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

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.

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Surgical Repair of Achilles Tendon Ruptures Using Polypropylene Braid Augmentation

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110079401500705 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. 372-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Giannini Sandro ◽

Girolami Mauro ◽

Ceccarelli Francesco ◽

Catani Fabio ◽

Susanna Stea

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Surgical Repair ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Plaster Cast ◽

Test Evaluation ◽

Level Of Activity ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tendon Ruptures ◽

Active Patients

Surgical repair in fresh rupture of the Achilles tendon should be considered in active patients and athletes to restore their preinjury level of activity. Fifteen cases of Achilles tendon rupture underwent surgical repair using interpositional augmentation. This technique provides an immediate mechanical strength of the repair, avoiding the need for a postoperative plaster cast and allowing immediate motion of the ankle. No wound infection, scar adherence of the skin to the tendon, or rerupture of the tendon is present in this series. All patients were subjectively satisfied with the results and returned to their preinjury level of activity. Objectively, isokinetic assessment revealed no significant difference, as per t-test evaluation ( P < .05), between the operated leg and the contralateral one.

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The Influence of Diabetes on Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011418s00282 ◽

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.

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

Pediatric Traumatology Orthopaedics and Reconstructive Surgery ◽

10.17816/ptors77113 ◽

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.

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

ISRN Orthopedics ◽

10.5402/2011/869703 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

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.

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Long-Term Results After Functional Nonoperative Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110070602700302 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 167-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

Tobias M. Hufner ◽

Dirk B. Brandes ◽

Hajo Thermann ◽

Martinus Richter ◽

Karsten Knobloch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Nonoperative Treatment ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Neutral Position ◽

Return To Sports ◽

Sports Activity ◽

Tendon Ruptures

Background: Nonoperative treatment of complete Achilles tendon ruptures generally involves a long period of cast immobilization and is associated with frequent reruptures. Functional nonoperative treatment of complete Achilles tendon ruptures involves the use of a high-shaft boot with a 3-cm hindfoot elevation, in which physical therapy is begun after 3 weeks of wear. We reviewed our long-term results with this treatment protocol to determine its effectiveness. Methods: The indications for nonoperative treatment, defined by ultrasound, were a distance of 10 mm or less between the tendon ends with the ankle in neutral position and complete apposition of the tendon ends in 20 degrees of plantarflexion. From 1990 to 1996, 168 patients were treated; 125 (74%) were available for followup at a mean of 5.5 (2 to 12.7) years after the injury. Results: Good or excellent results were achieved in 92 (73.5%) with complete rehabilitation and return to sports activity at their pre-injury levels. Satisfactory (9%) and poor results (17.5%) were due to pain in the Achilles tendon region, a lengthened Achilles tendon, markedly reduced strength, or a marked reduction of calf size in 25 patients (76%). Eight patients (6.4%) sustained a rerupture. Conclusions: Functional nonoperative treatment achieved good results in patients who had precise sonographic evaluation and who were compliant. As a result of our study, we modified our protocol: (1) a repeat ultrasound examination is done by an experienced sonographer 2 to 5 days after the first to confirm the indications for nonoperative treatment, (2) the use of the 3-cm hindfoot elevation is extended from 6 to 8 weeks to provide a longer protection of the tendon, and (3) patients then wear shoes with 1-cm hindfoot elevation for another 3 months.

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Seasonal Variation of Achilles Tendon Injury

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011418s00179 ◽

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.

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Bearing Weight at the Same Day in Conservatively Treated Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Patients

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967114s00207 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967114S0020

Author(s):

Murat Korkmaz ◽

Sadiye Yolcu ◽

Özlem Balbaloğlu ◽

Zekeriya Öztemur ◽

Fatih Karaarslan

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Treated Group ◽

Plaster Cast ◽

Wound Complications ◽

American Orthopaedic

Objectives: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) often occurs in 40- to 50-year-old men.. At treating there has been considerable research interest in attempting to identify the optimal treatment strategy, surgical or non-surgical, combined with functional early mobilisation or plaster cast immobilisation. Our aimed to compare the outcomes of bearing weight at the same day in conservatively treated and surgically treated groups of ATR patients. Methods: Thirty-two conservatively treated ATR patients and twenty nine surgically treated ATR patients were included to our study. Patients were over 18 years old who had been followed for 12 months by our clinic. All patients underwent knee supporting cast at four week and both group was asked for walking with bearing weight (%30-40) at same day. Results: In all groups 2nd and 12th months’ AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) scorings of the patients had significant differences (p<0.001). Return to work time results were significantly different and shorter in conservatively treated group (p= 0.035). This study founded a relatively high complication percentage of (6 patients) 20.6% in the surgically treated group. On the contrary the wound complications non-surgical group has not been be observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study adds to evidence that a well conducted non-surgical treatment protocol (early mobilization treatment regimen) gives a good clinical outcome and complication rate is not higher than after surgical treatment.

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

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making ◽

10.1186/s12911-021-01589-5 ◽

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.

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

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120966041 ◽

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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Epidemiology of Achilles Tendon Injuries in Collegiate Level Athletes in the United States

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011419s00134 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011419S0013

Author(s):

Jimmy J. Chan ◽

Kevin K. Chen ◽

Javier Z. Guzman ◽

Ettore Vulcano

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Injury Rate ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

The United States ◽

Tendon Injuries ◽

Time Loss ◽

Contact Sports ◽

Tendon Ruptures

Category: Hindfoot, Sports, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture is a potentially devastating injury particularly for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes. Little has been studied regarding the incidence and implications of Achilles tendon ruptures in this patient population. Better characterization of the factors commonly found in athletes who rupture their Achilles may provide clues to aid in their prevention. Methods: Achilles injuries across 16 sports among NCAA men and women during the 2004-05 to 2013-14 academic years were analyzed using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP). Achilles tendon rupture rates per 100,000 athlete-exposures (IR), operative rate, annual injury rate trends, re-injury rates, mechanism of injury, in-season status (pre/in/post-season) and time loss distributions were compiled and calculated. A sub-analysis of contact sports and sports played by both genders (C-BG) was performed to determine if there were significant differences in risks in patients who played in contact sports. Results: N=255 Achilles tendon injuries were identified over 10 academic years (IR: 2.17). The injury rate was higher in males compared to females (IR=2.33 vs. 1.89 respectively). Achilles injuries were most common in Men’s Basketball (IR=4.26), Soccer (IR=3.06), and Football (IR=2.69). The top three women’s sports with Achilles injury were Gymnastics (IR=16.73), Basketball (IR=3.32), and Soccer (IR=1.81). Thirty-three injuries were operative (13.1%) and 14.9% (N=38) were season-ending injuries. The average time loss was 10.65 days when excluding patients who had season/career ending injuries. Reinjury rate was 11.0% (N=28). 61.2% of all injuries occurred during the regular season (N=156) with 36.0% (N=92) and 2.7% (N=7) occurring in pre- and post- season, respectively. There was a significantly greater number of injuries in contact (N=198) versus non-contact sports (N=50) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Achilles tendon ruptures can be devastating injuries in professional and collegiate athletes. In our study, nearly 15% of all NCAA Achilles tendon ruptures resulted in season ending injuries or significant time loss and over 13% of injuries required operative management with a majority of injuries occurring during practice. In addition, a significantly higher proportion of athletes who played a contact sport had Achilles injuries. Better understanding of what circumstances more often tend to result in Achilles injuries can help establish prevention strategies.

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