Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of Achilles tendon injury and subsequent surgery: a matched retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prescription of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has increased in the United States in recent years, and though anabolic steroids have been associated with tendon rupture, there is a paucity of literature evaluating the risk of Achilles tendon injury with TRT. This study aims to evaluate the associative relationship between consistent TRT, Achilles tendon injury, and subsequent surgery. METHODS: This is a one-to-one matched retrospective cohort study utilizing the PearlDiver database. Records were queried for patients aged 35-75 who were prescribed at least 3 consecutive months of TRT between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019. Achilles tendon injuries and subsequent surgeries were identified using ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT billing codes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare odds of Achilles tendon injury, Achilles tendon surgery, and revision surgery, with a p-value < 0.05 representing statistical significance. RESULTS: A sample of 423,278 patients who filled a TRT prescription for a minimum of 3 consecutive months was analyzed. The 2-year incidence of Achilles tendon injury was 377.8 (95% CI, 364.8-391.0) per 100,000 person-years in the TRT cohort, compared to 245.8 (95% CI, 235.4-256.6) in the control (p < 0.001). The adjusted analysis demonstrated TRT to be associated with a significantly increased likelihood of being diagnosed with Achilles tendon injury (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI, 1.15-1.33, p < 0.001). Of those diagnosed with Achilles tendon injury, 287/3,198 (9.0%) of the TRT cohort subsequently underwent surgery for their injury, compared to 134/2,081 (6.4%) in the control cohort (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.19-1.99, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between Achilles tendon injury and prescription TRT, with a concomitantly increased rate of undergoing surgical management. These results provide insight into the risk profile of TRT and further research into the science of tendon pathology in the setting of TRT is an area of continued interest.

The relationship between plate prominence and need for removal after volar plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the incidence of plate-related complications and the need for plate removal after volar plate osteosynthesis of the distal radius in relation to Soong classification. METHODS: All consecutive patients (age > 16 years) in our level II trauma center treated with plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures from January 2017 until June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The main outcome measures were volar plate positioning according to Soong classification and incidence of plate removal. In addition, the incidence of tendon ruptures, reasons for volar plate removal, and improvement of complaints after removal were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall incidence of plate removal in the 336 included patients was 16.9% (n = 57). Removal incidence in Soong 2 plates (28.2%) was significantly higher compared to Soong 0 and 1 plates (8.0% and 14.4%, respectively), P = 0.003. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed Soong grade 2 as an independent predictor for plate removal, OR 4.3 (95% CI 1.4-13.7, P = 0.013). Four cases of flexor and four cases of extensor tendon rupture were reported, all in Soong 2 grade plating. The main reasons for volar plate removal were pain (42%) and reduced functionality (12%). In cases where pain was the main reason for removal, 81% of patients reported a decrease in pain during follow-up after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an association between plate prominence graded by Soong and plate removal using a single plating system. Plate prominence should be reduced in volar plating whenever technically feasible.

Aetiopathogenesis of Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients Younger than 50 Years: Medical Conditions Play a Relevant Role.

Background and Objectives: Studies on rotator cuff tears (RCT) in patients younger than 50 years have focused on the post-operative outcomes. Little is known about cuff tear etiopathogenesis, although it is a common belief that most tears are due to trauma. We have retrospectively verified the prevalence of medical conditions, whose role in tendon degeneration development have been widely demonstrated, in a group of patients younger than 50 years with postero-superior RCT. Materials and Methods: 64 patients [44M-20F; mean age (SD): 46.90 (2.80)] were enrolled. Personal data, BMI, smoking habit, diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, thyroid diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were registered. The possible triggering cause and the affected side and tear dimensions were recorded, and statistical analysis was then performed. Results: 75% of patients had one or more diseases and/or a smoking habit for more than 10 years. In the remaining 25%, only four patients referred had had a traumatic event, while in the other eight patients, both medical condition and trauma were registered. The presence of two or more diseases did not affect RCT size. Conclusions: In our series, three quarters of patients with RCT had a smoking habit or medical conditions predisposing them to a tendon tear; therefore, the role of trauma in RCT onset in patients younger than 50 years is markedly resized. It is plausible that in the remaining 25%, RCT may be due to trauma or to genetic or acquired degeneration. Level of Evidence: IV.

