Does size of tendon gap affect patient-reported outcome following Achilles tendon rupture treated with functional rehabilitation?

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (11) ◽  
pp. 1535-1541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Yassin ◽  
Richard Myatt ◽  
William Thomas ◽  
Vatsal Gupta ◽  
Tagrit Hoque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Functional Rehabilitation ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Dynamic Ultrasound ◽  
The Mean

Aims Functional rehabilitation has become an increasingly popular treatment for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), providing comparably low re-rupture rates to surgery, while avoiding risks of surgical complications. Limited evidence exists on whether gap size should affect patient selection for this treatment option. The aim of this study was to assess if size of gap between ruptured tendon ends affects patient-reported outcome following ATR treated with functional rehabilitation. Methods Analysis of prospectively collected data on all 131 patients diagnosed with ATR at Royal Berkshire Hospital, UK, from August 2016 to January 2019 and managed non-operatively was performed. Diagnosis was confirmed on all patients by dynamic ultrasound scanning and gap size measured with ankle in full plantarflexion. Functional rehabilitation using an established protocol was the preferred treatment. All non-operatively treated patients with completed Achilles Tendon Rupture Scores (ATRS) at a minimum of 12 months following injury were included. Results In all, 82 patients with completed ATRS were included in the analysis. Their mean age was 51 years (standard deviation (SD) 14). The mean ATRS was 76 (SD 19) at a mean follow-up of 20 months (SD 11) following injury. Gap inversely affected ATRS with a Pearson’s correlation of -0.30 (p = 0.008). Mean ATRS was lower with gaps > 5 mm compared with ≤ 5 mm (73 (SD 21) vs 82 (SD 16); p = 0.031). Mean ATRS was lowest (70 (SD 23)) with gaps > 10 mm, with significant differences in perceived strength and pain. The overall re-rupture rate was two out of 131 (1.5%). Conclusion Increasing gap size predicts lower patient-reported outcome, as measured by ATRS. Tendon gap > 5 mm may be a useful predictor in physically demanding individuals, and tendon gap > 10 mm for those with low physical demand. Further studies that control for gap size when comparing non-operative and operative treatment are required to assess if these patients may benefit from surgery, particularly when balanced against the surgical risks. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1535–1541.

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.

scholarly journals Validation of PROMIS Physical Function for Evaluating Outcome After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712110226
Author(s):  
Yassine Ochen ◽  
Daniel Guss ◽  
R. Marijn Houwert ◽  
Jeremy T. Smith ◽  
Christopher W. DiGiovanni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Ceiling Effects ◽  
The Mean

Background: There is increased demand for valid, reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate treatment for Achilles tendon rupture, but not all PROMs currently in use are reliable and responsive for this condition. Purpose: To evaluate the measurement properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF) compared with other PROMs used after treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with a follow-up questionnaire was performed. All adult patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture between June 2016 and June 2018 with a minimum 12-month follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Functional outcome was assessed using the PROMIS PF computerized adaptive test (CAT), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL), FAAM–Sports, and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Pearson correlation ( r) was used to assess the correlations between PROMs. Absolute and relative floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: In total, 103 patients were included (mean age, 44.7 years; 74% male); 82 patients (79.6%) underwent operative repair, while 21 patients (20.4%) underwent nonoperative management. The mean time between treatment and collection of PROMs was 25.3 months (range, 15-36 months). The mean scores were 55.4 ± 9.2 (PROMIS PF), 92.9 ± 12.2 (FAAM-ADL), 77.7 ± 22.9 (FAAM–Sports), and 83.0 ± 19.4 (ATRS). The ATRS was correlated with FAAM-ADL ( r = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.86; P < .001) and FAAM–Sports ( r = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.90; P < .001). The PROMIS PF was correlated with the FAAM-ADL ( r = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53-0.75; P < .001), FAAM–Sports ( r = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.75; P < .001), and ATRS ( r = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.78; P < .001). The PROMIS PF did not show absolute floor or ceiling effects (0%). The FAAM-ADL (35.9%), FAAM–Sports (15.8%), and ATRS (20.4%) had substantial absolute ceiling effects. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF, FAAM-ADL, and FAAM–Sports all showed a moderate to high mutual correlation with the ATRS. Only the PROMIS PF avoided substantial floor and ceiling effects. The results suggest that the PROMIS PF CAT is a valid, reliable, and perhaps the most responsive tool to evaluate patient outcomes after treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture.

