Achilles tendon rupture

NewsBot · Apr 25, 2025

Validation of a Composite Outcome Score for Assessing Return to Sports After Achilles Tendon Repair
Ronny Lopes et al
Source

Background:
The Ankle-GO is a composite outcome score based on 4 functional tests and 2 patient-reported outcome measures. It was initially described and validated for its ability to predict return to sports (RTS) at the same level of play after lateral ankle sprains.
Purpose/Hypothesis:
The main aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Ankle-GO in patients after Achilles tendon repair. The second objective was to evaluate its ability to predict RTS at the same level of play. It was hypothesized that this composite outcome score is a valid and reliable tool that is able to discriminate and predict the level of RTS at 9 months after Achilles tendon repair.
Study Design:
Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods:
This was a prospective multicenter study. Patients who were active in sports and underwent primary acute Achilles tendon repair between April 2021 and December 2022 were included. A control group comprising 30 participants with no history of lower limb injuries was also evaluated. After standard rehabilitation for the first 2 months, the Ankle-GO was administered at 6 and 9 months after repair by the same experienced physical therapist. During testing, the patients were asked whether they were able to practice their main sport again and, if so, whether at the same or a lower level of play. A comparison between control participants and patients at 9 months after surgery was performed.
Results:
A total of 50 patients (24 women and 26 men), with a mean age of 38.3 ± 10.1 years, were included. No patients were lost to follow-up at 9 months. The Ankle-GO score at 6 months was 10.7 ± 4.8. At 9 months, the score had risen by 4.8 points. All participants scored above the minimum threshold. The minimum score achieved was 3 points (n = 5 [10%]). Only 1 patient (2%) obtained the maximum score (25 points). There was a significant difference in the Ankle-GO score between patients at 6 and 9 months and between control participants and patients at 9 months after Achilles tendon repair. Of the 50 patients included in the study, 14 (28%) returned to their preinjury level of sport at 9 months. The ability of the Ankle-GO score at 6 months to predict RTS at the preinjury level at 9 months was good (area under the curve = 0.71 [95% CI, 0.56-0.85]; P < .01). A Youden index of 0.42 was observed for a cut-off score of 8 points, which corresponds to a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 41.2%.
Conclusion:
The Ankle-GO is a valid tool to evaluate and discriminate patients during the RTS continuum after Achilles tendon repair and to predict RTS at the same level at 9 months after surgery. This composite outcome score assesses ankle function and the patient’s psychological readiness to avoid premature RTS and worsening of the injury. Further studies are needed to assess its value in identifying and predicting patients at risk of a recurrence.
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NewsBot · Apr 26, 2025

The top 50 most cited articles on minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair: a bibliometric analysis
Darcy Ottomanelli et al
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025 Apr 25;35(1):168.

Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture is an increasingly common injury seen in athletic and active populations which can be corrected through strategic operative techniques. The purpose of this study is to identify and review the top 50 most cited articles discussing minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair with regards to the operative technique, outcomes, and complications.

Methods: Scopus database was used to search for publications focusing on minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair. The top 50 most cited articles were screened for inclusion criteria and reviewed for year published, journal of publication, country of origin, study type, level of evidence, and citation density.

Results: The total number of citations from the top 50 most cited articles was 1,415 with a range of five to 168 citations per article. The year of publication ranged from 2004 to 2020, with the majority (n = 33) being published from 2010 to 2020. The most common level of evidence rating was III (25 articles), most of which were cohort studies. The next most common level of evidence rating was IV (11 articles), which were mostly case series. The articles were written across 18 countries, most commonly the United Kingdom (18%), and were published in 28 journals with Foot and Ankle International being the most prolific journal (n = 8).

Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the prevalence of cohort studies, case series, and technical notes for minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair research. This demonstrates the need for more research with higher level, controlled studies to examine minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair techniques, outcomes, and complications in the future.
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NewsBot · Apr 26, 2025

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Open FHL Tendon Transfer, Hamstring Transfer, and Turndown Flaps to Treat Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Bedri Karaismailoglu et al
Source

Background:
Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (CATRs) present significant challenges because of delayed diagnosis and more complicated salvage treatments that can result in unfavorable outcomes and increased rates of adverse events. Various reconstructive surgical options have been described, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Comprehensive comparison of these techniques, however, is lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to compare clinical outcomes following 3 of the most commonly used salvage techniques including flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer, hamstring transfer, and gastric-soleal turndown flap.
Methods:
This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and included studies registered on PROSPERO. Searches were conducted across multiple databases, and eligibility criteria encompassed studies reporting on clinical scores and complications following surgical treatment of CATRs with FHL transfer, hamstring tendon transfer, or turndown flaps. Data extraction, quality assessment, and statistical analyses were performed following standardized protocols.
Results:
Among 1910 identified studies, 25 met inclusion criteria with 11 focusing on FHL transfer, 9 on hamstring tendon transfer, and 6 on turndown flap management. A meta-analysis revealed variations in patient demographics, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation protocols across the 3 intervention groups. Although the mean improvement in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores was comparable (38.9 for turndown flap, 31.8 for FHL transfer, and 26.0 for hamstring transfer), complication rates differed significantly. The turndown flap group exhibited the highest overall complication rate, particularly because of wound-related complications, with a wound complication rate of 12.5%, compared with 5.7% for FHL transfer and 3.5% for hamstring transfer.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the challenge of evidence-based decision making in the surgical management of CATRs. Despite apparently similar functional outcomes, the choice of open surgical technique affects complication rates. Turndown flaps, although effective in restoring musculotendinous continuity, carry higher risks of wound complications compared with the other techniques evaluated.
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NewsBot · Apr 28, 2025

Postoperative Complications After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A Survival Analysis of Minimally Invasive vs Open Techniques
Joris R H Hendriks et al
Foot Ankle Int. 2025 Apr 28:10711007251333777.

Background: The complication rates after surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) using open repair or minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIS) have been debated extensively. Despite significant research, a literature hiatus exists on the timing of these complications between techniques. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by conducting a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to compare the incidence and timing of complications after open vs MIS repair of acute ATRs and examine associated risk factors.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients ≥18 years who underwent surgical treatment of an acute ATR within 28 days of injury and had a minimum of 90-day follow-up. Demographics, surgical technique (open vs MIS repair), and the occurrence and timing of postoperative complications were collected. Postoperative complications were classified as venous thromboembolism, rerupture, surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and sural nerve injury. A Kaplan-Meier curve was employed to compare the complication rates between groups. The log-rank test was used to test the equality of survivor functions. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of complications.

Results: In total, out of 417 patients, 52 complications were reported in 50 patients. We found no significant difference in the complication rates between the MIS and open repair groups. Cox proportional hazards modeling revealed that BMI was a significant predictor of rerupture (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.05-1.4) and that surgical delay increased the risk of wound dehiscence (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.01-1.3) and sural nerve injury (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3).

Conclusion: MIS and open repair techniques for acute ATRs demonstrate comparable complication rates. However, patients with elevated BMI exhibit a modest increased risk of rerupture, regardless of the technique used. Those with surgical delay beyond 2 weeks are also modestly more likely to experience wound dehiscence with open surgical approach and sural nerve injury among MIS-treated patients.
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NewsBot · Apr 28, 2025

Shear Wave Tensiometry in the Evaluation of Achilles Tendon Loading: A Cross-Sectional Study on Conservatively Treated Tendons After Rupture
Alessandro Schneebeli et al
J Foot Ankle Res. 2025 Jun;18(2):e70047.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to quantify differences in the shear wave speed (SWS) between a conservatively treated Achilles tendon (AT) after rupture and the unaffected contralateral tendon.

Methods: Twenty-nine participants who received conservative treatment following Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) were enrolled. Measurements were taken during a single follow-up visit, which occurred between 1 and 7 years after the rupture. Tendon load was assessed using a shear wave tensiometer comprising a set of four accelerometers attached to the tendon. Stiffness, thickness, and cross-sectional area (CSA) were also assessed using MyotonPRO and ultrasound imaging.

