The Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) programme was introduced in 2008. This paper summarises the outcome of this programme. Patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon treated in our unit follow a comprehensive management protocol that includes a dedicated Achilles clinic, ultrasound examination, the use of functional orthoses, early weight-bearing, an accelerated exercise regime and guidelines for return to work and sport. The choice of conservative or surgical treatment was based on ultrasound findings. . The rate of re-rupture, the outcome using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Achilles Tendon Repair Score, (AS), and the complications were recorded. An elementary cost analysis was also performed. . Between 2008 and 2014 a total of 273 patients presented with an acute rupture 211 of whom were managed conservatively and 62 had surgical repair. There were three re-ruptures (1.1%). There were 215 men and 58 women with a mean age of 46.5 years (20 to 86). Functional outcome was satisfactory. Mean ATRS and AS at four months was 53.0 (. sd . 14), 64.9 (. sd. 15) (n = 135), six months 67.8 (. sd. 16), 73.8 (. sd. 15) (n = 103) and nine months (72.4; . sd. 14) 72.3 (. sd. 13) (n = 43). The programme realised estimated cost savings exceeding £91 000 per annum. The SMART programme resulted in a low rate of re-rupture, a satisfactory outcome, a reduced rate of surgical intervention and a reduction in healthcare costs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:510–15

We hypothesised that a minimally invasive peroneus brevis tendon transfer would be effective for the management of a chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon. In 17 patients (three women, 14 men) who underwent minimally invasive transfer and tenodesis of the peroneus brevis to the calcaneum, at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (2 to 7) the modified Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) was recorded and the maximum circumference of the calf of the operated and contralateral limbs was measured. The strength of isometric plantar flexion of the gastrocsoleus complex and of eversion of the ankle were measured bilaterally. Functional outcomes were classified according to the four-point Boyden scale. . At the latest review, the mean maximum circumference of the calf of the operated limb was not significantly different from the pre-operative mean value, (41.4 cm, 32 to 50 vs 40.6 cm, 33 to 46; p = 0.45), and not significantly less than that of the contralateral limb (43.1 cm, 35 to 52; p = 0.16). The mean peak torque (244.6 N, 125 to 367) and the strength of eversion of the operated ankle (149.1 N, 65 to 240) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than those of the contralateral limb (mean peak torque 289, 145 to 419; strength of eversion: 175.2, 71 to 280). The mean ATRS significantly improved from 58 pre-operatively (35 to 68) to 91 (75 to 97; 95% confidence interval 85.3 to 93.2) at the time of final review. Of 13 patients who practised sport at the time of injury, ten still undertook recreational activities. . This procedure may be safely performed, is minimally invasive, and allows most patients to return to pre-injury sport and daily activities. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:353–7

Aims. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine if the size of the tendon gap following acute tendo Achillis rupture influences the functional outcome following non-operative treatment. Patients and methods. All patients presenting with acute unilateral tendo Achillis rupture were considered for the study. Dynamic ultrasound examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis and measure the gap between ruptured tendon ends. Outcome was assessed using dynamometric testing of plantarflexion and the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) six months after the completion of a rehabilitation programme. Results. 38 patients (mean age 52 years, range 29–78 years) completed the study. Patients with a gap ≥10mm with the ankle in the neutral position had significantly greater peak torque deficit than those with gaps < 10mm (mean 23.3% vs 14.3%, P=0.023). However, there was no overall correlation between gap size and torque deficit (τ=0.103), suggesting a non-linear relationship. There was also weak correlation between ATRS and peak torque deficit (τ=−0.305), with no difference in ATRS between the two groups (mean score 87.2 vs 87.4, P=0.467). Conclusion. This is the first study to identify tendon gap size as a predictor of functional outcome in acute tendo Achillis rupture, although the precise relationship between gap size and plantarflexion strength remains unclear. Large, multi-centre studies will be needed to clarify this relationship and identify population subgroups in whom deficits in peak torque are reflected in patient-reported outcome measures