Risk Factors for Contralateral Tendon Rupture in Patients With Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

The present study was performed to determine the incidence and risk factors of contralateral Achilles tendon rupture after an initial tendon rupture, and to identify the associated patient characteristics. Medical records of 181 adult patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were reviewed. We investigated the risk factors for contralateral Achilles tendon rupture and calculated the incidence density (per 100 person-years), survival rate, hazard ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. The risk factors were extracted, including blood type, age, body mass index (BMI), occupation, underlying comorbidities, history of alcohol intake or smoking, injury mechanism, and fluoroquinolone antibiotic or steroid use. Military personnel and manual laborers, including farmers and firefighters were considered to have an occupation involving physical activity. Ten patients (5.5%) were identified as having nonsimultaneous, contralateral Achilles tendon rupture a mean of 3.3 years (range 1.0-8.3 years) after the initial tendon rupture. The incidence density of contralateral tendon rupture was 0.89 per 100 person-years. The 8-year survival rate of contralateral tendon rupture was 92.2%. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (with 95% confidence intervals, p value) of blood type O were 3.71 (1.07-12.82, p = .038) and 2.90 (0.81-10.32, p = .101), respectively, and those of occupations involving physical activity were 5.87 (1.64-20.98, p = .006) and 4.69 (1.27-17.28, p = .02), respectively. Based on the present data, blood type O and occupations involving physical activity are significantly associated with an increased risk of contralateral tendon rupture in adult patients who have sustained Achilles tendon rupture.

Increased incidence of acute achilles tendon ruptures in the peri-pandemic COVID era with parallels to the 2021-22 NFL season.

PURPOSE: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATRs) are a common sporting injury, whether for recreational athletes or elite athletes. Prior research has shown returning to physical activity after extended periods of inactivity leads to increased rates of musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate rates of acute Achilles' tendon ruptures at a single academic institute in the peri-COVID era, with corollary to the recent NFL season. METHODS: A retrospective search was conducted using current procedural terminology to identify the total number of Achilles acute primary repair surgeries performed from years 2017 to 2021. Non-operatively managed AATRs were identified from the same electronic medical record using ICD-10 codes. NFL data were obtained from publicly available sites according to previously validated studies. RESULTS: A total of 588 patients who sustained AATRs and underwent primary surgical repair were identified, primarily men (75.7%, n = 445), with an average age of 43.22 ± 14.4 years. The number and corresponding incidence of AATR repairs per year was: 2017: n = 124 (21.1%), 2018: n = 110 (18.7%), 2019: n = 130 (22.1%), 2020: n = 86 (14.6%), 2021: n = 138 (23.5%), indicating a 7.5% decrease in rate of AATRs from 2019 to 2020, followed by an 8.9% increase in incidence from 2020 to 2021. Within the NFL, the number of AATRs resulting in an injured reserve stint increased every regular season from 2019 to 2020: n = 11 (21.2%), to 2020-2021: n = 17 (32.7%), to this past 2021-2022 season: n = 24 (46.2%). CONCLUSION: AATR surgeries seem to have increased in 2021 following a 2020 COVID pandemic-induced quarantine for recreational athletes at a single academic institution and for professional athletes in the NFL, although these results are of questionable clinical significance. This provides prognostic information when counseling patients and athletes on return to activity or sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Incidence and clinical results of tendinous injuries in calcaneus and pilon fractures.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were: (1) to define the incidence of tendinous injuries in calcaneus and pilon fractures with different fracture severity and (2) to determine the clinical impact of such injuries. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CT-scans of 121 patients with calcaneus and pilon fractures were retrospectively analyzed over a 4-year period. The tendinous injuries were identified and correlated with the type of fracture (location and classification). Clinical analysis was performed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and SF-36 (Short Form-36 Health Survey) scores. RESULTS: Tendinous injuries were observed in 36% of all CT-scans analyzed, with the most common injury being incarceration (n = 20) and dislocation (n = 24). Calcaneus fractures sanders type 3/4 were 9 times more prone to tendon injury (p < 0.001; OR 8.67; 95% CI 2.49-30.24). Pilon fractures Ruedi-Allgower type 2/3 were 8 times more prone to tendon injury (p = 0.005; OR 7.5; 95% CI 1.72-32.80). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in AOFAS and SF-36 scores between patients with/without tendon injuries for fractures with the same severity. CONCLUSION: The incidence of tendon injuries in calcaneus/pilon fractures is high and may be underreported. Calcaneus fractures are prone to peroneal tendon injury. In pilon fractures, it is important to look for tibialis posterior tendon injury, especially entrapment. The presence of tendinous injuries does not affect function and pain for the same type of calcaneus and pilon fractures at the long term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 retrospective study.

