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.

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.

Correction to: Tram system related cycling injuries.

The author would like to correct the errors in the publication of the original article. The corrected details are given below for your reading.

Tram system related cycling injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding of tram-system related cycling injuries (TSRCI) is poor. The aim of this study was to report the spectrum of injuries, demographics and social deprivation status of patients. Secondary aims included assessment of accident circumstances, effects of TSRCI on patients' confidence cycling, together with time off work and cycling. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients presenting to emergency services across all hospitals in Edinburgh and West Lothian with tram related injuries between May 2009 and April 2016 was undertaken. Medical records and imagining were analysed and patients were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: 191 cyclists (119 males, 72 females) were identified. 63 patients sustained one or more fractures or dislocations. Upper limb fractures/dislocations occurred in 55, lower limb fractures in 8 and facial fractures in 2. Most patients demonstrated low levels of socioeconomic deprivation. In 142 cases, the wheel was caught in tram-tracks, while in 32 it slid on tracks. The latter occurred more commonly in wet conditions (p = 0.028). 151 patients answered detailed questionnaires. Ninety-eight were commuting. 112 patients intended to cross tramlines and 65 accidents occurred at a junction. Eighty patients reported traffic pressures contributed to their accident. 120 stated that their confidence was affected and 24 did not resume cycling. Female gender (p < 0.001) and presence of a fracture/dislocation (p = 0.012) were independent predictors of negative effects on confidence. Patients sustaining a fracture/dislocation spent more time off work (median 5 days vs 1, p < 0.001) and cycling (median 57 days vs 21, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TSRCI occur predominantly in young to middle-aged adults with low levels of socioeconomic deprivation, most commonly when bicycle wheels get caught in tram-tracks. They result in various injuries, frequently affecting the upper limb. Traffic pressures are commonly implicated. Most patients report negative effects on confidence and a sizeable minority do not resume cycling. TSRCI can result in significant loss of working and cycling days.