Introduction:. The treatment of acute rupture of the tendo-achilles remains controversial. There is good evidence to suggest that outcomes are the same for both operative and non-operative treatment when a functional rehabilitation program is utilised. However, debate continues as to whether the radiological gap-size between the proximal and distal remnants of the tendon has an influence on the suitability for non-operative management. Methods:. All adult patients who attended the emergency department with a clinically suspected tendo-achilles rupture were place in a plantarflexed cast, and underwent MRI scanning to confirm the diagnosis. They were then counselled on the risks and benefits of operative versus non-operative treatment. Patients opting for non-operative treatment were asked to take part in the study and treated using a functional rehabilitation programme. Gap sizes were determined using a standardised protocol by a single musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to the clinical outcomes. Results:. A total of 69 patients have been recruited into the study, 40 have complete their one year review. There were two re-ruptures. The average age was 42.4 years (range 19–70). The average gap size recorded by MRI was 40.4mm (range 6–110). The average ATRS score was 80 (range 17–100) and the single limb heel raise percentage of contralateral side was 64.8% (range 4–115). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient comparing gap size and ATRS score was 0.272 (p=0.045) and for gap size and strength was 0.158 (p=0.165). Conclusion:. This study shows a weak positive correlation between MRI measured gap size of the ruptured tendo-achilles and the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score at one year. No correlation could be demonstrated between gap size and strength at one year. These results suggest that the MRI measured gap size is unimportant in predicting outcome and hence suitability for non-operative treatment of tendo-achilles rupture using functional rehabilitation

Percutaneous repair of the ruptured tendo Achillis has a low rate of failure and negligible complications with the wound, but the sural nerve may be damaged. We describe a new technique which minimises the risk of injury to this nerve. The repair is carried out using three midline stab incisions over the posterior aspect of the tendon. A No. 1 nylon suture on a 90 mm cutting needle approximates the tendon with two box stitches. The procedure can be carried out under local anaesthesia. We reviewed 27 patients who had a percutaneous repair at a median interval of 35 months after the injury. They returned to work at four weeks and to sport at 16. One developed a minor wound infection and another complex regional pain syndrome type II. There were no injuries to the sural nerve or late reruptures. This technique is simple to undertake and has a low rate of complications

Background. Patients presenting with an acute tendoachilles (TA) rupture are managed in a dedicated clinic led by a Foot & Ankle Consultant and specialist physiotherapist. The diagnosis is made clinically and no ultrasound scan is performed. All management, rehabilitation and follow-up is undertaken within this clinic by the specialist physiotherapist, with Consultant support as required. Patients are offered a choice of conservative or surgical management (percutaneous TA repair). Both groups undergo a standardised functional rehabilitation regimen. Methods. All patients treated through our dedicated clinic between May 2010 and April 2016 were identified. Patient outcomes were reported using the validated Achilles Tendon Repair Score (ATRS). ATRS scores were collected at 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury. Re-rupture and complication rates were also documented. Results. 167 patients were identified. 79 patients underwent a percutaneous repair and 88 patients opted for conservative management. Mean age of patients undergoing percutaneous repair was 46 years (21–77 years) and 52 years (19–88 years) in the conservatively managed group. Male to female ratios were equal between both groups. Mean ATRS scores at 3, 6 and 12 months were 41.6, 69.5 and 85.3 respectively for the percutaneous repairs and 45.4, 69.0 and 77.1 respectively for the conservatively managed group. The re-rupture rate was 4.2% (3 patients) in the conservative group and 0% in our surgical group. In the surgical group, 1 patient developed a PE and 1 had a wound complication. Discussion. Our dedicated clinic for managing TA ruptures has proved popular with patients, with a patient satisfaction score of 98.7%. By standardising our rehabilitation regimen we believe our outcomes have improved. Our percutaneous repair group has an improved ATRS score compared to our conservative group at 12 months post injury. We believe that any fit active individual should be offered a percutaneous repair irrespective of age

Aims

To determine whether the findings from a landmark Canadian trial assessing the optimal management of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon influenced the practice patterns of orthopaedic surgeons in Ontario, Canada.