Socioeconomic deprivation status predicts both the incidence and nature of Achilles tendon rupture.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and its relationship with socioeconomic deprivation status (SEDS). The hypothesis was that ATR occurs more frequently in socioeconomically deprived patients. Secondary aims were to determine variations in circumstances of injury between more and less deprived patients. METHODS: A 6-year retrospective review of consecutive patients presenting with ATR was undertaken. The health-board population was defined using governmental population data and SEDS was defined using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. The primary outcome was an epidemiological description and comparison of incidence in more and less deprived cohorts. Secondary outcomes included reporting of the relationship between SEDS and patient and injury characteristics with univariate and binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 783 patients (567 male; 216 female) with ATR. Mean incidence for adults (≥ 18 years) was 18.75/100,000 per year (range 16.56-23.57) and for all ages was 15.26/100,000 per year (range 13.51 to 19.07). Incidence in the least deprived population quintiles (4th and 5th quintiles; 18.07 per 100,000/year) was higher than that in the most deprived quintiles (1st and 2nd; 11.32/100,000 per year; OR 1.60, 95%CI 1.35-1.89; p < 0.001). When adjusting for confounding factors, least deprived patients were more likely to be > 50 years old (OR 1.97; 95%CI 1.24-3.12; p = 0.004), to sustain ATR playing sports (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.11-2.67; p = 0.02) and in the spring (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.01-2.70; p = 0.045) and to give a history of preceding tendinitis (OR 4.04, 95%CI 1.49-10.95; p = 0.006). They were less likely to sustain low-energy injuries (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.23-0.87; p = 0.02) and to be obese (OR 0.25-0.41, 95%CI 0.07-0.90; p ≤ 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ATR was higher in less socioeconomically deprived populations and the hypothesis was therefore rejected. Significant variations in patient and predisposing factors, mechanisms of injury and seasonality were demonstrated between most and least deprived groups, suggesting that circumstances and nature of ATR may vary with SEDS and these are not a homogenous group of injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Study Level III.

Flexor Tendon Injuries in the Pediatric Population.

Flexor tendon injuries are rare in children, posing specific diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to describe epidemiologic characteristics of flexor tendon injuries in children and evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with acute traumatic flexor tendon injuries treated between 2012 and 2019. We analyzed demographics, lesion mechanism, surgical technique, clinical results, complications, and secondary surgical procedures. Functional results were assessed through the Total Active Mobilization score. Twenty patients were included (n=34 tendons), with median follow-up of 7 months (range, 3-34 months) and median age at time of surgery of 13 years (range, 1-17 years). Male sex was predominant (n=16). The most prevalent injury mechanism was a cut (n=17), mostly affecting the 4th digit (n=10) and Verdan's zone II (n=13). Modified Kessler was the suture technique most commonly used (n=31), and polypropylene was the preferred suture material (n=19). All patients were immobilized with a splint for a median time of 4 weeks (range, 1-7 weeks). According to the Total Active Mobilization score, 15 patients reached a score greater than 75%, independently of age (P>.05). Stiffness was the main complication observed. Complications were identified in 37% of patients and were most common in those older than age 10 years (P>.05) and those with zone II lesions (P>.05). Four patients (20%) needed a second surgical intervention. Flexor tendon injuries in children are relatively uncommon and prevail in the male sex, similarly to the adult population. The principal complication observed was stiffness, which was more prevalent in children older than age 10 years, although without relevant functional implications, as surgical treatment enabled good or excellent outcomes in 75% of patients. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(2):82-85.].

'Hook' Shape Lister Tubercle Is Associated with a Greater Incidence of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture after Distal Radius Fracture.

