Mean Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score Research Articles

Effect of Surgeon Experience on Long-Term Patient Outcomes in Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Background:The effect of surgeon experience on patient outcomes after surgical Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair has so far been unknown.Purpose:To examine whether patient-reported and functional outcomes as well as adverse events after surgical ATR repair differ between orthopaedic specialist surgeons and resident surgeons.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed data from 295 patients treated with surgical ATR repair with standardized techniques. The level of surgeon experience (specialist vs resident) and number of adverse events (rerupture, infection, and deep venous thrombosis) were recorded. Patient-reported and functional outcomes were assessed 12 months postoperatively using the validated Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) and the heel-rise test, respectively. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in outcomes between specialist surgeons and resident surgeons. Pearson chi-square or Fisher exact test was used for analysis of adverse events.Results:The mean ATRS at 12 months for patients operated on by resident surgeons was significantly higher compared with specialist surgeons (85.9 [95% CI, 80.3-91.5] vs 77.8 [95% CI, 73.8-81.9]; P = .028). In addition, the lateral difference (operated vs unoperated side) in mean total concentric work and number of heel-rise repetitions at 12 months was smaller in patients operated on by resident surgeons (P = .011 and 0.015, respectively). The number of adverse events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.Conclusion:Resident surgeons achieved patient-reported and functional outcomes at least as good as those of specialist surgeons in surgical ATR repair, with a similar risk of adverse events.

Non-Operative Management of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Short Term Outcomes

Category:Hindfoot; Sports; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture in the United States is approximately 2.6 per 100,000 person years, with a significant increase in incidence over recent years reported. Should the acute rupture not be diagnosed promptly, as is the case in up to 20% of patients, the injury may be termed chronic. A number of operative treatment strategies for chronic Achilles ruptures have been described, including v-y tendinous flap, flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer, peroneus brevis graft and free gracilis transfer. Despite the extensive investigation of non-operative treatment in acute ruptures, there is a lack of similar research into chronic injuries. This article aims to address this gap in the literature, reporting treatment results of patients treated conservatively after being deemed unfit for operative intervention.Methods:A retrospective review of all patients receiving non-operative treatment for chronic Achilles ruptures, in the senior author's clinic between December 2014 and May 2019 was performed. A chronic injury was defined as occurring when there was a delay of at least 28 days between initial injury and start of treatment. Patients with a minimum final follow up of less than 6 months were excluded. All patients were managed according to the previously described Leicester Achilles Management Protocol (LAMP), an eight-week functional dynamic regime with use of a VACOped boot (OPED, Valley, Germany). Formal physiotherapy treatment was also provided following completion of the LAMP. Hospital records were searched for relevant data including patient age and sex, side of injury, time between injury and start of treatment and post-treatment Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS).Results:A total of 17 consecutive patients with a minimum follow up of 6 months were managed non-operatively during the stated time period. The cohort included eight males and nine females with a mean age of 63.4 14.3 years. The right side was injured in five cases, with the left side affected in 12. The mean time from initial injury to start of treatment was 43.9 days (range 30 - 102 days). The mean ATRS at 6 months post treatment was 53+-17.8. A total of 10 patients were also available for follow up at 12 months. The mean ATRS in these patients at 12 months was 73 +-15.2.Conclusion:The mean 12-month ATRS of 73 achieved is lower than figures of 89-92.5 reported in previous studies describing operative treatment. However, our results indicate that good outcomes may be achieved using a non-operative protocol in patients who decline or are unfit for surgery. Recent research reports that the mean age of Achilles rupture has increased by 0.721 years every five years, since 1953. It could therefore be likely that an increasing number of patients suffering chronic Achilles ruptures may be unfit for surgical treatment. It is important that further research into the non-operative treatment of these patients is conducted.

