Deficits 10-years after Achilles tendon repair.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries, particularly in active individuals.
• Surgical repair followed by immobilization is a standard treatment, but long-term functional deficits can persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effects of surgical Achilles tendon rupture repair and immobilization on muscle strength, endurance, and activity.
• To identify potential compensatory mechanisms in patients with a history of Achilles tendon rupture.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 63 patients was assessed an average of 10.8 years post-surgery.
• Measurements included clinical function, ankle range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and endurance via dynamometry, and muscle activity via electromyography (EMG).

Main Results:

• Injured limbs exhibited smaller ankle ROM, reduced heel height, and decreased calf circumference compared to the contralateral limb.
• Significantly lower ankle torques were recorded for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion tasks in the injured leg.
• Total work during plantarflexion was 14.9% lower, and gastrocnemius muscle activity was higher during dorsiflexion in the injured limb.

Conclusions:

• Long-term Achilles tendon rupture repair leads to persistent deficits in muscle strength and range of motion.
• Increased muscle activity in the injured leg suggests compensatory adaptations to overcome functional limitations.