Background: A rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon located close to the Lister tubercle is an uncommon complication of distal radius fractures. This study aimed to determine whether the size and shape of Lister tubercle in patients with EPL rupture differs from a matched group of patients with distal radius fractures without EPL rupture. Methods: We identified 15 patients with EPL rupture (3.5%) out of 426 with distal radius fractures treated conservatively at our hospital over 4 years. Out of the remaining 411 patients with distal radius fractures without EPL rupture, we selected patients using simple random sampling and pseudo-randomised them such that their age, sex and fracture type were matched with patients exhibiting EPL rupture. The size and shape of the Lister tubercle and the size of the EPL groove were measured in both groups using computed tomographic scans and compared. Results: There was no difference in the size of the Lister tubercle or the EPL groove between both groups. A 'hook'-shaped Lister tubercle was noted in 8 out of 15 patients with EPL rupture but in only 1 out of 15 matched patients without EPL rupture. Conclusions: A 'hook'-shaped Lister tubercle was seen more often in patients with EPL rupture following distal radius fracture. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Estudio de las heridas por amoladora tratadas en el Hospital de Clínicas y Hospital Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay / Grinder injuries treated at the Clínicas and Pasteur Hospital of Montevideo, Uruguay / Estudo das lesões por esmerilhadeira tratadas no Hospital de Clínicas e Hospital Pasteur, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Resumen: Introducción: las heridas causadas por amoladora representan una consulta frecuente al cirujano plástico en nuestro país. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron conocer la epidemiología de los pacientes que consultaban con estas lesiones, conocer las circunstancias del accidente y estudiar si existía relación entre las condiciones de uso de la herramienta y la gravedad de las lesiones. Material y método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, donde se recabaron los datos de los pacientes que consultaban por heridas por amoladora en las puertas de emergencia de Hospital Pasteur y Hospital de Clínicas en un período de 6 meses. Resultados: un total de 76 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, la mayoría de sexo masculino, en edad laboral activa (39 a 58 años) dedicados a la realización de trabajos temporales o tareas de construcción, con bajo nivel de instrucción. El 84% de las heridas fueron graves. El 61% de los pacientes no utilizó los elementos de seguridad de la herramienta al momento del accidente. La mayoría de las lesiones se produjeron fuera del ambiente laboral. Conclusiones: en base a nuestro trabajo pudimos establecer el perfil epidemiológico de la población más susceptible de sufrir estas lesiones. Comprobamos que las heridas producidas por amoladora son en su mayoría graves y requieren procedimientos complejos para su resolución.

Summary: Introduction: grinder injuries represent a large number of consultations for plastic surgeons in our country. This study aims to learn about the epidemiological characteristics of patients who consulted for these lesions and the circumstances of the accidents, and to analyze whether there is a relationship between the conditions for tool use and the severity of lesions. Methodology: we conducted a retrospective, descriptive, transversal study where we collected data from the patients who consulted for grinder injuries at the emergency departments of Pasteur and Clínicas Hospital during a 6-month period. Results: seventy-six patients were included in the study, most of which were male working adults (between 39 and 58 years-old) who had temporary jobs or were performing construction works and had low levels of education. 84% of lesions were severe. 61% of patients did not respect safety regulations at the time of the accident. Most lesions occurred out of working hours. Conclusions: based on our study, we could identify the epidemiological profile of the most vulnerable population for this kind of lesions. We proved that most grinder lesions are severe and their management requires complex procedures.

Resumo: Introdução: as lesões causadas por esmerilhadeira são causa frequente de consulta ao cirurgião plástico no Uruguai. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram conhecer as características dos pacientes que consultaram com essas lesões, conhecer as circunstâncias do acidente e analisar a possível relação entre as condições de uso da ferramenta e a gravidade das lesões. Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal, onde foram coletados dados de pacientes que consultaram por lesões de esmerilhadeira no pronto-socorro do Hospital Pasteur e Hospital de Clínicas durante um período de 6 meses. Resultados: foram incluídos no estudo 76 pacientes, a maioria do sexo masculino, em idade ativa para trabalhar (39 a 58 anos) dedicados à realização de trabalhos temporários ou trabalhos na construção civil, com baixo nível de escolaridade. 84% dos ferimentos foram graves. 61% dos pacientes não utilizaram os elementos de segurança da ferramenta no momento do acidente. A maioria das lesões ocorreu fora do ambiente de trabalho. Conclusões: com base em nosso trabalho conseguimos estabelecer o perfil da população mais suscetível a esses agravos. Constatamos que a maioria das lesões causadas por esmerilhadeiras são graves, exigindo procedimentos complexos para sua resolução.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients Operated for Achilles Tendon Rupture in Shanghai.