Results: No significant differences in SWS were found between the affected AT and the unaffected side when analyzing the entire group (p > 0.05). However, significant differences between sides were observed at 3.5 Nm and 7 Nm (p = 0.001 and p = 0.020) for participants that experienced a lesion of the mid tendon. Higher plantar flexor strength was found for the unaffected side (320 ± 99.5 Nm) compared to the affected side (261 ± 80 Nm; p = 0.001). Thickness and CSA in the proximal and distal part of the tendon were significantly higher in the affected tendon compared to the unaffected side (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: There is no difference in SWS values between the affected and the unaffected AT in the longer term after the rupture. However, differences in SWS were detected at specific contraction levels in participants with a mid-tendon lesion. Moreover, tendon thickness and the cross-sectional area, as well as plantar flexor strength, remain different between the affected and the unaffected AT.
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NewsBot · May 28, 2025

Outcomes of the Mini-Open Technique for Achilles Tendon Repair: An Updated Systematic Review
Jimmy Wen et al
Source

There is much debate regarding the optimal treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Surgical repair consists of open repair, percutaneous repair, and mini-open repair. The purpose of this review is to evaluate studies reporting outcomes after mini-open Achilles tendon repair (ATR) through evaluation of return to activity (RTA), complication rates, and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A systematic review search following the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was performed in three databases for studies including mini-open ATR. Study variables included title, author, publication date, study year, number of patients/Achilles, mean age, mean follow-up time, time to RTA/return to sport (RTS)/return to work (RTW), PROs, and rates of complications. Twenty-five studies, including 957 patients with a mean age of 39.34 ± 6.84 years and a mean follow-up time of 29.48 ± 17.64 months, were included in this study. The overall rates (range) of RTA (eight studies), RTS (12 studies), and RTW (eight studies) were 96.46% (82.3%-100%) at four months (3.8-7), 92.7% (82.3%-100%) at 5.4 months (4.3-6.1), and 100% at 2.2 months (0.6-4.5), respectively. The mean postoperative PROs of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (11 studies), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (eight studies), and Visual Analog Pain (four studies) were 95.5 (90.1-99.2), 90.3 (86-94.6), and 3.35 (0.2-8.85), respectively. The overall complication rate for mini-open repair was 8.05%, with the most common being sural nerve injury, rerupture, and skin adhesions. The mean rates of sural nerve injury and rerupture were 1.67% and 1.25%. Patients undergoing mini-open ATR demonstrated high rates of return to baseline activity, low rates of complications, and excellent postoperative PRO scores. Mini-open repair is a reliable technique with comparable functional outcomes to traditional open repair, with lower rates of infections and wound healing issues.
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NewsBot · Jun 4, 2025

Endoscopic flexor hallucis longus transfer for acute Achilles tendon ruptures is associated with a high re-rupture rate: A prospective case series
Tiago Soares Baumfeld et al
Foot and Ankle Surgery 3 June 2025

Introduction
Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is one of the most common injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Recently, endoscopic FHL transfer has been successfully used to treat acute injuries in soccer players, with good return to play rates and good functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to analyze patient-reported questionnaires, functional capacity assessment (FCA), and re-rupture rates following endoscopic FHL transfer for acute ATR.
Methods
This is a prospective case series with 26 patients (15 men, 11 women, mean age 47.7 years) who suffered an ATR and underwent surgical reconstruction with a FHL endoscopic transfer, between March 2022 and December 2023. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Postoperative assessments included the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) score, Achilles total tendon rupture score (ATRS), AOFAS, EVA, as well as plantar flexion strength, hallux flexion strength, ankle mobility, single heel rise test and Lunge test and Achilles tendon resting angle.
Results
Five out of 26 patients (19,2%) had a re-rupture of the Achilles tendon between the second and the fourth postoperative week. Twelve months postoperatively, the pain measured by VAS was 0.5, the mean VISA-A score was 94.4 (95% CI: 90.8–100), and the mean ATRS was 5.1. The plantar flexion strength and ankle mobility were significantly lower in the affected side when compared to the formerly unaffected side (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). No wound healing problems or neurovascular or complications were observed.
Discussion
Despite a cautious rehabilitation program, we observed an unacceptably re-rupture rate of 19.2% in our sample when compared to other techniques. We therefore believe that this technique should not be used in very active patients who desire fast recovery after acute ATR because the risks may be too high.
Conclusion
Endoscopic FHL transfer appears to be associated with a high re-rupture rate when used to treat acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
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NewsBot · Jun 10, 2025

Functional outcome and correlation with ultrasound gap size of Achilles tendon rupture treated non-operatively with boot and wedges
Rohit Ravindran Nair et al
J Orthop. 2025 Feb 1:68:105-108.

