Influence of Achilles tendon rupture site on surgical repair outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to measure the distance between the common site of Achilles tendon rupture and calcaneal insertion through ultrasound and to compare the outcomes between proximal and distal rupture groups. Methods: We investigated the electronic medical records of 117 patients and preoperative ultrasound describing the rupture site. Among 88 patients, we compared the patient-reported outcome and re-rupture rate of proximal and distal rupture groups. Results: The mean rupture site of the 117 included subjects was 4.5 ± 1.3 cm. The rupture site had a weak negative correlation with body mass index ( ρ = −0.230, P = 0.013). Furthermore, 77% of the patients with distal rupture reported good outcome (Achilles Tendon Rupture Score > 80) compared to 56% of the patients with proximal rupture ( P = 0.041). Conclusion: Patients with proximal rupture had less satisfactory postoperative outcomes than those with distal rupture.