Achilles Injury and Access to Care in South Florida

2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002094371
Author(s):  
Allison L. Boden ◽  
Joseph S. Geller ◽  
Caroline J. Granger ◽  
Spencer H. Summers ◽  
Jonathan Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Access To Care ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Insurance Status ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Introduction. Despite the amount of orthopaedic research evaluating access to care based on insurance status, no study quantifies the effects of insurance status on the care of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods. Using Current Procedural Terminology codes, we identified all patients who underwent surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture between December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2018, and followed-up at either a county hospital–based orthopaedic surgery clinic and/or private university–based clinic. Inclusion criteria included patients who (1) underwent surgical management of an Achilles tendon rupture during this time period and (2) were at least 18 years of age at the time of surgery. A univariate 2-tailed t test was used to compare various groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results. When compared to adequately insured patients (private and Medicare), underinsured patients (uninsured and Medicaid) experienced a significantly greater time from the date of injury to first clinic visit (14.5 days vs 5.2 days, P < .001), first clinic visit to surgery (34.6 days vs 4.8 days, P < .002), injury to surgery date (48.9 days vs 9.8 days, P < .001), initial presentation to when magnetic resonance imaging was obtained (48.1 days vs 1.9 days, P < .002). Conclusions. Disparities in access to care for Achilles tendon ruptures are intimately related to insurance status. Uninsured and Medicaid patients are subject to institutional delays and decreased access to care when compared to patients with private insurance. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Prognostic, retrospective

scholarly journals Achilles Injury and Access to Care in South Florida

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0013
Author(s):  
Allison Boden ◽  
Joseph S. Geller ◽  
Caroline Granger ◽  
Spencer H. Summers ◽  
Jonathan R. Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Initial Presentation ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Insurance Status ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis

Category: Hindfoot; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Achilles Tendon (AT) rupture is the most common tendon rupture in the lower extremity with an incidence of 2.1 AT ruptures per 100,000 person years. Due to the non-emergent nature of this injury, a delay in presentation may occur leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment; which may alter both nonoperative and operative management. Health insurance status may directly impact time to presentation for many patients. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the effect of insurance status on delay in diagnosis and treatment of AT rupture. Methods: From December 2013 to December 2018, 89 patients with AT ruptures who underwent surgical management were identified by CPT code in a dual-institution retrospective chart analysis. Demographic and injury-specific data were obtained with attention to the date of injury, date of diagnosis, location of initial presentation (clinic vs. emergency room), and number of medical visits. A univariate two tail t test was used to compare various groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 to determine the effects of insurance type on the time to diagnosis and treatment of acute AT ruptures. Results: When compared to adequately insured patients (private and Medicare), underinsured patients (uninsured and Medicaid) experienced a significantly greater time from the date of: injury to first clinic visit (14.5 days versus 5.2 days, p < 0.001), first clinic visit to surgery (34.6 days versus 4.8 days, p < 0.002), injury to surgery date (48.9 days versus 9.8 days, p < 0.001), initial presentation to when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained (48.1 days versus 1.9 days, p < 0.002), and initial presentation to diagnosis (22.8 days versus 1.71 days, p < 0.029). Conclusion: Disparities in access to care are intimately related to insurance status. Uninsured and medicaid patients are subject to institutional delays and decreased access to care when compared to patients with private insurance. Under and uninsured patients are significantly more likely to present to the emergency department for their initial visit, potentially resulting in increased healthcare costs. Emergency department visits as well as difficulty in obtaining an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon may directly contribute to delay in diagnosis.