Diabetes and treatment with orally administrated corticosteroids negatively affect treatment outcome at follow-up after acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Studies investigating the influence of comorbidities on patient-reported outcomes after acute Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) are lacking. In this study, the aim was to investigate the effect of comorbidity and medical treatment on the patient-reported outcome measure Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS). The study was performed as a registry study from the Danish Achilles tendon Database (DADB). In the DADB, ATRS was registered at baseline (prior to rupture), at 3-6month, 1-year and 2-year follow-ups. The outcomes were ATRS at follow-up and the change in ATRS from baseline to follow-up. Variables of interest were diabetes, hypertension, rheumatic disease and treatment with orally administrated corticosteroids. Linear mixed-effects models including all follow-up time points in the same model were used adjusting for sex, age group, treatment (operative or non-operative) and the investigated comorbidities. Data were collected from 2012 to 2019. Two thousand and four patients with ATR were included. Patients with the investigated comorbidities and treatment with orally administrated corticosteroid scored 10.6-19.1 points lower in mean ATRS at baseline (prior to rupture) compared to patients without the respective disease or treatment. At follow-up, patients with diabetes (mean difference, [95% CI]) (- 6.2, [- 11.7; - 0.8]; P = 0.03) and patients in treatment with orally administrated corticosteroids (- 10.9, [- 16.2; - 5.7]; P < 0.01) had a statistically significantly worse ATRS than patients without the respective disease. However, change in ATRS from baseline to follow-up was not affected. Hypertension and rheumatic disease did not affect ATRS at follow-up but had a positive effect on change in ATRS (4.3, [0.5; 8.1]; P = 0.03) and (12.0, [5.0; 19.9]; P < 0.01), respectively. No other statistically significant differences were found. This study showed that patients with diabetes, hypertension, rheumatic disease and patients in treatment with orally administrated corticosteroids had a lower ATRS at baseline (prior to the rupture) when compared to patients without the respective disease or treatment. Diabetes and treatment with orally administrated corticosteroids did negatively affect ATRS at follow-up, but none of the investigated comorbidities or treatment with orally administrated corticosteroids did negatively affect change in ATRS from baseline to follow-up. Level III.

Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Nonsurgically Treated Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Prospective Study

Background: An acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a long-lasting and devastating injury. Possible biological augmentation to promote and strengthen tendon healing after an ATR would be desirable. Purpose: To determine whether the application of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in nonsurgically treated ATRs may promote healing and thereby improve functional outcomes. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 40 men (aged 18-60 years) with an ATR incurred within 72 hours were included, and 38 were followed for 12 months. All patients were treated with an orthosis with 3 wedges for 8 weeks; full weightbearing from day 1 was allowed, combined with either 4 PRP or 4 placebo injections (a few drops of saline, <0.5 mL, under the skin) 14 days apart. All patients received the same instructions on an exercise program starting from week 9. Outcomes included the self-reported Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) as well as heel-rise work, heel-rise height, tendon elongation, calf circumference, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Results: The mean ATRS score improved in both groups at all time points (P < .001), but there was no difference between the groups at any time points (12 months: 90.1 points in PRP group and 88.8 points in placebo group). No differences in all functional outcomes at any time points were seen between the groups. At 12 months, the injured leg did not reach normal functional values compared with the uninjured leg. Conclusion: The application of PRP in nonsurgically treated ATRs did not appear to show any superior clinical and functional improvement. Registration: NCT02417922 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)

Age and Tightness of Repair Are Predictors of Heel-Rise Height After Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Background:Achilles tendon rupture leads to weakness of ankle plantarflexion. Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture should aim to restore function while minimizing weakness and complications of management.Purpose:To determine the influence of factors (age, sex, body mass index [BMI], weight, time from injury to operative repair, and tightness of repair) in the initial surgical management of patients after an acute Achilles tendon rupture on 12-month functional outcome assessment after percutaneous and minimally invasive repair.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:From May 2012 to January 2018, patients sustaining an Achilles tendon rupture receiving operative repair were prospectively evaluated. Tightness of repair was quantified using the intraoperative Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA). Heel-rise height index (HRHI) was used as the primary 12-month outcome variable. Secondary outcome measures included Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) and Tegner score. Stepwise multiple regression was used to create a model to predict 12-month HRHI.Results:A total of 122 patients met the inclusion criteria for data analysis (mean ± SD age, 44.1 ± 10.8 years; 78% male; mean ± SD BMI, 28.1 ± 4.3 kg/m2). The elapsed time to surgery was 6.5 ± 4.0 days. At 12-month follow-up, patients had an HRHI of 82% ± 16% and performed 82% ± 17% of repetitions compared with the noninjured side. Participants had a mean ATRS of 87 ± 15 and a median Tegner score of 5 (range, 1-9), with a reduction in Tegner score of 2 from preinjury levels. The relative ATRA at 12 months was –4.8° ± 3.9°. Multiple regression identified younger age (B = ±0.006; P < .001) and greater intraoperative ATRA (B = 0.005; P = .053) as predictors of more symmetrical 12-month HRHI (R 2 = 0.19; P < .001; n = 120).Conclusion:Age was found to be the strongest predictor of outcome after Achilles tendon rupture. The most important modifiable risk factor was the tightness of repair. It is recommended that repair be performed as tight as possible to optimize heel-rise height 1 year after Achilles tendon rupture and possibly to reduce tendon elongation.

