Performance of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score Over Time in a Large National Database: Development of an Instruction Manual for Accurate Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1423-1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Swennergren Hansen ◽  
Katarina Nilsson Helander ◽  
Jón Karlsson ◽  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
National Database ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Instruction Manual ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Difference

Background: The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a commonly used patient-reported outcome measure for patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture. The score consists of 10 questions, the last 3 of which include activities that some patients cannot or do not do. No instruction manual has been developed for the ATRS. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate the ATRS at 4, 12, and 24 months after a rupture. The hypothesis was that the results at 4 months would be inconsistent when compared with the results at 1 year and 2 years. We also aimed to develop a manual that explains how to use the ATRS. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study. The first section was a registry study, where prospectively collected data were analyzed. Data were collected 4, 12, and 24 months after rupture. The original score based on 10 items was compared with a score based on the first 7 items adjusted to the same scale as the original score. Density plots and scatterplots were made and differences between the scores were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. The second section of the study consisted of discussions among the authors, which resulted in a manual for the ATRS. Results: In total, 2790 complete ATRSs were included. The 7-item score significantly overestimated the value of the 10-item score at all time points ( P < .001), but only at 4 months was the difference clinically relevant (9.7 points). Conclusion: When the ATRS is used for short-term evaluation, there is a risk of results being inconsistent because of the last 3 questions. A manual explaining how to use the ATRS was therefore developed. We recommend that the full ATRS together with the manual should be used in future research rather than eliminating the 3 last questions.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 3309-3317
Author(s):  
Simon Svedman ◽  
Gunnar Edman ◽  
Paul W. Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Purpose The 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. Methods A 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). Results The 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). Conclusion Sustaining a DVT during leg immobilization significantly impairs patient-reported outcome at 1 year after surgical repair of ATR. Level of evidence III.

scholarly journals Reduced Time to Surgery Improves Patient-Reported Outcome After Achilles Tendon Rupture

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (12) ◽  
pp. 2929-2934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Svedman ◽  
Robin Juthberg ◽  
Gunnar Edman ◽  
Paul W. Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcome ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Patient outcome after an acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) continues to be suboptimal and heterogeneous. Thus, prognostic factors are called for to optimize evidence-based ATR treatment protocols; however, the influence of delayed time from injury to surgery (TTS) on patient outcome after ATR remains largely unknown. Purpose: To determine whether patient outcomes and adverse events after surgical repair of acute ATR are related to delayed TTS. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Two hundred twenty-eight patients with ATR who were treated with uniform anesthetic and surgical techniques, within 10 days after injury, were retrospectively assessed. TTS depended on availability of the operating theater, and neither surgeon nor patient could influence the TTS. Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: short TTS (<48 hours), intermediate TTS (48-72 hours), and long TTS (>72 hours). Patient-reported outcome at 1 year was assessed with the validated Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score, with scores higher than 80 on a 0- to 100-point scale indicating an overall good outcome. The incidences of adverse events (perioperative and postoperative) and deep venous thrombosis were assessed. Results: Short TTS was significantly associated with increased rate of good outcome and reduced risk of adverse events. Seventy-one percent (95% CI, 60%-83%) of the patients with short TTS attained a good outcome compared with 44% (95% CI, 33%-56%) of the patients with long TTS ( P = .002), with the intermediate TTS group in between, 63% (95% CI, 47%-78%). The incidence of adverse events was significantly reduced among patients with short TTS, 1.4% (95% CI, 1%-4%) compared with those with intermediate TTS, 11% (95% CI, 2%-21%) ( P = .035) and those with long TTS, 14.8% (95% CI, 7%-23%) ( P = .003). The risk of sustaining a deep venous thrombosis was not statistically significantly different among the 3 groups ( P = .15). Conclusion: Patients with acute ATR undergoing operation within 48 hours after injury had better outcomes and a lower number of adverse events compared with patients undergoing operation after 72 hours. These results align with evidence-based recommendations from other surgical disciplines and should be used as guidelines for optimizing ATR treatment protocols. Registration: NTC01317160 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

scholarly journals Slowed-Down Rehabilitation Following Percutaneous Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110385
Author(s):  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Nikolaos Gougoulias ◽  
Gayle D. Maffulli ◽  
Francesco Oliva ◽  
Filippo Migliorini
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Calf Circumference ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Traditional Group ◽  
Percutaneous Repair ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Group 1