scholarly journals The Influence of Diabetes on Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0028
Author(s):  
Jonathan Kaplan ◽  
Jeffery Hillam ◽  
Amiethab Aiyer ◽  
Niall Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Power Analysis ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
The United States ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an epidemic affecting millions of individuals in the United States. Multiple studies have demonstrated an increase in complications in foot and ankle surgery in patients with DM, including wound healing complications, surgical site infections (SSI), or surgical failure. The goal of this study was to retrospectively review outcomes data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to determine the impact of DM on operative treatment of achilles tendon ruptures. Methods: Using the NSQIP from 2006-2015, patients were identified using common procedure terminology (CPT) for Achilles tendon ruptures. Diabetic and non-diabetic cohorts were evaluated to compare demographics, comorbidities, perioperative details and 30-day outcomes. Statistical evaluation included a power analysis for the primary outcome measure of wound disruption as well as univariate analysis was performed using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: A total of 2,014 patients were identified having sustained an Achilles tendon rupture. There were 1,981 patients without DM and 33 patients with DM. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, including SSI, medical complications, and 30-day outcomes between patients with DM and non-DM patients undergoing surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. The power analysis for wound disruption showed a P=0.9 with an alpha of 0.05, sample size of n=2014, and Pearson correlation coefficient of r=0.0721 Conclusion: While DM has been shown to have an increase in complications in various foot and ankle procedures, this study demonstrates that there is no significant difference in postoperative complications and 30-day outcomes between patients with DM and non-DM patients undergoing surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures using the NSQIP database from 2006-2015. Based on this data, patients with diabetes mellitus can be considered adequate surgical candidates for acute Achilles tendon rupture repair.

scholarly journals Management of Missed Traumatic Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-470
Author(s):  
Saad Andaloussi
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Plantaris Tendon ◽  
First Case ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
Post Traumatic

BACKGROUND: Missed traumatic Achilles tendon ruptures in children are rarely reported in the literature. Various techniques have been described to reconstruct delayed Achilles tendon ruptures for adults, but the long-term consequences in the growing child are unknown. CLINICAL CASE: The article presents a clinical observation of a 8-year-old girl with missed rupture of the Achilles tendon operated 7 weeks after the trauma by end-to-end Kessler-type sutures augmented with the plantaris tendon. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: A review of the literature shows that this is the third neglected pediatric case of post-traumatic Achilles tendon rupture. The first case concerns a 10-year-old boy treated successfully six weeks after the traumat by open surgical repair using the Bunnell sutures technique. The second patient was a 7-year-old girl, she was operated 8 weeks after the trauma with a termino-terminal tenorrhaphy using the Bunnell technique augmented with the plantaris tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Using the plantaris tendon to reinforce the Achilles tendon repair offers satisfactory results with minimal morbidity. Prognosis depends on the extent of tendon defect which determines the long-term functional outcome. Any skin wound that sits on the back of the leg requires a systematic and careful physical examination to check the integrity of the Achilles tendon.

scholarly journals Ultrasonographic Classification of Achilles Tendon Ruptures as a Rationale for Individual Treatment Selection

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Amlang ◽  
Hans Zwipp ◽  
Adina Friedrich ◽  
Adam Peaden ◽  
Alfred Bunk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Reliable Instrument ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Sonographic Classification