Introduction. VTE is a possible complication of foot and ankle surgery, however there is an absence of agreement on contributing risk factors in the development of VTE. The primary outcome of this study was to analyse the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE following foot and ankle surgery and to determine which factors may increase the risk of VTE. Methods. This was a national, multi-centre prospective audit spanning a collection duration of 9 months (2022/2023). Primary outcomes included incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE related mortality up to 90 days following foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon rupture, and analysis of risk factors. Results. In total 11,363 patients were available for analysis. 5,090 patients (44.79%) were elective procedures, 4,791 patients (42.16%) were trauma procedures (excluding Achilles ruptures), 398 patients (3.50%) were acute diabetic procedures, 277 patients (2.44%) were Achilles ruptures undergoing surgery and 807 patients (7.10%) were Achilles ruptures treated non-operatively. There were 99 cases of VTE within 90 days of admission across the whole group (Total incidence = 0.87%), with 3 cases of VTE related mortality (0.03%). On univariate analysis, increased age and ASA grade showedhigher odds of 90-day VTE, as did previous cancer, stroke, history of VTE, and type of foot and ankle procedure / injury (p<0.05). However, on multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors for 90-day VTE were found to be the type of foot and ankle procedure (Achilles tendon rupture = Odd's Ratio 11.62, operative to 14.41, non-operative) and ASA grade (grade III/IV = Odd's Ratio 3.64). Conclusion. The incidence of 90-day post procedure VTE in foot and ankle surgery in this national audit was low. Significant, independent risk factors associated with the development of 90-day symptomatic VTE were Achilles tendon rupture management and high ASA grade

Aims. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potential complication of foot and ankle surgery. There is a lack of agreement on contributing risk factors and chemical prophylaxis requirements. The primary outcome of this study was to analyze the 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and VTE-related mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery and Achilles tendon (TA) rupture. Secondary aims were to assess the variation in the provision of chemical prophylaxis and risk factors for VTE. Methods. This was a multicentre, prospective national collaborative audit with data collection over nine months for all patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre or TA rupture treatment, within participating UK hospitals. The association between VTE and thromboprophylaxis was assessed with a univariable logistic regression model. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify key predictors for the risk of VTE. Results. A total of 13,569 patients were included from 68 sites. Overall, 11,363 patients were available for analysis: 44.79% were elective (n = 5,090), 42.16% were trauma excluding TA ruptures (n = 4,791), 3.50% were acute diabetic procedures (n = 398), 2.44% were TA ruptures undergoing surgery (n = 277), and 7.10% were TA ruptures treated nonoperatively (n = 807). In total, 11 chemical anticoagulants were recorded, with the most common agent being low-molecular-weight heparin (n = 6,303; 56.79%). A total of 32.71% received no chemical prophylaxis. There were 99 cases of VTE (incidence 0.87% (95% CI 0.71 to 1.06)). VTE-related mortality was 0.03% (95% CI 0.005 to 0.080). Univariable analysis showed that increased age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade had higher odds of VTE, as did having previous cancer, stroke, or history of VTE. On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors for VTE were the type of foot and ankle procedure and ASA grade. Conclusion. The 90-day incidence of symptomatic VTE and mortality related to VTE is low in foot and ankle surgery and TA management. There was notable variability in the chemical prophylaxis used. The significant risk factors associated with 90-day symptomatic VTE were TA rupture and high ASA grade. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1249–1256

Background. Disability and slow return to sport and work after tendon rupture are major challenges. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous supraphysiological concentration of platelets from whole blood that has demonstrated positive cellular and physiological effects on healing in laboratory conditions but evidence from adequately powered robust clinical trials is lacking. We aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of PRP for treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Methods. In a placebo-controlled, participant- and assessor-blinded, trial at 19 NHS hospitals we randomly assigned 230 adults starting acute Achilles rupture non-surgical management to PRP injection or dry-needle insertion (placebo) to the rupture gap under local anaesthetic. Patients with confounding or contraindicated concurrent medical conditions were excluded. The primary outcome was muscle-tendon function, assessed by the limb symmetry index (LSI, uninjured limb/injured limb × 100, higher scores better) of the work (Joules) performed during the heel-rise endurance test at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were: Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS, 0–100, higher scores better), quality of life (SF-12), pain, and goal attainment. Trial registration: ISRCTN54992179. Results. Participants were aged mean 46 years and 57 (25%) were female. 103/114 (90%) of the PRP group and all (n=116) in the placebo group received allocated treatment. At 24 weeks, mean LSI was 34.4 for the PRP group and 38.8 for placebo (adjusted mean difference −4.4 95% CI −11.2 to 2.5, n=201) and ATRS was mean 65.2 PRP vs 65.8 (adjusted mean difference −0.6, 95% CI −4.9 to 3.7, n=224). There were no differences between groups in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusion. We found no evidence of PRP efficacy for improving muscle-tendon function or patient-reported recovery after acute Achilles tendon rupture. Our findings challenge the increasing global use of PRP for acute tendon injury and indicate that robust evaluations are required in other applications