OBJECTIVE: To reflect the potential epidemiological characteristics of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture in Shanghai, China, which has been rarely reported before. METHODS: This work is a descriptive epidemiology study. A total of 302 cases of AT rupture admitted to our department between 01/2013 and 02/2020 are analyzed according to telephone follow-up and medical records. Male to female ratio is 10.3 and the average age is 37.5 years. The record of each case includes age, gender, Body mass index (BMI), quinolone use, corticoid exposure and related medical history/comorbidities. If the case is sports-related (SR), details including kind of sports, intensity of exercise, exercise time before rupture, specific action that causes rupture and situation of warm-up are collected. Two independent sample t-tests and Pearson chi-square tests are used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 252 ruptures are SR. Male to female ratio is 15.6 in SR cases. Most SR ruptures occur in patients aged 25-39 years. Ball games are major sports responsible for rupture: basketball in 95 (37.7%), badminton in 68 (27.0%) and soccer in 62 (24.6%). Acceleration and running start is the specific action that cause most (37.7%) ruptures. AT cases are observed in 91 patients with warm-up and 161 without preparation before exercise. As a result, more ruptures happened within 10 min' sports in 161 unprepared (22.4%) than in 91 prepared (5.5%) cases. In SR cases, 107 and 145 cases are observed on weekends and weekdays. Of the 302 total cases, 64 are associated with Achilles tendinopathy. Frequently reported factors such as quinolone use and corticoid exposure are found only in two and 11 of all cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Middle-aged males are common victims of AT rupture in Shanghai. Sports including basketball, badminton, soccer and actions involving in sudden and severe contraction of AT cause most ruptures. Warm-up before exercise reduces rupture in short time. Factors such as quinolone, corticoid and Achilles tendonitis still need attention.

The epidemiology of Achilles tendon re-rupture and associated risk factors: male gender, younger age and traditional immobilising rehabilitation are risk factors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of Achilles tendon re-rupture. Secondary aims were to identify factors predisposing to increased Achilles tendon re-rupture risk, at the time of primary Achilles tendon rupture. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with primary Achilles tendon rupture and Achilles tendon re-rupture was undertaken. Two separate databases were compiled: the first included all Achilles tendon re-ruptures presenting during the study period and described epidemiology, mechanisms and nature of the re-rupture; the second was a case-control study analysing differences between patients with primary Achilles tendon rupture during the study period, who did, or did not, go on to develop re-rupture, with minimum review period of 1.5 years. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-three patients (567 males, 216 females) attended with primary Achilles tendon rupture and 48 patients (41 males, 7 females) with Achilles tendon re-rupture. Median time to re-rupture was 98.5 days (IQR 82-122.5), but 8/48 re-ruptures occurred late (range 3 to 50 years) after primary Achilles tendon rupture. Males were affected more commonly (OR = 7.40, 95% CI 0.91-60.15; p = 0.034). Mean Achilles tendon re-rupture incidence was 0.94/100,000/year for all ages and 1.16/100,000/year for adults (≥ 18 years). Age distribution was bimodal for both primary Achilles tendon rupture and re-rupture, peaking in the fifth decade, with secondary peaks in older age. Incidence of re-rupture was higher in less socioeconomically deprived sub-populations (OR = 2.01, 95%CI 1.01-3.97, p = 0.04). The majority of re-ruptures were low-energy injuries. Greater risk of re-rupture was noted for patients with primary rupture aged < 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.96; p = 0.037] and those treated with traditional cast immobilisation (aOR 2.20; p = 0.050). CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of Achilles tendon re-rupture is described and known trends (e.g. male predilection) are confirmed, while other novel findings are described, including incidence of a small but significant number of late re-ruptures, occurring years after the primary injury and an increased incidence of re-rupture in less socioeconomically deprived patients. Younger age and traditional immobilising cast treatment of primary Achilles tendon rupture were independently associated with Achilles tendon re-rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Higher Rate of Postoperative Complications in Delayed Achilles Tendon Repair Compared to Early Achilles Tendon Repair: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Some authors found that delayed repair of Achilles tendon ruptures achieved similar functional outcomes when compared with acute repair of Achilles tendon ruptures. The purpose of our study was to compare functional outcomes and complication rates of acute repair to delayed repair after Achilles tendon ruptures. METHODS: PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library were searched. RESULTS: For Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS), the overall result revealed that there was no significant difference in ATRS between acute repair groups and delayed repair groups (P = 0.59). For Tegner scores, Halasi scores and Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA), there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.28, P = 0.47 and P = 0.68). There was no significant difference in the subjective assessment between acute repair groups and delayed repair groups (P = 0.84). However, delayed repair groups showed a higher incidence of complications than acute repair groups (P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that the mean time from injury to surgery of delayed repair groups affect the pooled result substantially. For mean time less than 28d, there was no difference in the incidence of complications between acute repair groups and delayed repair groups (P = 0.09). However, for mean time more than 28d, delayed repair groups showed a higher incidence of complications than acute repair groups (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed delayed repair could obtain similar functional outcomes and subjective assessment when compared with acute repair. However, the rate of complications after delayed repair was higher than that of early repair. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCT) are needed to evaluate the difference.

