain variability in patient outcomes after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal postoperative regimen, and the actual amount of loading during orthosis immobilization is unknown. Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to assess the number of steps and the amount of loading in a weightbearing orthosis during the first 6 weeks after surgical ATR repair. A secondary purpose was to investigate if the amount of loading was correlated to fear of movement and/or experience of pain. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty-four patients (mean ± SD age, 38.8 ± 8.7 years) with ATR repair were included. Early functional mobilization was allowed postoperatively in an orthosis with adjustable ankle range of motion. During the first postoperative 2 weeks, patient-reported loading and pain were assessed with a visual analog scale and step counts with a pedometer. At the 2- and 6-week follow-up, a mobile force sensor was used for measuring plantar force loading, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was used to examine fear of movement. Results: Between the first and second weeks, there was a significant increase in the mean number of daily steps taken (from 2025 to 2753, P < .001) as well as an increase in self-reported loading (from 20% to 53%, P < .001). Patient self-reported loading was significantly associated with the plantar force measurement (rho = 0.719, P < .001). At 6 weeks, loading was 88.2% on the injured limb versus the uninjured limb. Fear of movement was not correlated with pedometer data, subjective loading, pain, or force data. Patients with less pain during activity, however, reported significantly higher subjective load and took more steps (P < .05). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate the actual loading patterns during postoperative functional mobilization among patients with surgically repaired ATR. The quick improvements in loading magnitude and frequency observed may reflect improved tendon loading essential for healing. Pain, rather than fear of movement, was associated with the high variability in loading parameters. The data of this study may be used to improve ATR rehabilitation protocols for future studies. Registration: NCT02318472 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Strength Measurement After Achilles Tendon Repair.

The goal of treatment after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is to restore appropriate tension to the tendon, so that normal baseline strength and functional soft-tissue length can be achieved. The assessment of plantarflexion strength has shown widespread variability. The purpose of this study is to document variations in strength assessment after the treatment of ATR in the literature. A comprehensive literature review was performed. In total, 2758 articles were found on Achilles tendon rupture and Achilles tendon strength measurement. The full text of articles including strength as a functional outcome measurement in the abstract were assessed. All objective strength measurements performed were reviewed and recorded for comparison. One-hundred articles were included in our study. In 78 articles, a dynamometer was used to measure strength, whereas in 22 articles, an endurance test (n=14) or formal gait assessment (n=8) was applied. When a dynamometer was used, there was wide variability in the various methods used including the incorporation of both isokinetic (n = 65) and isometric (n = 29) exercises utilizing varying degrees of knee flexion and patient testing position. Furthermore, the number of measurements at certain angular velocities varied. This study illustrates that no general consensus exists regarding an optimal method for measuring strength after ATR. The variability creates difficulty and challenges medical professionals' ability to formulate consistent conclusions when determining functional performance outcomes. A more uniform way of measuring strength after ATR may allow for better comparisons between studies in the literature, potentially leading to a better understanding of strength. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II.

Static stretching program decrease the eccentric peak torque without changing the functional perfomance in healthy adults - A randomized controlled trial

To describe the Return to competition after Achilles Tendon rupture (ATR) in an elite soccer player.Case report.Return to sport (RTS) of a professional soccer player who suffered an ATR during a match. The RTS phase started 15 weeks after surgery and specific on-field activities were gradually introduced. Criteria used to monitor the transition through the different phases were strength and endurance of the calf muscle and ability to sustain specific on-field training loads (TL) monitored with Global Positioning System and heart-rate system. TLs were weekly compared to pre-injury values to evaluate recovery and to prescribe future sessions.A 39-year-old (height 178 cm, weight 75 kg) elite soccer defender player, playing in Italian Serie-A league.Days of absence were lower compared to a cohort presented in UEFA study (119 versus 161 ± 65 days, respectively). External-TL and Internal-TL were organized to gradually increase during RTS and resulted in higher values prior to return to competition compared to pre-injury values. Concentric plantar flexion peak torque increased till 9th months after surgery.Monitoring of the field activities allowed comparison with pre-injury values and provided a useful and functional criteria to pass return to team activity and competition.