Background: The need for surgical management of Achilles tendon ruptures has been decreasing due to a better understanding of their non-operative management. The primary aim of our study was to assess the functional outcome of Achilles tendon ruptures treated with fixed angle walking boots with wedges (FAWW) and its relationship with gap size, functional scores, single leg heel raise height difference (HHD) and calf circumference difference (CCD). The secondary aim was to look at the complication rates.

Methods: 34 patients (29 males and 5 females), who presented with acute Achilles tendon ruptures to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from October 2020 to April 2022, were treated with an equinus slab for 2 weeks followed by a fixed angle boot, with wedges being sequentially removed every 2 weeks. They were reviewed at 3, 6 and 12 months. At each visit, Achilles Tendon Rupture score (ATRS), HHD and CCD were measured. Any complication, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or re-rupture, was recorded.

Results: The mean age group of patients was 50 years (28-87 years). The average ATRS at 3, 6 and 12 months were 29.84, 61.68 and 76, respectively. The mean HHD was 8.9 centimetres (cm) at 3 months, 3.79 cm at 6 months and 2.4 cm at 12 months. The mean CCD was 1.31 cm at 3 months, 0.88 cm at 6 months and 1.07 cm at 12 months. We did not find a significant correlation between Achilles tendon gap size measured by ultrasound and ATRS, HHD and CCD in our study.

Conclusions: Non-operative management of Achilles tendon ruptures with boot and wedges gives a good functional outcome, which has no relationship with tendon gap size at the time of initial rupture.
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NewsBot · Jun 11, 2025

Affordable approach using flexor hallucis longus muscle graft for chronic Achilles tendon rupture: A case report
Romy Deviandri et al
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 4 June 2025, 111470

Highlights
• A chronic Achilles tendon rupture should be repaired to improve patient's quality of life.
• FHL muscle grafting is cost-effective procedure.
• A grafting approach using FHL muscle is more applicable in remote area hospital.
• Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) can be used to evaluate the outcome.
Introduction and importance
The Achilles tendon is vital in maintaining balance when walking. An affordable approach using the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon graft is a cost-effective treatment.
Case presentation
A 35-year-old male who worked as a porter was taken to the clinic after falling while going downstairs a year ago. The physical examination showed gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and limited range of motion (ROM). The Thompson test was performed, and the result was positive for the Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).
Clinical discussion
Various techniques could be used in a chronic Achilles case, including autograft and allograft. Because the gap was 5.5 cm, we implemented a suitable surgical approach using an FHL tendon graft to repair a chronic ATR. The Euroqol 5-Dimension (EQ5D), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and the cost-effectiveness (CEA) were measured to follow up patients' outcomes.
Conclusion
A grafting procedure using the FHL tendon was affordable and cost-effective for reconstructing a chronic ATR. This technique was preferable, especially in remote area hospitals.
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NewsBot · Jun 13, 2025 at 2:45 AM

Clinical Outcome of Achilles Tendon Rupture
Repaired by a Modified Minimally Invasive
Percutaneous Suturing
Xiaoyang Qi et al
Source

Purpose: Minimally invasive percutaneous techniques offer a promising alternative to open surgical repair of the Achilles tendon.
However, the possibilities of recurrent rupture and nerve complications remain. Hence, the present study was conducted to describe
a modified repair technique for the Achilles tendon able to overcome these limitations.
Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 36 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture treated at our
institution between January 2020 and January 2022. All patients underwent surgery at our institution and were followed up for 12–25
months. Functional evaluation was based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and
the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), along with local complications.
Results: None of the patients had sural nerve injury, infection or re-rupture at a minimum follow up of 12 months. At the final followup, the average AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and ATRS were 95.5 and 90.0, respectively. The final magnetic resonance imaging
showed continuity and thicker regeneration of the tendon.
Conclusion: The modified percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon is an effective procedure which yields good functional outcome
with few complications, and it could be widely promoted in clinical practice.
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NewsBot · Jun 13, 2025 at 11:40 PM