Epidemiology of Achilles Tendon Rupture in South Korea: Claims Data of the National Health Insurance Service from 2009 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture and its trend has not been studied in Asia. The purpose of this nationwide study was to analyze the trend of incidence and surgical treatment of tendon ruptures in South Korea based on sex, age, and income level of patients, as well as seasonal variation. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiologic study was performed based on the data collected retrospectively from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. Data of all outpatients and inpatients were collected from approximately 52 million residents of South Korea, primarily diagnosed with Achilles tendon rupture from 2009 to 2017. RESULTS: A total of 112,350 patients had Achilles tendon rupture, of which 44,248 patients underwent surgical treatment during the study period. The overall, age-specific, and sex-specific incidence of Achilles tendon rupture and surgical treatment showed an increasing trend. Patients in the age group of 41 to 50 years showed the highest increase in incidence. Regarding season, higher incidence was reported during spring and summer, whereas the lowest incidence was found in winter. Higher income level was associated with increased incidence of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture and surgical treatments increased rapidly in patients between 41 and 50 years of age. Patients in the higher income quintile groups experienced more Achilles tendon injury than those in lower income groups, and fewer ruptures were observed during winter.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Achilles tendon rupture]. / Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas de la ruptura de tendón de Aquiles.

INTRODUCTION: The rupture of the Achilles tendon is one of the most frequent of the lower limb, the increase in its incidence invites to evaluate its associated characteristics that act as triggers or as risk factors. METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, based on clinical history data, using mean, standard deviation and percentages. RESULTS: We evaluated 49 patients: males 83.7%, administrative profession 46.9%, sport injury 61.2% (soccer 38.8%). 75.5% were acute injuries, affecting the left tendon (57.1%). The most referred symptom is sudden pain (95.9%) and the most common sign is Thompson's (89.8%). Ultrasonography was used in 42.9%. 95.5% received treatment by open surgery and spinal anesthesia 85.1%. Intraoperatively they reported complete rupture 95.7%, at 2-5 cm insertion 66%, 98% of them had no associated injuries. The repair was simple tenorrhaphy with Kessler's point (51%) and Vycril as suture material (95.7%). Immobilization was performed with warm-pedium plaster (98%) for a period of 6-8 weeks (91.9%). Surgical waiting was 3.6 days and hospital stay 4.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: Achilles tendon rupture occurred more frequently in sedentary males between 29-48 years, acute presentation in sports activity, affecting the left tendon. Most were complete ruptures located between 2-5 cm from its insertion, performing simple tenorrhaphy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ruptura del tendón de Aquiles es una de las más frecuentes del miembro inferior, el aumento de su incidencia invita a evaluar sus características asociadas que actúan como desencadenantes o como factores de riesgo. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal, según datos de historias clínicas, utilizando media, desviación estándar y porcentajes. RESULTADOS: Evaluamos 49 pacientes: varones 83.7%, profesión administrativa 46.9%, 61.2% lesión de deporte (fútbol 38.8%). De las lesiones, 75.5% fueron agudas afectando el tendón izquierdo (57.1%). El síntoma más referido fue dolor súbito (95.9%) y el signo más encontrado fue el de Thompson (89.8%). Se usó ecografía en 42.9%. Recibieron tratamiento por cirugía abierta 95.5% y anestesia espinal 85.1%. Intraoperatoriamente reportaron ruptura completa 95.7%, a 2-5 cm de inserción 66%, 98% de ellas no presentaron lesiones asociadas. La reparación fue tenorrafía simple con punto de Kessler (51%) y vycril como material de sutura (95.7%). Se realizó inmovilización con yeso tibio-pedio (98%) por lapso de seis a ocho semanas (91.9%). La espera quirúrgica fue 3.6 días y la estancia hospitalaria 4.9 días. CONCLUSIONES: La ruptura del tendón de Aquiles se observó con mayor frecuencia en varones sedentarios entre 29-48 años, presentación aguda en actividad deportiva afectando el tendón izquierdo. La mayoría fueron rupturas completas ubicadas entre 2-5 cm de su inserción, realizando tenorrafía simple.

