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Updated: May 27, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Complexities of Achilles Tendon Injuries — Research and Future Directions
Published on: October 27, 2023
620
Long-Term Outcomes Following Surgical Intervention for Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review With a Minimum
Conor J Kilkenny1, Gordon Daly2,3, Shane Irwin1
1Orthopaedics, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, IRL.
Cureus
|February 18, 2025
Summary
Surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures shows excellent long-term results. This review found low re-rupture and revision rates over five years, confirming surgery
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Achilles tendon (TA) rupture is a frequent injury.
- Limited evidence exists regarding long-term outcomes after surgical repair.
- Understanding long-term efficacy and complications is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy and complications of surgical TA rupture repair.
- To evaluate outcomes with a minimum follow-up of five years.
- To provide evidence-based insights into the long-term success of surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.
- Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Inclusion of six studies with 806 patients, focusing on long-term outcomes.
Main Results:
- Low re-rupture rates (4.2%) and revision surgery rates (3.7%) at five-year follow-up.
- Contralateral ruptures were infrequent (N=5).
- Observed complications included deep vein thrombosis (6.3%) and wound infections (3.6%).
Conclusions:
- Surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures offers reliable and durable long-term outcomes.
- Low rates of re-rupture and revision support surgical intervention.
- While complications exist, surgical management is overall successful for treating TA rupture.