Purpose. This work introduces a distinct sonographic classification of Achilles tendon ruptures which has proven itself to be a reliable instrument for an individualized and differentiated therapy selection for patients who have suffered an Achilles tendon rupture. Materials and Methods. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2005, 273 patients who suffered from a complete subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon (ASR) were clinically and sonographically evaluated. The sonographic classification was organized according to the location of the rupture, the contact of the tendon ends, and the structure of the interposition between the tendon ends. Results. In 266 of 273 (97.4%) patients the sonographic classification of the rupture of the Achilles tendon was recorded. Type 1 was detected in 54 patients (19.8%), type 2a in 68 (24.9%), type 2b in 33 (12.1%), type 3a in 20 (7.3%), type 3b in 61 (22.3%), type 4 in 20 (7.3%), and type 5 in 10 (3.7%). Of the patients with type 1 and fresh ASR, 96% () were treated nonoperative-functionally, and 4% () were treated by percutaneous suture with the Dresden instrument (pDI suture). Of the patients classified as type 2a with fresh ASR, 31 patients (48%) were treated nonoperatively-functionally and 33 patients (52%) with percutaneous suture with the Dresden instrument (pDI suture). Of the patients with type 3b and fresh ASR, 94% () were treated by pDI suture and 6% () by open suture according to Kirchmayr and Kessler. Conclusion. Unlike the clinical classification of the Achilles tendon rupture, the sonographic classification is a guide for deriving a graded and differentiated therapy from a broad spectrum of treatments.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variation of Achilles Tendon Injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0017
Author(s):  
Jon-Michael Caldwell ◽  
Harry Lightsey ◽  
Hasani Swindell ◽  
Justin Greisberg ◽  
J. Turner Vosseller
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon ruptures are increasingly common injuries. There are several known risk factors for Achilles tendon rupture, although little is reported on the seasonal variation of the incidence of these injuries. Of the few studies in the literature touching on this question, the results have been varied. We sought to determine if there is any seasonal pattern of Achilles tendon ruptures. Knowledge of such a seasonal pattern could be advantageous for patient education, risk assessment, and ultimately prevention of these injuries. Methods: We queried billing records for CPT codes 27650, 27652, and 27654 as well as ICD diagnosis codes 727.67, 845.09, and S86.01x pertaining to Achilles tendon injury, repair, and reconstruction. Charts were screened and included if the patient suffered an acute Achilles tendon rupture on a known date. Charts were excluded if the patient had a chronic Achilles tear or underwent reconstruction or debridement for tendonitis, Haglunds deformity, tendon laceration, or any other indication aside from acute rupture. Data was analyzed using a chi-squared test for categorical variables, binomial tests for dichotomous variables and Mann-Whitney-U or Welch t-test for continuous variables. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Our search yielded 499 cases with 245 meeting inclusion criteria. Sixty-six percent (66%) of injuries were identified as sports-related while 34% were non-sports related. When stratified by month, significant peaks occurred in April and July (p = .036, .011 respectively) with significantly fewer injuries occurring in October through December (p = 0.049). The highest rate of injury was seen in Spring (p = .015) and the lowest was seen in Fall (p < .001). There was no significant difference between seasons when only the non-sports related injuries were considered. Basketball was the most common sport involved (n=78) accounting for 51% of injuries (p < .001), followed by soccer and tennis. There was no significant variation between seasons in any particular sport. Conclusion: There was significant seasonal variation in the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures. Both sports and non-sports-related injuries followed a similar pattern, with most injuries occurring during the Spring and Summer and fewer during Fall and Winter. This increase corresponds to the increase in activity in the recreational athlete population in the region which is often preceded by a time of relative inactivity. Our study confirms that the deconditioned athlete is at particularly elevated risk for Achilles tendon rupture during the Spring season when abrupt increases in sporting activity are common. Targeted education and prevention efforts could help mitigate this risk.

scholarly journals Subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture in an eighty-year-old female with an absence of risk factors

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Motoki Sonohata ◽  
Tsutomu Okamoto ◽  
Kazuyoshi Uchihashi ◽  
Tsutomu Motooka ◽  
Hirofumi Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Healthy Female ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Achilles tendon ruptures rarely occur in patients over 80 years of age. However, it is unclear what treatment, surgical or conservative, is suitable for such an Achilles tendon rupture in the elderly. In addition, the clinical results of an Achilles tendon rupture in the elderly are disappointing. We report here the case of a subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture in an eighty-year-old, healthy female, who returned to her previous level of activity following surgical treatment. Additional case reports of other instances of successful treatment are needed to help establish the optimal treatment protocol for an Achilles tendon rupture in the elderly.