Identification of Prognostic Factors in Spaghetti Wrist Injuries.

Background: Spaghetti wrist injuries involve a complete transection of three or more structures at the wrist level (including tendons, nerves, or arteries). Few studies on spaghetti wrist trauma have been reported in the literature, and most of them have focused on functional recovery rather than the prognostic factors which affect the outcome. We attempted to address some of the lacunae in current knowledge. Methods: Patients who were operated between January 2017 to January 2019 for spaghetti wrist injuries at a level 1 trauma center were included in the study. Several variables such as age, gender, smoking, education level, mechanism of injury, time gap between the injury to surgery, number of damaged structures and pattern of neurovascular structure were selected as potential prognostic factors to be included in the analysis. Motor recovery, sensory recovery & QuickDash score were used for the outcome assessment. A Multivariate analysis was done to identify the prognostic factor(s). Results: Thirty patients were included in the study. The mean age was 30.5 years (range: 7-57 years). Male population was predominantly affected (93.33%). The dominant limb was injured in 73.33%. The most common mechanism of injury was accidental glass cut (n = 19,63.33%), the most frequently affected structure was flexor digitorum superficialis of the middle finger (n = 23, 76.6%). Combined nerve injury was present in 23.33%. Intrinsic muscle recovery was affected significantly by presence of crush injury (e = 7.189, std error = 2.425, p = 0.003), education significantly affected power grip recovery (p < 0.0001), age was associated with pinch grip recovery (e = 0.083, std error = 0.039, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Increasing age, low education level, and presence of crush injury were identified as negative prognostic factors in the study. These findings may be used for counselling of patients affected by spaghetti wrist injuries.

Differences in risk factors exist for the occurrence of bilateral versus unilateral distal biceps tendon ruptures: a systematic review.

IMPORTANCE: Distal biceps rupture is a debilitating injury that is increasing in incidence. A subset of patient experiences this injury on both sides, simultaneously or at separated times. Previous studies have evaluated the incidence and risk factors of unilateral distal biceps rupture. However, little is known about the risk factors for bilateral distal biceps rupture. AIMS: This aims of this study were to determine risk factors for bilateral distal biceps rupture and to compare these to the known risk factors for unilateral rupture. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A systematic review of literature was conducted using five databases, producing a total of 1183 papers. After the review process, 31 papers with data bilateral distal biceps tendon ruptures were included. FINDINGS: The 31 papers included a total of 2234 patients with 2366 ruptures. Patients with a bilateral rupture were younger than patients with unilateral ruptures (45.8 vs 48.8 years old). Women made up a larger percentage of patients with bilateral ruptures (6.8% vs 4.0%). Bilateral injuries occurred most commonly during heavy lifting or falls, whereas forced extension of the arm was the most frequently reported injury mechanism reported with unilateral ruptures. Tobacco used was more common in patients with bilateral ruptures (24.4% vs 6.8%). Labour-intensive occupations and anabolic steroid use did not appear to increase the risk of a bilateral rupture. Pooling of the data was not possible due to heterogeneity of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: While differences in risk factors between patients with unilateral and bilateral ruptures were observed, there was too great of a degree of heterogeneity among the studies to perform a meta-analysis of the data. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review; level III evidence.