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 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 Results of tenorrhaphy with early rehabilitation for acute tear of Achilles tendon

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 230949901880248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Hyun Ryu ◽  
Ho Seong Lee ◽  
Sang Gyo Seo ◽  
Ho Yeon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Early Rehabilitation ◽  
Calf Circumference ◽  
Major Complications ◽  
The Mean

Background: For the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture, early rehabilitation after surgical repair is believed to be a useful method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of open tenorrhaphy followed by early rehabilitation. Methods: A total of 112 patients who underwent open repair and early rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture from January 2003 to March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. These 112 patients (80 men, 32 women) had an average age of 43.1 years (22–62 years), and the mean follow-up period was 91.8 months (12–171 months). A short leg cast was applied postoperatively for an average of 16.5 days (12–20 days). The mean duration of bracing was 6.9 weeks (6–8 weeks). Each patient was assessed based on range of motion, single heel raising test, calf circumference compared to the contralateral limb, ability to return to previous activity, the Arner–Lindholm scale, and the American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) hind foot scale. Isokinetic plantar flexion power was also checked. Results: All patients were fully satisfied (AOFAS ≥ 90) with the treatment results, and 96 patients were able to return to their previous athletic activities. As assessed by the Arner–Lindholm scale, 103 cases were rated as excellent and the other 9 cases were rated as good. At the 1-year follow-up period, single heel raise and hopping was possible in every patient. Compared to the contralateral side, 10 subjects (8.9%) had minor limitation of dorsiflexion motion, and an average of 1.6 cm calf circumference difference without functional disabilities. There were no major complications such as re-rupture, nerve injury, or infection. Conclusion: For acute Achilles tendon ruptures, open surgical repair with optimal length restoration, followed by earlier rehabilitation results in good functional outcomes and a successful return to pre-injury levels of physical activity without major complications. Level of evidence: Level IV.

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.

Calf Muscle Performance Deficits Remain 7 Years After an Achilles Tendon Rupture

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 470-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelie Brorsson ◽  
Karin Grävare Silbernagel ◽  
Nicklas Olsson ◽  
Katarina Nilsson Helander
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Calf Muscle ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Rise Height

Background: Optimizing calf muscle performance seems to play an important role in minimizing impairments and symptoms after an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The literature lacks long-term follow-up studies after ATR that describe calf muscle performance over time. Purpose: The primary aim was to evaluate calf muscle performance and patient-reported outcomes at a mean of 7 years after ATR in patients included in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether improvement in calf muscle performance continued after the 2-year follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Sixty-six subjects (13 women, 53 men) with a mean age of 50 years (SD, 8.5 years) were evaluated at a mean of 7 years (SD, 1 year) years after their ATR. Thirty-four subjects had surgical treatment and 32 had nonsurgical treatment. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated with Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Physical Activity Scale (PAS). Calf muscle performance was evaluated with single-leg standing heel-rise test, concentric strength power heel-rise test, and single-legged hop for distance. Limb Symmetry Index (LSI = injured side/healthy side × 100) was calculated for side-to-side differences. Results: Seven years after ATR, the injured side showed decreased values in all calf muscle performance tests ( P < .001-.012). Significant improvement in calf muscle performance did not continue after the 2-year follow-up. Heel-rise height increased significantly ( P = .002) between the 1-year (10.8 cm) and the 7-year (11.5 cm) follow-up assessments. The median ATRS was 96 (of a possible score of 100) and the median PAS was 4 (of a possible score of 6), indicating minor patient-reported symptoms and fairly high physical activity. No significant differences were found in calf muscle performance or patient-reported outcomes between the treatment groups except for the LSI for heel-rise repetitions. Conclusion: Continued deficits in calf muscle endurance and strength remained 7 years after ATR. No continued improvement in calf muscle performance occurred after the 2-year follow-up except for heel-rise height.

scholarly journals Achilles tendon ruptures during summer show the lowest incidence, but exhibit an increased risk of re-rupture

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 3978-3986
Author(s):  
I. A. Saarensilta ◽  
G. Edman ◽  
P. W. Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Injury Mechanism ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Operative Complications

Abstract Purpose Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common injury. The knowledge of seasonal factors´ impact is incomplete, but may provide means for preventive approaches for Achilles tendon related morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal variations in ATR incidence in relation to injury mechanism, adverse events including risk of re-rupture, and patient-reported outcome in adults in Stockholm, Sweden. Methods In total, 349 patients with unilateral acute Achilles tendon rupture, prospectively treated with standardized surgical techniques, were retrospectively assessed. Date of injury was assigned to one of the four internationally defined meteorological seasons in the northern hemisphere. Injury mechanism and the rate of adverse events; deep venous thrombosis, infection and re-rupture in relation to per-operative complications. Patient-reported outcome at 1 year was assessed with the validated Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score. Results ATR incidence was significantly highest during winter and spring, and lowest during summer (p < 0.05). The most common sporting activities associated with ATR were badminton, floorball and soccer (> 50%). The rate of soccer-related ATR was highest during summer (p < 0.05). Patients sustaining an ATR during summer, compared to other seasons, exhibited more per-operative complications (p < 0.05), a significantly higher risk of re-rupture (p < 0.05) and a lower rate of good outcome (n.s.). The risk of other adverse events after ATR did not differ between the seasons. Conclusion Winter and spring are the high risk seasons for sports-related ATR and the risk sports are badminton, soccer and floorball. The reason for the higher risk of re-rupture after ATR repair during summer should be further investigated. Level of evidence III.

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