Clinical outcomes of surgical management of acute achilles tendon rupture with the open technique and effect of tendoflex polytendon complex as a dietary supplement

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the use of the oral polytendon complex (Tendoflex Mega-Farma Pharmaceutical Company) as a nutritional supplement after the open repair of Achilles tendon rupture cases on clinical outcomes.Material and Methods: This study included 29 consecutive patients with Achilles tendon ruptures who had undergone open repair of the Achilles tendon and took postoperative oral Tendoflex treatment as a dietary supplement. Patients have been followed up in the postoperative 8th 12th and 48th weeks. The ranges of motions and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was noted. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score(ATRS) was also pointed out at the last follow up.Results: There were no cases of re-rupture. There were no cases of infection and or nerve injury. 48th week follow up results were plantar flexion 47.1 degrees, dorsiflexion 17.8 degrees, eversion 17.1degrees, inversion 28.2 degrees with a mean VAS score of 0.6 and a mean ATRS of 93.Conclusion: The open repair of Achilles tendon ruptures has certain advantages like lower re-rupture rates and lower iatrogenic neural injury rates. Including Tendoflex to the treatment protocol, may also have prevented re-ruptures and provided rapid amelioration of pain.

Endoscopic Treatment for Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture on High Demand Patients

Category:Ankle, Arthroscopy, Sports, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture (CATR) is still a prevalent condition that includes neglected ruptures and re-ruptures after surgical treatment. CATR is responsible for marked functional impairment that usually requires surgical repair and an open procedure is traditionally performed. Endoscopic treatment has been described but there is no consensus in its role due to lack of quality papers. There is some experience with endoscopic transfer of Flexor Hallucis Longus (ETFHL) but most authors recommend this technique only on low demanding patients.The purpose of this paper is to present our results with ETFHL on athletic patients (recreational sports or high demanding job), contributing to the establishment of this technique.Methods:In this retrospective study, the authors report a series of 14 patients submitted to ETFHL, 12 patients due to Chronic Achilles rupture and 2 due to acute re-rupture, between May 2014 and January 2018. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 12 to 48 months). We measured pre and post-operative AOFAS score and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), along with post-operative heel rise height test.Results:In our 14 patients (11 male, 3 female) the mean age was 42 years old (range 23 to 59). There were 10 non-professional athletes and 4 high demand workers. The mean pre-operative AOFAS score was 61,1 (range 49 to 79) and ATRS was 11,6 (range 10 to 14).Post-operative results: the mean AOFAS score was 96 (ranging 90 to 100). All patients were able to do single foot heel rise with a mean height of 6,2 cm (range 5 to 9,6 cm). The mean ATRS was 95 (range 81 to 100). All patients showed complete functional recuperation of the gastrocnemius complex and returned to sports or labor activities at their previous level. One patient had transient hypoesthesia of tibial nerve. No other complications were registered.Conclusion:We present a small group of recreational athletes and high demand workers in which ETFHL for CATR showed good results with remarkable functional rehabilitation. Our results are comparable to open classic techniques, with less invasiveness and soft tissue complications. Our experience made us believe that ETFHL may play a role in the treatment of CATR, not only in low demand patients but also in the athletic population. Further studies are necessary to compare this technique with the open procedure to ensure its safety and efficacy.