Pertrochanteric Calcifications in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Description, Prevalence, and Correlation With Intraoperatively Diagnosed Hip Abductor Tendon Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pertrochanteric calcifications can be found in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). A systematic description of the types and prevalence of these calcifications has not been undertaken. Furthermore, there is conflicting evidence regarding their association with abductor tendon injuries. PURPOSE: (1) To describe the various types and prevalence of pertrochanteric calcifications in patients presenting for the surgical management of recalcitrant GTPS. (2) To evaluate the association of the various calcifications with intraoperatively diagnosed hip abductor tendon injuries, including tendinosis, partial-thickness tears, and full-thickness tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical management for GTPS, in isolation or as an ancillary procedure during hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, between April 2008 and February 2020 were included. Of these, 85 procedures were isolated treatment of GTPS and the remaining 628 were ancillary to hip arthroscopy. Radiographs were scrutinized for the presence of pertrochanteric calcifications. The hip abductor tendon status was intraoperatively classified as intact, partial-thickness tear, or full-thickness tear. The prevalence and correlation of the various radiographic findings in relation to the intraoperatively classified tendon condition were analyzed via the odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Surgery was performed on 713 hips with recalcitrant GTPS. No tear was found in 340 hips (47.7%), 289 hips (40.5%) had a partial-thickness tear, and 84 hips (11.8%) had a full-thickness tear. Radiographically, 102 hips (14.3%) demonstrated proximally directed enthesophytes, and 34 (4.8%) had distally directed enthesophytes. In addition, 75 hips (10.5%) had amorphous calcifications, 47 (6.6%) had isolated ossicles, and 110 (15.4%) had surface irregularities. The presence of any calcification was associated with partial-thickness tears (OR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.21-2.21]; P = .002) and full-thickness tears (OR, 6.40 [95% CI, 3.91-10.47]; P < .001). Distally directed enthesophytes (OR, 10.18 [95% CI, 3.08-33.63]; P < .001) and proximally directed enthesophytes (OR, 8.69 [95% CI, 4.66-16.21]; P < .001) were the findings with the highest OR for the presence of any type of tear. Distally directed enthesophytes were the findings with the highest OR for a full-thickness tear (OR, 15.79 [95% CI, 7.55-33.06]; P < .001). Isolated ossicles were the findings with the highest OR for a partial-thickness tear (OR, 1.73 [95% CI, 0.96-3.13]; P = .070). CONCLUSION: Pertrochanteric calcifications were common radiographic findings in patients with GTPS and can help guide management in these patients. Proximally and distally directed enthesophytes were strong predictors for the presence of a hip abductor tendon tear, and specifically a full-thickness tear, and increasing size of the findings was associated with more severe tendon injuries.

Importance of shear-wave elastography in prediction of Achilles tendon rupture.

PURPOSE: It was demonstrated that about 6% of patients with a ruptured Achilles tendon experience the rupture of contralateral tendon in the future; the aim of this study was to estimate the risk for rupture of contralateral tendon in patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of ruptured Achilles tendon by using subjective questionnaires and shear-wave elastography. METHODS: Twenty-four patients who underwent surgical repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon and twelve age-matched healthy controls were examined with ultrasound SWE. Functional outcomes were assessed with American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and subjective rating system which we introduced and validated. RESULTS: The elasticity of injured tendon was markedly decreased (by 42%) compared to the contralateral tendon of the patient, as expected. Both AOFAS score and our novel subjective assessment scale positively correlate with ultrasound SWE values in ruptured Achilles tendons. The elasticity of contralateral Achilles tendons in patients was 23% lower than among healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the lack of difference in the subjective feeling assessed by AOFAS, the contralateral tendon in the patients with reconstructed Achilles tendon has significantly lower stiffness than healthy individuals. Therefore, contralateral tendons in patients who suffered from rupture are more prone to future ruptures.

Spontaneous iliopsoas tendon rupture: a case report and brief review.

INTRODUCTION: This report aims to describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment, and rehabilitation, natural course, and possible risk factors of the rare entity spontaneous iliopsoas tendon rupture. METHODS: One case of spontaneous iliopsoas tendon rupture was encountered. The patient was followed during the hospital stay, her journal was later reviewed, and one telephone follow-up after 90 days was performed. Structured reviews of the literature in the PudMed and Micromedex databases were performed. RESULTS: The patient recovered fully within 6 weeks of conservative treatment with small doses of acetaminophen and opioid. The literature reviews yielded 14 previously reported spontaneous iliopsoas tendon ruptures but no strong evidence regarding possible risk factors. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous iliopsoas tendon rupture is a rare event, typically occurring in the elderly female. MRI is generally diagnostic, but signs are also often present on CT scans and sometimes even on plain X-ray. Conservative treatment has an excellent prognosis of full recovery within 6 weeks. The evidence on possible risk factors is scarce and conflicting.