Pivoting from Nonoperative to Operative Management After Achilles Tendon Re-Rupture: A Case Report
Source

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture incidence has been increasing over the past several decades with management including nonoperative and operative options. Little is known regarding the patient experience in those who transition from nonoperative to operative management due to re-rupture.

CASE PRESENTATION: 22-year-old male physical therapy student who heard a “pop” while playing soccer. Per ultrasound imaging findings and patient goals, he trialed nonoperative management. However, he experienced re-rupture and underwent open Achilles tendon repair.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: After rehabilitation, he demonstrated normalized heel-rise endurance, quadriceps and hamstring strength. He lacked heel-rise height compared to contralateral side. He resumed recreational running and lifting, but not sports.

DISCUSSION: Initial nonoperative management after Achilles tendon rupture does not appear to diminish outcomes after subsequent Achilles tendon repair. However, the patient reported heightened fear of re-rupture after nonoperative management and relief with operative management.
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NewsBot · Jun 14, 2025 at 7:29 AM

Clinical outcome of adding injection of freeze-dried platelet-derived factor concentrate to operative treatment accompanied by an early rehabilitation for Achilles tendon rupture in high-level athletes
Shota Morimoto et al
Regen Ther. 2025 May 28:30:107-111.

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) often occur in competitive athletes. Various studies have been conducted to improve the treatment outcomes for ATRs, but the results remain unsatisfactory for athletes.

Purpose: To review our experiences of adding injections of freeze-dried platelet-derived factor concentrate (FD-PFC) to surgical treatment with an early rehabilitation for ATRs in high-level athletes.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 8 high-level athletes (Tegner activity score ≥8) with ATR, who received postoperative injection of FD-PFC in addition to surgical treatment with an early rehabilitation protocol between May 2019 and November 2021. In all patients, surgery was performed using the modified side-locking loop suture technique, and an early rehabilitation protocol was implemented postoperatively. The prepared FD-PFC was injected into the Achilles tendon suture site under ultrasound guidance at 4 weeks postoperatively. Evaluation of the clinical outcomes included the following factor: the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS) score measured preoperatively and at one year postoperatively, time to ability to perform 20 continuous double- and single-leg heel raises (DHR/SHR), time to return to the original sport, and complications related to surgery or FD-PFC injection. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for all patients at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively to evaluate Achilles tendon maturation.

Results: The 8 patients consisted of 7 males and one female athletes with a mean age of 28.5 ± 5.2 years (range, 23-39 years) at the time of surgery. All patients were high-level athletes with a mean Tegner activity score of 9.0 ± 0.5 (range, 8-10). The mean AOFAS score improved significantly from 36.0 ± 9.4 preoperatively to 96.8 ± 3.6 at one year postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean time to be able to perform 20 continuous DHR and 20 continuous SHR was 6.8 ± 0.8 weeks and 10.1 ± 1.6 weeks, respectively. All patients could return to their original sport at pre-injury levels with the mean time of 18.3 ± 2.7 weeks. Also, there were no complications related to surgery or injection. Furthermore, T2-weighted MRI showed the high signal intensity of the sutured tendon in 25 % (2 of 8 patients) at 12 weeks and 0 % (0 of 8 patients) at 24 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusions: The addition of FD-PFC injections to surgical treatment with an early rehabilitation protocol could provide satisfactory results for high-level athletes with ATRs, enabling them early return to their original sports at pre-injury level. This treatment option may be useful for athletes with ATRs
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NewsBot · Jun 14, 2025 at 8:02 AM

The impact of Achilles tendon thickness and Kager's fat pad thickness on clinical and functional outcomes following open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture
Bilge Kagan Yılmaz et al
Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2025 Jun;31(6):587-595.