Brake Response Time Recovery After Achilles Tendon Repair.

Background. This study evaluated when patients' brake response time (BRT) recovers after right Achilles repair. Methods. Institutional review board-approved prospective study of 60 patients. Assessments included visual analogue scale pain (VAS) score, Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and a driver readiness survey. Emergent brake pedal operation was simulated at 6 weeks postoperatively and repeated until patients achieved a passing BRT. Results. Fifty-seven patients completed the study. At 6 weeks, 54 of 59 (91.5%) patients had a passing BRT with a mean of 0.60 seconds (SD 0.08 seconds). Five (8.5%) patients had a failing BRT with a significantly higher mean of 0.95 seconds (SD 0.13 seconds, P = .01). At first testing, all patients were ambulating in a walking boot with removable heel wedges. Those who passed were using significantly fewer wedges (mean 1.9 vs 2.6 wedges, P = .04). Mean VAS pain scores (Passed: 1.1, SD 1.57, vs Failed: 2.8, SD 3.35, P = .32) were not significantly different. The mean ATRS was significantly lower among those who passed (63.7, SD 16.7, vs 85.4, SD 11.1, P = .01. Three patients repeated testing at a mean 7.3 weeks (range 6.7-8). All achieved passing times (mean 0.68 seconds, range 0.55 to 0.77 seconds). The driving readiness survey was 100% sensitive but 31.3% specific for passing BRT. Its positive predictive value was 80%, and its negative predictive value was 100%. Conclusion. BRT normalizes around 6 to 7 weeks after open right Achilles tendon repair. The ATRS and driver readiness questionnaire corresponded to achieving a passing BRT. Levels of Evidence: Prognostic Level II: Prospective Cohort Study.

Endoscopy-Assisted Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With a Central Turndown Flap and Semitendinosus Augmentation.

The objective of this study was to report the results of a new minimally invasive Achilles reconstruction technique and to assess the perioperative morbidity, medium- to long-term outcomes, and functional results. Our series was comprised 14 patients (11 men and 3 women), with a mean age of 45.6 years at surgery. Each patient had a chronic Achilles tendon rupture. The mean interval from rupture to surgery was 5.5 months (range, 2-10). The mean total follow-up was 30.1 months (range, 12-78). All patients were operated with a central turndown flap augmented with free semitendinosus tendon graft and percutaneous sutures in a minimally invasive approach assisted by endoscopy. The patients underwent retrospective assessment by clinical examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, and the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Paired t tests were used to assess the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores, ATRS scores, and ankle range of motion. The length of the defect ranged from 3 to 8 cm (mean, 5.1), while the length of the turndown flap ranged from 8 to 13 cm (mean, 10.1). The mean AOFAS score improved from 64.5 points preoperatively to 96.9 points at last follow-up. The mean ATRS score improved from 49.4 preoperatively to 91.4 points at last follow-up. None of the patients developed a wound complication. No patient had a rerupture or sural nerve damage. All patients in our study had a favorable outcome with no complications. We believe that with this triple-repair technique, one can achieve a strong and robust repair such as in open surgery while at the same time reducing the incidence of complications. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Percutaneous repair followed by accelerated rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

To evaluate the outcome after percutaneous repair followed by accelerated rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. 21 men and 9 women (mean age, 41 years) underwent percutaneous repair by a single senior surgeon for acute Achilles tendon ruptures, followed by early weight bearing and accelerated rehabilitation. Outcome measures included the Achilles tendon re-rupture rate, the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) at 3 and 6 months, the incidence of sural nerve injury, wound infection, wound dehiscence, patient satisfaction, and the time to return to pre-rupture activity. The mean follow-up period was 12.5 months. The mean ATRS score improved from 57.65 at 3 months to 86.95 at 6 months (p<0.001). No patient had intra-operative complications, tendon re-rupture, sural nerve injury, wound dehiscence, or deep infection. Two patients developed a superficial wound infection, which was resolved with oral flucloxacillin. Two patients had a mass at the transverse incision, but neither had any symptoms or functional restriction. All patients were able to bear full weight comfortably without the walker boot at 8 weeks, and return to their work by 3 months. The mean time to return to pre-rupture activity, including sports, was 10.4 months. The mean satisfaction rate was 87% at 6 months. Percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon followed by early weight bearing and accelerated rehabilitation achieves good functional outcome.