Background: Following percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures, early postoperative weightbearing is advocated; however, it is debatable how aggressive rehabilitation should be. We compared the clinical and functional outcomes in 2 groups of patients who followed either our “traditional” or a “slowed down” rehabilitation after percutaneous surgical repair. Methods: Sixty patients were prospectively recruited to a slowed down (29 patients) or a traditional (31 patients) rehabilitation program. Both groups were allowed immediate weightbearing postoperatively; a removable brace with 5 heel wedges was applied at 2 weeks. In the slowed-down group, 1 wedge was removed after 4 weeks. Gradual removal of the boot took place after 4 wedges were kept for 4 weeks. In the traditional group, 1 wedge was removed every 2 weeks, with removal of the boot after 2 wedges had been kept for 2 weeks. The AT Resting Angle (ATRA) evaluated tendon elongation. Patient reported functional outcomes were assessed using the AT Rupture Score (ATRS). Calf circumference difference and the isometric plantarflexion strength of the gastro-soleus complex were evaluated. Results: At the 12-month follow-up, both ATRA and ATRS were more favorable in the slowed-down group. The isometric strength and the calf circumference were more similar to the contralateral leg in the slowed-down group than in the traditional one. Conclusion: Following percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon patients undergoing slowed down rehabilitation performed better than the traditional one. These conclusions must be considered within the limitations of the present study. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Remembered preoperative Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (QuickDASH) scores

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Wormdal ◽  
S. H. Tallaksen ◽  
Ø. Hagen ◽  
O. A. Foss ◽  
V. Finsen
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Surgery Patient ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Basal Joint ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
The Difference

The Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (QuickDASH) patient-reported outcome measure is frequently used to assess disabilities and symptoms of the upper extremity. This study compares real preoperative QuickDASH scores and remembered preoperative QuickDASH scores. Remembered preoperative QuickDASH scores were obtained 45 months (39–67) after surgery. Patient material consisted of 160 patients operated for Dupuytren’s contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb basal joint arthrosis, and shoulder pain. All patients had completed QuickDASH questionnaires before surgery. Paired T-tests, linear mixed models, and limits of agreement were used for analyses. There was a significant difference between remembered and real preoperative scores (mean 7.6, SD 15.6; SEM 1.2). Neither diagnosis, age, gender, nor time between surgery and review influenced the difference significantly. A linear mixed model was constructed to investigate the ability to retrospectively predict preoperative QuickDASH scores. Remembered preoperative QuickDASH cannot be used in individual patients because of the high inaccuracy. Level of evidence: III

scholarly journals Influence of Achilles tendon rupture site on surgical repair outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902110076
Author(s):  
Shengxuan Cao ◽  
Zhaolin Teng ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
Qian Zhou ◽  
Xu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Weak Negative Correlation ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rupture Site

Purpose: This study aims to measure the distance between the common site of Achilles tendon rupture and calcaneal insertion through ultrasound and to compare the outcomes between proximal and distal rupture groups. Methods: We investigated the electronic medical records of 117 patients and preoperative ultrasound describing the rupture site. Among 88 patients, we compared the patient-reported outcome and re-rupture rate of proximal and distal rupture groups. Results: The mean rupture site of the 117 included subjects was 4.5 ± 1.3 cm. The rupture site had a weak negative correlation with body mass index ( ρ = −0.230, P = 0.013). Furthermore, 77% of the patients with distal rupture reported good outcome (Achilles Tendon Rupture Score > 80) compared to 56% of the patients with proximal rupture ( P = 0.041). Conclusion: Patients with proximal rupture had less satisfactory postoperative outcomes than those with distal rupture.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 894-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Aufwerber ◽  
Annette Heijne ◽  
Karin Grävare Silbernagel ◽  
Paul W. Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Force Measurement ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Force Loading ◽  
Fear Of Movement ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Plantar Force

