Abstract
The factors affecting patient satisfaction with the outcome following treatment of Tendo-Achilles rupture were assessed. 35 patients were reviewed. 14 were treated non-operatively and 21 by open surgical repair. Mean follow up was 2 years (range 9 months– 4 years). Evaluation consisted of questionnaire and information from medical records. Mechanism of injury, type and time of injury, co-morbidity and follow-up were noted from the medical records. From the questionnaire, pre-injury activities, occupation, post-injury activities and overall satisfaction with their function were collected. The overall satisfaction level was quoted by the patients themselves by grading 10 for excellent recovery and 1 for the poor recovery.
Seventy percent were very satisfied with the outcome of treatment with a mean visual analogue score of 8.4 (7–10). The age, gender and occupation did not have any significant influence on the satisfaction level. The main determinant in the unsatisfied group was reduced post injury leisure activities. This was statistically significant between the two groups at p=0.003. Delay in initiation of treatment had a significant influence, with the group that presented late for treatment being less satisfied with p=0.015. Regression analysis showed that physiotherapy following treatment increased post injury activity and the level of satisfaction with p=0.034.
Reduced post injury leisure activity, delay in initiation of treatment and post treatment physiotherapy had a significant influence on patient satisfaction with outcome. There was no significant difference in the overall outcome between the operative and non-operative group.
Honorary Secretary Mr Bimal Singh. Correspondence should be addressed to BOSA (British Orthopaedic Specialists Association), c/o Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