Introduction. Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) account for 10.7% of all tendon and ligament injuries and causes lasting muscular deficits and have a profound impact on patients’ quality of life. 1,2. The incidence, characteristics and management of ATR in the United Kingdom is poorly understood. Method. Data was collected prospectively from University Hospitals of Leicester Emergency Department (ED) between January 2016 and December 2020 and analysed retrospectively. The medical records were reviewed to determine management protocols (surgical/non-surgical) and limited mobilisation (VACOped™ boot) duration. Leicestershire population data was taken from Leicestershire County Council demography report. Findings. 277 individuals were diagnosed with an ATR during the 4-year period. The mean (SD) annual incidence was 56 (±6) ATR. An incidence rate of 8.02 per 100,000 people per annum. The average characteristics of those experiencing an ATR is male (78.3%), 46.8yrs old (±14.4), body mass index 29.1 (±6.3). Median (IQR) number of comorbidities 1 (2) and duration to present to ED was 0 days (1). The main mechanism of rupture was sporting activity (62.1%). 97.4% were non-surgically managed using a limited mobilisation boot (VACOped). The boot was worn for an average of 62.6 days (±8.9). 94 participants provided pre-ATR Achilles symptoms data. 16% (n=15/94) of participants reported a previous contralateral ATR. 7.4% reported a re-rupture (n=7/94). 15.4% (n=14/91) reported an Achilles tendinopathy on the ipsilateral side prior to ATR. 7.7% (n=7/91) reported bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and 1.1% (n=1/91) reported contralateral Achilles tendinopathy prior to ATR. Conclusion. The incidence of ATR is 8.02 cases per 100,000 people per annum. This is the first UK data on ATR incidence. Most ATR were managed non-surgically in this cohort. The majority of ruptures occurred during sporting activity. Those that had previous Achilles symptoms (24.2%) indicate tendons are not always asymptomatic prior to ATR

Aims. Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR. Methods. A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to either braided absorbable polyglactin suture or braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate suture groups. ATR was then repaired using the Krackow suture method. At three and six months after surgery, the isokinetic muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion was measured using a computer-based Cybex dynamometer. At six and 12 months after surgery, patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS pain), and EuroQoL five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D). Results. Overall, 37 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of isokinetic plantar flexion strength, ATRS, VAS pain, or EQ-5D. No re-rupture was observed in either group. Conclusion. The use of absorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR was not inferior to that of nonabsorbable sutures. This finding suggests that absorbable sutures can be considered for the repair of acute ATRs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):938–945

Aims. The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes. Methods. Data on a consecutive group of elite athletes who underwent isolated reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament using the InternalBrace were collected prospectively. Our patient group consisted of 19 elite male athletes with a mean age of 24.5 years (17 to 52). Isolated injuries were seen in 12 patients while associated injuries were found in seven patients (fibular fracture, medial malleolus fracture, anterior talofibular ligament rupture, and posterior malleolus fracture). All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 17 months (mean 27 months (17 to 35)). Results. All patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports activities. One patient developed a delayed union of the medial malleolus. The mean return to play was 62 days (49 to 84) for isolated injuries, while the patients with concomitant injuries returned to play in a mean of 104 days (56 to 196). The AOFAS score returned to 100 postoperatively in all patients. Knee-to-wall measurements were the same as the contralateral side in 18 patients, while one patient lacked 2 cm compared to the contralateral side. Conclusion. This study suggests the use of the InternalBrace in the management of unstable syndesmotic injuries offers an alternative method of stabilization, with good short-term results, including early return to sports in elite athletes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):68–75