Background: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) are among the most common sports-related injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between Achilles tendon (AT) and Kager's fat pad (KFP) thickness with clinical and functional outcomes, measured using the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), in patients treated with open surgical repair for acute ATR.

Methods: This retrospective study included 42 patients who underwent surgery for ATR at our institution between January 2017 and December 2021. All patients were treated using the open surgical Krackow suture technique. ATRS, FAOS, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were recorded one year postoperatively. AT and KFP thicknesses were measured via ultrasonography by an independent radiologist at one-year follow-up.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.38+-9.68 years, with 22 male patients (52.4%). The mean ATRS was 65.17+-24.46, the mean FAOS was 76.14+-16.75, and the mean VAS score was 3.02+-1.44. The mean AT thickness on the operated side was 15.54+-2.89 mm, compared to 14.58+-2.28 mm on the contralateral side (p=0.009). The mean KFP thickness on the operated side was 8.42+-2.99 mm, compared to 6.32+-2.67 mm on the contralateral side (p=0.005). A strong correlation was found between ATRS and FAOS (r=0.742, p<0.001). For AT thickness, there were moderate negative correlations with both ATRS and FAOS (r=-0.544, p=0.013; r=-0.451, p=0.003, respectively). For KFP thickness, a moderate negative correlation was found with ATRS (r=-0.506, p=0.001).

Conclusion: AT and KFP thicknesses had no significant direct effect on ATRS and FAOS. However, ATRS and FAOS scores following open surgical repair of acute ATR were correlated with each other and with functional outcomes. Despite its specific complications, open surgical repair of acute ATR is an effective option for patients eligible for surgery.
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NewsBot · Jun 14, 2025 at 10:14 PM

Endoscopic flexor hallucis longus transfer for acute Achilles tendon ruptures is associated with a high re-rupture rate: A prospective case series
Tiago Soares Baumfeld et al
Foot Ankle Surg. 2025 Jun 3:S1268-7731(25)00126-2.

Introduction: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is one of the most common injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Recently, endoscopic FHL transfer has been successfully used to treat acute injuries in soccer players, with good return to play rates and good functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to analyze patient-reported questionnaires, functional capacity assessment (FCA), and re-rupture rates following endoscopic FHL transfer for acute ATR.

Methods: This is a prospective case series with 26 patients (15 men, 11 women, mean age 47.7 years) who suffered an ATR and underwent surgical reconstruction with a FHL endoscopic transfer, between March 2022 and December 2023. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Postoperative assessments included the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A) score, Achilles total tendon rupture score (ATRS), AOFAS, EVA, as well as plantar flexion strength, hallux flexion strength, ankle mobility, single heel rise test and Lunge test and Achilles tendon resting angle.

Results: Five out of 26 patients (19,2 %) had a re-rupture of the Achilles tendon between the second and the fourth postoperative week. Twelve months postoperatively, the pain measured by VAS was 0.5, the mean VISA-A score was 94.4 (95 % CI: 90.8-100), and the mean ATRS was 5.1. The plantar flexion strength and ankle mobility were significantly lower in the affected side when compared to the formerly unaffected side (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). No wound healing problems or neurovascular or complications were observed.

Discussion: Despite a cautious rehabilitation program, we observed an unacceptably re-rupture rate of 19.2 % in our sample when compared to other techniques. We therefore believe that this technique should not be used in very active patients who desire fast recovery after acute ATR because the risks may be too high.

Conclusion: Endoscopic FHL transfer appears to be associated with a high re-rupture rate when used to treat acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
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NewsBot · Jun 16, 2025 at 5:46 AM

Examining prior injury relative to Achilles tendon ruptures in National Basketball Association players
Adam J. Petway,Reuben F. Burch,David Saucier,Zachary M. Gillen,Scott Epsley,Randy Forbes
Research in Sports Medicine

