Psychological and functional assessment of Achilles Tendon Ruptures and their return to sports

RM Kumar, AR Gomaa, D Scarffe, B Jones, A Moothosamy, N Someswaran, A Molloy, L Mason

Introduction: Achilles Tendon Ruptures (ATR) sustained in sport has only previously been investigated in an athletic population. Our aim in this study was to understand the psychology and function of ATR and their return to sport.

Methods: A historic cohort study was completed in our specialist Achilles clinic over 3 years in patients who had sustained an ATR when participating in sport in a normal population. Patients completed ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score) and I-PRRS (Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport).

Results: Out of 142 patients with ATR sustained during sport, a total of 73 patients had data available for further analysis beyond 6 months. There were 17 (23.29%) who returned to same sport at the same level, 13 (17.81%) returned to same sport at different level, 11 (15.07%) who returned to different sport and 43.84% who did not return to sport. The I-PRRS and ATRS was significantly lower in the patients who did not return to sport (p <.001 and .003). There
was significant correlation between the I-PRRS and ATRS. The most common reason given for not returning to sport was fear of reinjury (41.30%), followed by pain/stiffness (26.09%) and life circumstance (13.04%). Although there was significant correlation between the ATRS and I-PRRS, the patients who did not return to sport at same level and gave reasons for non-return other than due to pain/stiffness, had normal ATRS scores.

Conclusions: Return to sport following ATR in a non athletic population was low. The most common reason for failure to return to sport was psychological, however the functional scores and psychological scores displayed significant correlation.