Aim. Our collaborative study aims to demonstrate that acute partial Achilles Tendon Tears (ATTs) are not separate diagnostic entities from full ATTs. and should be thought of as a continuum rather than binary partial or full. Methods. We pooled anonymised data from four hospitals, identifying patients with acute partial ATTs on USS reports from 2019–2021. Patients were only included if they had an acute injury and no previous background Achilles tendinopathy. Results. 91 patients had acute partial ATTs reported on USS. 74/91 (81%) of patients had clinical findings in keeping with a full ATT (positive Simmonds test, palpable gap). 88/91 (97%) of patients were managed according to local full ATT protocols. 2 patients had MRIs – one showed no tear, the other showed a full rupture. 2 patients underwent surgical repair and both intra-operatively were found to have full ATTs. Conclusion. Our regional data suggests that a significant proportion (81%) of USS diagnosed partial ATTs may in fact be misdiagnosed full ATTs. All injuries clinically suspicious for an ATT should be managed according to local Achilles Protocol. USS is useful to diagnose the presence or absence of a tear but is not good at differentiating partial vs full tear. There is significant tendon end fibrillation and overlap on USS of an acute full ATT, which can give the impression of a partial ATT. More research is needed into whether any threshold exists to support the current distinction of “partial” and “full” as relates to management and outcomes

Background. The PATH-2 trial found no evidence of a benefit of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection versus a placebo after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) at six-months. ATR often leave longer-term functional deficiencies beyond six-months. This study aim is to determine if PRP affect tendon functional outcomes at two-years after rupture. Study design. Randomised multi-centre two-arm parallel-group, participant- and assessor-blinded, superiority trial. Methods. Adults with acute ATR managed non-surgically were recruited in 19 UK hospitals from 2015 to 2019. Exclusions were insertion or musculotendinous injuries, leg injury or deformity, diabetes, haematological disorder, corticosteroids and anticoagulation therapy. Participants were randomised via an online system 1:1 to PRP or placebo. Primary outcome was Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) at two-years. Secondary outcomes were pain, Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), SF-12 and re-rupture. Assessors were blinded. Intention-to-treat and Compliance Average Causal effects (CACE) analyses were carried out. Consistency of effects across subgroups age, BMI, smoking and gender were assessed using Forest plots. Pearson's correlation was used to explore ATRS correlation with blood and growth factors. Results. 216/230 (94%) participants completed the 6-months follow-up were contacted. 182/216 (84%) completed the two-year follow-up. Participants were aged mean 46 (SD 13.0), 57 female/159 male. 96% received the allocated intervention. Two-years ATRS scores were 82.2 (SD 18.3) in the PRP group (n=85) and 83.8 (SD 16.0) in the placebo group (n=92). There was no evidence of a difference in the two-years ATRS (adjusted-mean difference −0.752 95%CI −5.523 to 4.020, p=0.757), or in any secondary outcome, and no re-rupture between at two-years. Neither PRP cellular or growth factors correlated with the two-year ATRS. Conclusion. PRP did not improve patient-reported function or quality of life two-years after acute Achilles tendon rupture, compared with placebo, indicating that PRP offers no patient benefit in the longer term

Tendinopathy can commonly occur around the foot and ankle resulting in isolated rupture, debilitating pain and degenerative foot deformity. The pathophysiology and key cells involved are not fully understood. This is partly because the dense collagen matrix that surrounds relatively few resident cells limits the ability of previous techniques to identify and target those cells of interest. In this study, we apply novel single cell RNA sequencing (CITE-Seq) techniques to healthy and tendinopathic foot/ankle tendons. For the first time we have identified multiple sub-populations of cells in human tendons. These findings challenge the view that there is a single principal tendon cell type and open new avenues for further study. Healthy tendon samples were obtained from patients undergoing tendon transfer procedures; including tibialis posterior and FHL. Diseased tendon samples were obtained during debridement of intractable Achilles and peroneal tendinopathy, and during fusion of degenerative joints. Single cell RNA sequencing with surface proteomic analysis identified 10 sub-populations of human tendon derived cells. These included groups expressing genes associated with fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) as well as ITGA7+VCAM1- recently described in mouse muscle but, as yet, not human tendon. In addition we have identified previously unrecognised sub-classes of collagen type 1 associated tendon cells. Each sub-class expresses a different set of extra-cellular matrix genes suggesting they each play a unique role in maintaining the structural integrity of normal tendon. Diseased tendon harboured a greater proportion of macrophages and cytotoxic lymphocytes than healthy tendon. This inflammatory response is potentially driven by resident tendon fibroblasts which show increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, identification of a previously unknown sub-population of cells found predominantly in tendinopathic tissue offers new insight into the underlying pathophysiology. Further work aims to identify novel proteins targets for possible therapeutic pathways