The treatment of a rupture of the Achilles tendon using a dedicated management programme.

The Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) programme was introduced in 2008. This paper summarises the outcome of this programme. Patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon treated in our unit follow a comprehensive management protocol that includes a dedicated Achilles clinic, ultrasound examination, the use of functional orthoses, early weight-bearing, an accelerated exercise regime and guidelines for return to work and sport. The choice of conservative or surgical treatment was based on ultrasound findings. The rate of re-rupture, the outcome using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Achilles Tendon Repair Score, (AS), and the complications were recorded. An elementary cost analysis was also performed. Between 2008 and 2014 a total of 273 patients presented with an acute rupture 211 of whom were managed conservatively and 62 had surgical repair. There were three re-ruptures (1.1%). There were 215 men and 58 women with a mean age of 46.5 years (20 to 86). Functional outcome was satisfactory. Mean ATRS and AS at four months was 53.0 (sd 14), 64.9 (sd 15) (n = 135), six months 67.8 (sd 16), 73.8 (sd 15) (n = 103) and nine months (72.4; sd 14) 72.3 (sd 13) (n = 43). The programme realised estimated cost savings exceeding £91,000 per annum. The SMART programme resulted in a low rate of re-rupture, a satisfactory outcome, a reduced rate of surgical intervention and a reduction in healthcare costs.

Outcomes of acute Achilles tendon rupture repair with bone marrow aspirate concentrate augmentation.

Optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures remains controversial. Positive results using stem-cell-bearing concentrates have been reported with other soft-tissue repairs, but no studies exist on outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) augmentation in primary Achilles tendon repair. We reviewed patients with sport-related Achilles tendon ruptures treated via open repair augmented with BMAC injection from 2009 to 2011. Data on operative complications, strength, range of motion, rerupture, calf circumference and functional improvement through progressive return to sport and the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) were analysed. A total of 27 patients (28 tendons) treated with open repair and BMAC injection were identified (mean age 38.3 ± 9.6 years). At mean follow-up of 29.7 ± 6.1 months, there were no reruptures. Walking without a boot was at 1.8 ± 0.7 months, participation in light activity was at 3.4 ± 1.8 months and 92% (25 of 27) of patients returned to their sport at 5.9 ± 1.8 months. Mean ATRS at final follow-up was 91 (range 72-100) points. One case of superficial wound dehiscence healed with local wound care. No soft-tissue masses, bone formation or tumors were observed in the operative extremity. Excellent results, including no re-ruptures and early mobilisation, were observed in this small cohort with open Achilles tendon repair augmented by BMAC. No adverse outcomes of biologic treatment were observed with this protocol. The efficacy of BMAC in the operative repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures warrants further study. IV - Therapeutic.

The management of chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon: minimally invasive peroneus brevis tendon transfer.

We hypothesised that a minimally invasive peroneus brevis tendon transfer would be effective for the management of a chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. In 17 patients (three women, 14 men) who underwent minimally invasive transfer and tenodesis of the peroneus brevis to the calcaneum, at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (2 to 7) the modified Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) was recorded and the maximum circumference of the calf of the operated and contralateral limbs was measured. The strength of isometric plantar flexion of the gastrocsoleus complex and of eversion of the ankle were measured bilaterally. Functional outcomes were classified according to the four-point Boyden scale. At the latest review, the mean maximum circumference of the calf of the operated limb was not significantly different from the pre-operative mean value, (41.4 cm, 32 to 50 vs 40.6 cm, 33 to 46; p = 0.45), and not significantly less than that of the contralateral limb (43.1 cm, 35 to 52; p = 0.16). The mean peak torque (244.6 N, 125 to 367) and the strength of eversion of the operated ankle (149.1 N, 65 to 240) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than those of the contralateral limb (mean peak torque 289, 145 to 419; strength of eversion: 175.2, 71 to 280). The mean ATRS significantly improved from 58 pre-operatively (35 to 68) to 91 (75 to 97; 95% confidence interval 85.3 to 93.2) at the time of final review. Of 13 patients who practised sport at the time of injury, ten still undertook recreational activities. This procedure may be safely performed, is minimally invasive, and allows most patients to return to pre-injury sport and daily activities.

