Abstract
Background
A large number of Tendo-Achilles (TA) injuries occur during sporting activity. Typically occurring in males aged 30–50, whom occasionally undertake sporting activities, the so called ‘weekend warriors’.
Aims
To assess the impact of TA rupture on return to sporting activity in the non-elite athlete.
Methods
Single unit 5 year retrospective analysis of TA rupture patients. Clinical notes were reviewed and a telephone interview was conducted using a designed questionnaire.
Results
68 patients were identified, 39 responded of which 25 were male and 14 were female. The mean age was 46 years with an age range of 17–77 years.
Sporting activity was the major cause of rupture, causative in 27/39 patients, 84% of males and 43% of females. A third of patients had only just returned to the causative sport. In males, football contributed the most injuries, 48%, however for females, badminton contributed the highest number, 67%.
23 patients did not return to their pre-injury sporting activity level. Of these patients, 87% stopped the causative sport completely, 22% stopped sporting activity altogether with 78% returning to sport at a lower level, reducing both the intensity and variety. 20/23 of these patients were treated operatively.
Reasons given for a reduction in sporting activity were a “real worry” of re-rupture, 83%, and a “loss of confidence” caused by the injury, 74%. Other reasons were related to pain in the Achilles, 65%, and “previous plans” to reduce level of activity anyway, 35%.
Conclusion
Many patients cite the ability to return to sport as a reason for operative intervention. Our study highlights that many patients do not return to sports at all, with those that do, a significant number return at a lower level of intensity, irrespective of treatment. This information could be useful when assessing treatment options in the non-elite athlete.