Objectives. The incidence of acute Achilles tendon rupture appears to be increasing. The aim of this study was to summarize various therapies for acute Achilles tendon rupture and discuss their relative merits. Methods. A PubMed search about the management of acute Achilles tendon rupture was performed. The search was open for original manuscripts and review papers limited to publication from January 2006 to July 2017. A total of 489 papers were identified initially and finally 323 articles were suitable for this review. Results. The treatments of acute Achilles tendon rupture include operative and nonoperative treatments. Operative treatments mainly consist of open repair, percutaneous repair, mini-open repair, and augmentative repair. Traditional open repair has lower re-rupture rates with higher risks of complications. Percutaneous repair and mini-open repair show similar re-rupture rates but lower overall complication rates when compared with open repair. Percutaneous repair requires vigilance against nerve damage. Functional rehabilitation combining protected weight-bearing and early controlled motion can effectively reduce re-rupture rates with satisfactory outcomes. Biological adjuncts help accelerating tendon healing by adhering rupture ends or releasing highly complex pools of signalling factors. Conclusion. The optimum treatment for complete rupture remains controversial. Both mini-open repair and functional protocols are attractive alternatives, while biotherapy is a potential future development. Cite this article: X. Yang, H. Meng, Q. Quan, J. Peng, S. Lu, A. Wang. Management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: A review. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:561–569. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.710.BJR-2018-0004.R2

Aims. Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is a well-recognized technique in the treatment of the neglected tendo Achillis (TA) rupture. Patients and Methods. We report a retrospective review of 20/32 patients who had undergone transtendinous FHL transfer between 2003 and 2011 for chronic TA rupture. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 53 years (22 to 83). The mean time from rupture to surgery was seven months (1 to 36). The mean postoperative follow-up was 73 months (29 to 120). Six patients experienced postoperative wound complications. Results. The mean postoperative Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) was 83 (40 to 100) and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 94.3 (82 to 100). Tegner scoring showed a mean reduction of one level from the pre-injury level of activity. There was a mean reduction of 24% (4 to 54) in dynamometer-measured strength of ankle plantarflexion, in comparison with the non-operated side. The hallux had a mean of only 40% (2 to 90) strength of plantarflexion in comparison with the contralateral side. Conclusion. We conclude that transtendinous FHL transfer for neglected TA ruptures, with a long harvest to allow reattachment of the triceps surae, provides reliable long-term function and good ankle plantarflexion strength. Despite the loss of strength in hallux plantar flexion, there is little comorbidity from the FHL harvest. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:584–9

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

Aims. This prospective cohort study aims to determine if the size of the tendon gap following acute rupture of the Achilles tendon shows an association with the functional outcome following non-operative treatment. . Patients and Methods. All patients presenting within two weeks of an acute unilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon between July 2012 and July 2015 were considered for the study. In total, 38 patients (nine female, 29 male, mean age 52 years; 29 to 78) completed the study. Dynamic ultrasound examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis and measure the gap between ruptured tendon ends. Outcome was assessed using dynamometric testing of plantarflexion and the Achilles tendon Total Rupture score (ATRS) six months after the completion of a rehabilitation programme. Results. Patients with a gap ≥ 10 mm with the ankle in the neutral position had significantly greater peak torque deficit than those with gaps < 10 mm (mean 23.3%; 7% to 52% vs 14.3%; 0% to 47%, p = 0.023). However, there was no difference in ATRS between the two groups (mean score 87.2; 74 to 100 vs 87.4; 68 to 97, p = 0.467). There was no significant correlation between gap size and torque deficit (τ = 0.103), suggesting a non-linear relationship. There was also no significant correlation between ATRS and peak torque deficit (τ = -0.305). . Conclusion . This is the first study to identify an association between tendon gap and functional outcome in acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. We have identified 10 mm as a gap size at which deficits in plantarflexion strength become significantly greater, however, the precise relationship between gap size and plantarflexion strength remains unclear. Large, multicentre studies will be needed to clarify this relationship and identify population subgroups in whom deficits in peak torque are reflected in patient-reported outcome measures. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:87–93