Reconstruction of defects involving the Achilles tendon and local soft tissues: a quick solution for a lingering problem.

A total of seven patients (six men and one woman) with a defect in the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue underwent reconstruction using either a composite radial forearm flap (n = 3) or an anterolateral thigh flap (n = 4). The Achilles tendons were reconstructed using chimeric palmaris longus (n = 2) or tensor fascia lata (n = 2) flaps or transfer of the flexor hallucis longus tendon (n = 3). Surgical parameters such as the rate of complications and the time between the initial repair and flap surgery were analysed. Function was measured objectively by recording the circumference of the calf, the isometric strength of the plantar flexors and the range of movement of the ankle. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) questionnaire was used as a patient-reported outcome measure. Most patients had undergone several previous operations to the Achilles tendon prior to flap surgery. The mean time to flap surgery was 14.3 months (2.1 to 40.7). At a mean follow-up of 32.3 months (12.1 to 59.6) the circumference of the calf on the operated lower limb was reduced by a mean of 1.9 cm (sd 0.74) compared with the contralateral limb (p = 0.042). The mean strength of the plantar flexors on the operated lower limb was reduced to 88.9% of that of the contralateral limb (p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in the range of movement between the two sides (p = 0.317). The mean ATRS score was 72 points (sd 20.0). One patient who had an initial successful reconstruction developed a skin defect of the composite flap 12 months after free flap surgery and this resulted in recurrent infections, culminating in transtibial amputation 44 months after reconstruction. These otherwise indicate that reconstruction of the Achilles tendon combined with flap cover results in a successful and functional reconstruction.

Gender Differences in Outcome After an Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

Objectives:There is an indication in the literature that there is a difference in tendon healing between genders. However comparisons in outcome are often not possible due to the small sample size of women with an acute Achilles tendon rupture. In most studies on patients with Achilles tendon rupture the women only account for less then 20% of the patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate if there are any differences in outcome between genders when combining the data from two large randomized controlled trials, which used identical outcome measures.Methods:Patients included in two consecutive randomized controlled trials, comparing surgical and non-surgical treatment, were included in the evaluation. Patients who had a re-rupture were excluded from the analysis. A total of 184 patients (154 males, 30 females) mean (SD) age of 40 (11) years were included. 96 (78 males, 18 females) were treated with surgery and 88 (76 males, 12 females) non-surgically. Patient reported outcome was evaluated with the Achilles tendon Total rupture Score (ATRS) and the functional outcome were measured with a single-leg standing heel-rise test (measurement of muscular endurance and heel-rise height) 6 and 12 months after injury in our research laboratory.Results:For the whole group there were no significant difference between treatments on ATRS at 6 and 12 months. The surgical group was significantly better then the non-surgical group in heel-rise endurance at 6 and 12 months and in heel-rise height recovery at 6 months (p<0.03). When comparing the genders, disregarding the treatment, there were no significant differences except for at 12 months the males had a greater improvement in heel-rise height (p=0.004). When comparing the genders for each treatment group separately it was found that the females had significantly (p<0.04) more symptoms after surgical treatment (mean (SD) ATRS 61 (24)) compared to the males (74 (19)) at 6 months and (74 (27) vs. 87 (17)) at 12 months. This difference was not found when comparing the genders in the non-surgical treatment group.Conclusion:Females has a greater degree of deficit in heel-rise height as compared to males irrespective of treatment. Females have more symptoms compared to males after surgery both at 6 and 12 months but this difference is not found when treated non-surgically. Further research is needed to determine if women will benefit more from non-surgical compared to surgical treatment after an Achilles tendon rupture.