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).

scholarly journals Early mobilization does not reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis after Achilles tendon rupture: a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 312-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Aufwerber ◽  
Annette Heijne ◽  
Gunnar Edman ◽  
Karin Grävare Silbernagel ◽  
Paul W. Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Purpose The hypothesis was that early functional mobilization would reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during leg immobilization after Achilles tendon rupture surgery. A secondary aim was to evaluate if the amount of weightbearing and daily steps influenced the risk of sustaining a DVT. Methods One-hundred and fifty patients with Achilles tendon rupture repair were randomized to treatment with early functional mobilization, encouraging full weightbearing and ankle motion in orthosis, or treatment-as-usual, i.e., 2 weeks of unloading in plaster cast followed by 4 weeks weightbearing in orthosis. At 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, all patients were screened for DVT using compression duplex ultrasound. During the first 2 weeks postoperatively, patient-reported loading, pain and step counts were assessed. Results At 2 weeks, 28/96 (29%) of the patients in early functional mobilization group and 15/49 (31%) in the control group (n.s) had sustained a DVT. At 6 weeks, the DVT rate was 35/94 (37%) in the early functional mobilization and 14/49 (29%) in the control group (n.s). During the first postoperative week, the early functional mobilization group reported low loading and higher experience of pain vs. the control group (p = 0.001). Low patient-reported loading ≤ 50% (OR = 4.3; 95% CI 1.28–14.3) was found to be an independent risk factor for DVT, in addition to high BMI and higher age. Conclusions Early functional mobilization does not prevent the high incidence of DVT during leg immobilization in patients with Achilles tendon rupture as compared to treatment-as-usual. The low efficacy of early functional mobilization is mainly explained by postoperative pain and subsequent low weightbearing. To minimize the risk of DVT, patients should be encouraged to load at least 50% of body weight on the injured leg 1 week after surgery. Level of evidence Therapeutic, level 1

Operative repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture does not give superior patient-reported outcomes to nonoperative management

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (7) ◽  
pp. 933-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian F. Maempel ◽  
Nicholas D. Clement ◽  
Neil R. Wickramasinghe ◽  
Andrew D. Duckworth ◽  
John F. Keating
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Aims The aim was to compare long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after operative and nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture in the context of a randomized controlled trial. Methods PROMs including the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D), satisfaction, net promoter score and data regarding re-rupture, and venous thromboembolic rates were collected for patients randomized to receive either operative or nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture in a previous study. Of the 80 patients originally randomized, 64 (33 treated surgically, 31 nonoperatively) patients were followed up at a mean of 15.7 years (13.4 to 17.7). Results There was no statistically significant difference between operatively and nonoperatively treated patients, in SMFA Dysfunction Index (median 1.56 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 5.51) vs 1.47 (IQR 0 to 5.15); p = 0.289), SMFA Bother Index (2.08 (IQR 0 to 12.50) vs 0.00 (IQR 0 to 6.25); p = 0.074), ATRS (94 (IQR 86 to 100) vs 95 (IQR 81 to 100); p = 0.313), EQ-5D-5L (1 (IQR 0.75 to 1) vs 1 (IQR 0.84 to 1); p = 0.137) or EQ-5D health today visual analogue score (85 (IQR 72.5 to 95) vs 85 (IQR 8 to 95); p = 0.367). There was no statistically significant difference between operative and nonoperative groups in terms of satisfaction (84% vs 100%; p = 0.119) or willingness to recommend treatment to friends or family (79% vs 87%; p = 0.255). Four nonoperative patients and two in the operative group sustained a re-rupture (p = 0.306). Conclusion Both patient groups reported good results at long-term follow-up. The findings give no evidence of superior long-term patient reported outcomes (as measured by the SMFA) for surgical treatment over nonoperative treatment. There was no demonstrable difference in other patient reported outcome measures, satisfaction, or re-rupture rates at long-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):933–940.

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