Retrospective Epidemiological Study of Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Whilst the epidemiology of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) is well known in the context of other countries, not many epidemiological studies have been conducted in the UK, demonstrating the lack of recent, reliable data relevant to our population context. The approach taken was retrospective data collection of ATRs and relevant history from participants' electronic patient records (EPR), followed by a telephone interview to confirm and investigate data points not included in patient notes. From a sample of 88 participants, 76% were male, and the median age was 44. The most prevalent activity and mechanism of injury was playing football (39%), and accelerating from a stationary position (30%). ATRs were predominantly sports-related (67%), and the incidence of sports-related ATRs and total ATRs was greatest during summer (34%), followed by spring (30%). The median (IQR) age of participants with sports-related ATRs was 40.0 (35.0 - 45.5) years, compared to 65.5 (54.0 - 73.5) years for non-sports-related ATRs. In this sample, ATRs most commonly occur in middle-aged men in a sporting context during the spring and summer seasons. Non-sports-related ATR incidence is greater in older age groups. These results are consistent with both local British studies and international studies, but limitations to this study highlight the need for further research with a similar methodology and greater scale, which would aid in identifying high-risk groups that could benefit from tailored injury prevention strategies.