Less-Invasive Semitendinosus Tendon Graft Augmentation for the Reconstruction of Chronic Tears of the Achilles Tendon

Background: Less-extensive and gentler exposure and dissection of deep soft tissues could reduce the times of recovery and rehabilitation after Achilles tendon reconstruction. Hypothesis: A minimally invasive semitendinosus autologous graft reconstruction of the Achilles tendon preserves skin integrity and reduces wound breakdown. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 26 patients underwent minimally invasive semitendinosus autologous graft reconstruction for chronic ruptures to the Achilles tendon. Patients underwent a comparison of preoperative versus postoperative maximum calf circumference and isometric plantarflexion strength and evaluation of postoperative complications. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) was administered at the final follow-up appointment. Results: All patients were reviewed at an average of 8.2 years (range, 7-10 years) from surgery. No patient was lost to follow-up. At final follow-up, the maximum calf circumference was significantly higher than preoperatively but significantly lower than the contralateral side. The isometric plantarflexion strength in the operated leg was lower than in the uninjured one. The mean ATRS was 88. Two patients developed a superficial wound infection, both healing within 2 months from the index surgery after systemic antibiotics and local dressings. One patient developed scar adhesion to the distal wound. All patients returned to their preinjury working occupation; 22 patients returned to their preinjury level of activity at a mean of 6.7 months after surgery. Conclusion: This technique is minimally invasive, is safe, and allows most of the patients to return to preinjury daily and sport activities within 9 months from surgery.

Effect of Complications After Minimally Invasive Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Background: Complications of acute Achilles tendon rupture treatment are considered to negatively influence outcome, but the relevance of these effects is largely unknown. Purpose: The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) was used to determine level of disability in patients with minimally invasive surgical Achilles tendon rupture repair with a complicated postoperative course. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The charts of 340 consecutive patients treated for an acute Achilles tendon rupture by minimally invasive surgical repair were reviewed. Complications were categorized as rerupture, severe wound infection, sural nerve injury, and other. Level of disability was evaluated by the 10-item ATRS with a sum score of minimum 0 to maximum 100 points. Results: A total of 211 patients returned a completed questionnaire: mean follow-up was 6.2 years (range, 3-10 years). Mean ATRS for all 211 patients was 84 (95% confidence interval: 82, 87). The mean ATRS for the 135 (64%) uncomplicated cases was 89 of 100 points, 71 points for the 17 (8%) patients with a rerupture (95% confidence interval: 63, 79; P < .0001), 79 points for the 41 patients (19%) with a sural nerve injury (95% confidence interval: 74, 85; P = .0008), and 75 points for the 17 patients (8%) with another complication (95% confidence interval: 67, 83; P = .001). Of these other complications, 13 patients (6%) suffered a wound-healing complication considered minor. Their average ATRS score was 80 points (95% confidence interval: 71, 88.7; P = .0445). One patient suffered a severe wound infection as well, scoring 28 of 100 points. Rerupture significantly increased the risk of quitting or changing sport participation on the long term. Conclusion: Long-term outcome after minimally invasive Achilles tendon rupture repair is excellent. Rerupture and severe wound infection are the most important complications with lasting negative effect on outcome. It justifies the use of rerupture as a relevant outcome measure in treatment evaluation.

Functional management of Achilles tendon rupture: A viable option for non-operative management

Functional management of the ruptured Achilles tendon can be effective using orthoses like the removable walker boot (Foam Walker Boot, Air Cast UK Limited, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom). We conducted this study to look at the outcome of our protocol using this orthosis. We retrospectively reviewed 107 non-operatively managed Achilles tendon ruptures over the last 5 years. Case notes were analyzed for demographics and immediate outcomes. Long term outcomes were assessed by a postal questionnaire using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Of the 107 tendons (male:female=71:36, mean age=50 years), 105 tendons (98%) healed with an average discharge time of 22 weeks. Six patients reported major complications and 6 reported minor complications. We received 56 questionnaires with a mean ATRS score of 21. Seventy-seven percent returned to pre-injury level of activity. Functional management of Achilles tendon rupture, under appropriate supervision, provides a viable option for non-operative management.