scholarly journals Development and field testing of a patient decision aid for management of acute Achilles tendon rupture: a study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad Meulenkamp ◽  
Julia Brillinger ◽  
Dean Fergusson ◽  
Dawn Stacey ◽  
Ian D. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Decision Aid ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Decisional Conflict ◽  
Patient Decision Aid ◽  
Patient Decision ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Abstract Background Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries in an otherwise healthy, active population. Several treatment options exist, with both surgical and non-surgical options. Each treatment option has a unique set of risks and harms, which may present patients with decisional conflict. The aim of the proposed study is to develop, alpha test and field test a patient decision aid for patients presenting with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods This is a three-stage study protocol. First, we will assemble a multi-disciplinary steering group including patients, clinicians, educators, and researchers to develop the patient decision aid prototype using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. Second, we will perform a mixed-methods alpha test of the decision aid prototype with patients and clinicians experienced in acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Outcomes measured will include acceptability and usability of the patient decision aid measured using validated outcome scales and semi-structured interviews. A minimum of three rounds of feedback will be obtained. Results will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, reviewed by the steering group, to guide revisions to decision aid prototype at each round. The third stage will be field testing the revised decision aid prototype in usual clinical care. A pre-/post-study will be performed with patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Patients will be recruited from the emergency department and complete the pre-consultation decision aid prior to a one-week follow up with their surgeon. The primary outcome of field testing will be feasibility of implementing the decision aid in the clinical setting and will be measured with recruitment and completion metrics. Secondary outcomes include acceptability of the decision aid, knowledge, preparedness for decision making, and decisional conflict, measured using validated outcome measures. Statistical analysis will be performed using descriptive analysis for primary outcomes and a student t-test and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test for secondary outcomes. Discussion This comprehensive study protocol outlines the development, alpha testing, and field testing of a patient decision aid for patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Systematic and transparent development and testing of patient decision aids is critical to improve decision aid quality. Trial registration Not Applicable.

scholarly journals Effect of Achilles Tendon Rupture on Player Performance and Longevity in National Basketball Association Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596712096604
Author(s):  
Lafi S. Khalil ◽  
Toufic R. Jildeh ◽  
Joseph S. Tramer ◽  
Muhammad J. Abbas ◽  
Luke Hessburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
National Basketball Association ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Player Performance

Background: National Basketball Association (NBA) players who return to sport (RTS) after Achilles tendon rupture have been reported to have poor outcomes. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Achilles tendon ruptures on player performance and career longevity in NBA athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: NBA players who sustained Achilles tendon ruptures between 1970 and 2019 were identified using publicly available resources and were matched 1:1 to a healthy control group by age, position, height, and body mass index. Demographic characteristics, player utilization (games and minutes), and performance efficiency rating (PER) were documented for all athletes. The season of Achilles tendon rupture was set as the index year, and statistical analysis compared postindex versus preindex data both acutely and in the long term. Percentages relative to preoperative values were calculated to compare the injured and control groups in a standardized fashion. Results: Of 47 players, 34 (72.3%) with Achilles tendon ruptures returned to play at the NBA level after surgical intervention. A total of 7 players were excluded from the study. No differences were found in demographic characteristics or PER (2 years before injury) between the remaining 27 players and matched controls. The injured players had significantly shorter careers compared with control players (3.1 ± 2.3 vs 5.8 ± 3.5 seasons, respectively; P < .05). Injured players demonstrated significant declines in games per season (GPS), minutes per game (MPG), and PER at 1 year and 3 years after RTS compared with preindex baseline ( P < .05). Injured players, compared with control players, had reduced relative percentages of games started (GS) (50% vs 125%, respectively), MPG (83% vs 103%), and PER (80% vs 96%) at 1 year after return ( P < .05), but reductions at extended 3-year follow-up were seen only in GPS (71% vs 91%) and GS (39% vs 99%) ( P < .05). Conclusion: Our study found that 72.3% of NBA players returned to play after Achilles tendon repair, but they had shorter careers compared with uninjured controls. Players returning from Achilles tendon repairs had decreased game utilization and performance at all time points relative to their individual preindex baseline. However, for the injured players when compared with controls, game utilization but not performance was found to be decreased at 3-year follow-up.

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