The relationship between Achilles tendon rupture and serum uric acid level

The serum uric acid level of 30 patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon was compared with that of 30 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex. In patients with a ruptured Achilles tendon the serum uric acid level was significantly higher than in the control subjects. This finding was not dependent on sex or race. It is possible that hyperuricaemia is a contributing factor in rupture of the Achilles tendon and warrants further study. It is suggested that this finding might be related to an adverse effect on the tendon's nutrition.