Short-term functional assessment of gait, plantarflexor strength, and tendon properties after Achilles tendon rupture

BackgroundAlthough early functional rehabilitation (EFR) has been suggested to yield rapid functional recovery after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) compared to conventional rehabilitation (CR), most quantitative assessments occur long after rehabilitation has been completed. Few data exist regarding the short-term functional gains during the healing period post-ATR. It remains unclear if EFR allows for an objectively faster return to function. The aim of this study was to examine EFR's effect on gait, plantarflexor strength, and tendon properties in early post-operative follow-ups. MethodsFourteen patients received either EFR (n = 6) or CR (n = 8) after percutaneous ATR repair. Functional gait analysis, maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs), and Achilles tendon properties were assessed at 8 and 12 weeks post-op. ResultsComparison of EFR against CR yielded no statistically significant differences in ankle kinematics or kinetics, Achilles tendon properties or MVICs on the injured (INJ) ankle at either time point. During gait, only CR patients demonstrated significantly lower plantarflexion moments on INJ at 8 weeks (0.817 ± 0.151 N·m/kg vs. 1.172 ± 0.177 N·m/kg, p = 0.002). All patients exhibited deficits in plantarflexor moment at 8 weeks and eversion moment at 12 weeks on INJ during gait that had effect sizes of note when compared to CON. SignificanceATR patients, regardless of rehabilitation, exhibit deficits in gait, AT properties, and single-limb strength at 8 weeks. Though AT properties and single-limb plantarflexor isometric strength remain at a deficit at 12 weeks, bipedal plantarflexion moments are comparable between INJ and CON. Though effect size calculations suggested clinically significant differences, clear benefits of EFR compared to CR were not found.

Return to competition after an Achilles tendon rupture using both on and off the field load monitoring as guidance: A case report of a top-level soccer player

ObjectivesTo describe the Return to competition after Achilles Tendon rupture (ATR) in an elite soccer player. DesignCase report. SettingReturn to sport (RTS) of a professional soccer player who suffered an ATR during a match. The RTS phase started 15 weeks after surgery and specific on-field activities were gradually introduced. Criteria used to monitor the transition through the different phases were strength and endurance of the calf muscle and ability to sustain specific on-field training loads (TL) monitored with Global Positioning System and heart-rate system. TLs were weekly compared to pre-injury values to evaluate recovery and to prescribe future sessions. ParticipantA 39-year-old (height 178 cm, weight 75 kg) elite soccer defender player, playing in Italian Serie-A league. ResultsDays of absence were lower compared to a cohort presented in UEFA study (119 versus 161 ± 65 days, respectively). External-TL and Internal-TL were organized to gradually increase during RTS and resulted in higher values prior to return to competition compared to pre-injury values. Concentric plantar flexion peak torque increased till 9th months after surgery. ConclusionsMonitoring of the field activities allowed comparison with pre-injury values and provided a useful and functional criteria to pass return to team activity and competition.

Muscle fatigue after Achilles tendon rupture: A limited heel-rise test with electromyography reveals decreased endurance

Measuring the maximal number of heel-rises is the clinical standard to quantify plantarflexor strength. However, this activity can be difficult and uncomfortable after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and may capture aspects other than muscle strength and endurance. Therefore, the aim of this study project was to evaluate muscle fatigue with a limited number of heel-rises. Fifty-two patients with ATR were evaluated 2.0-6.7 years after injury. Patients performed the heel-rise test with surface electromyography (sEMG) of the gastrocnemius muscles. Muscle fatigue was operationally defined as the slope of the sEMG signal frequency. Subjects performed significantly fewer heel-rises on the injured side compared with the uninjured side (25.5 ± 9.3 vs 33.6 ± 15.1; p < 0.001). Subjects also had greater muscle fatigue on the injured side compared with the uninjured side for the lateral gastrocnemius (−31.1 ± 13.9 vs -26.2 ± 14.8; p = 0.048), but not the medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.074). There was a significant increase in fatigue of both the lateral and medial gastrocnemius on the injured side over the first 10 repetitions (p < 0.001). Our findings demonstrate that subjects have increased gastrocnemius muscle fatigue even several years after ATR and muscle fatigue can be detected with a limited number of heel-rises.