The purpose of this study is to examine Achilles Tendon (AT) rupture and prior injury in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Publicly available data was sourced via two online databases and filtered to identify those reported as having sustained AT rupture. A full injury history was then generated for those players. A total of 51 AT ruptures were identified. Thirty-five per cent (18) had previously missed at least one game for “Achilles tendinitis” or “Achilles tendon injury” on the side of the affected limb. A further 18% were noted to have suffered plantar fasciitis or foot inflammation (9) or previous ankle injury (9). Seven previous injuries were knee related, and five were described as calf muscle injuries. The remaining three had prior soft tissue injuries to the quadriceps, hamstring or groin. Understanding any potential association between previous small time-loss injuries and large time-loss injuries such Achilles tendon ruptures is an important step in advancing injury risk mitigation strategies in professional basketball.
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NewsBot · Jun 16, 2025 at 10:04 PM

Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: How Well Can Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Answer Patient
Wojciech K Dzieza et al
Front. Digit. Health Volume 7 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2025.1614344

Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have gained popularity as a source of information that is easily accessed by patients. The best treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) remains controversial due to varying surgical repair techniques, postoperative protocols, nonoperative treatment options, and surgeon and patient factors. Given that patients will continue to turn towards AI for answers to medical questions, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether popular AI engines can provide adequate responses to frequently asked questions regarding AATR. Methods: Three AI engines (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot) were prompted for a concise response to ten common questions regarding AATR management. Four board-certified orthopaedic surgeons were asked to assess the responses using a four-point scale. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the responses between the three AI systems using the scores assigned by the surgeons. Results: All three engines provided comparable answers to 7 of 10 questions (70%). Significant differences were noted between the AI systems for three of the ten questions (Question 4, overall p=.027; Question 7, overall p=.043; and Question 10, overall p=.033). Post-hoc analyses revealed that Copilot received significantly poorer scores (higher mean ratings) compared to Gemini for Question 4 (adjusted p=.028) and Question 7 (adjusted p=.036), and poorer score compared to ChatGPT for Question 10 (adjusted p=.033). Conclusions: AI chatbots can appropriately answer concise prompts about diagnosis and management of AATR. The responses provided by the three AI chatbots analyzed in our study were largely uniform and satisfactory, with only one of the engines scoring lower on three of the ten questions. As AI engines advance, they will become an important tool for patient education in orthopaedics.
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NewsBot · Jun 18, 2025 at 3:20 AM

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) into Spanish: a study protocol
Armando Calleja-Rodríguez et al
Source

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the human body, yet it is also the most frequently ruptured. The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is increasing due to an ageing population, rising obesity rates and greater sports participation. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure widely used to assess clinical and functional outcomes after ATR. However, there is no culturally adapted and validated Spanish version of this tool, limiting its applicability in Spanish-speaking populations. The aim is to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Spanish version of the ATRS following international guidelines and to analyse its psychometric properties for assessing clinical and functional outcomes in patients with ATR. This study protocol outlines a cross-sectional design adhering to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys guidelines for observational studies and online surveys. The ATRS will be translated and culturally adapted, psychometric analysis will follow COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments standards, including reliability, validity and sensitivity assessments. Participants will include patients treated surgically for ATR in hospitals across Madrid and healthy controls recruited through social media. Sociodemographic, clinical and functional data will also be collected to support the validation process. This study protocol was approved by the Universidad Europea de Madrid Institutional Board (Approval ID: CI 2024/897) prior to data collection based one the Declaration of Helsinki. The study’s findings will be distributed to athletes, physicians and academics via peer-reviewed publications and national/international conferences.
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Achilles tendon rupture

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NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Depression folowing surgery for an achilles tendon rupture

Are bacteria involved in achilles tendon ruptures?

Past ruptured achilles tendon

Achilles Tendon rupture and Plantar Fasciitis

The most frequent heel lift height to treat Achilles tendonitis

Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury

Achilles Tendon and Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Flatfoot

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Achilles tendon rupture

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Depression folowing surgery for an achilles tendon rupture

Are bacteria involved in achilles tendon ruptures?

Past ruptured achilles tendon

Achilles Tendon rupture and Plantar Fasciitis

The most frequent heel lift height to treat Achilles tendonitis

Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury

Achilles Tendon and Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Flatfoot

Share This Page

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