Return to Play after Open Repair for Achilles Rupture in Recreational Athletes

Abstract

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: The management of Achilles tendon ruptures in recreational athletes can be challenging. This study assessed the average time to return to sport after open repair for Achilles rupture in recreational athletes. Methods: Twenty one recreational athletes with prodromal tendinous problems sustained an acute tear of the AT and surgical repair with Krachow method from June 2013 to April 2017. Their average age was 39.7 years, and the average follow-up time was 53.2 months. Each patient was evaluated for postoperative ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score), complication and time to return to sports. Results: The mean postoperative ATRS was 85.1. The mean length of time to return to sports was 8 months. Eighteen patients of 21 athletes returned to full sport participation. Eleven athletes returned to the original sports. Seven athletes changed their sports due to fear of re-rupture (four athletes), discomfort during running or jumping (one athlete), general weakness (one athlete), dissuade of family (one athlete). Three athletes didn’t return to sport participation due to thickening of Achilles tendon (two athletes) and personal reason (one athlete). Conclusion: The return to play was 85 % at 8 months postoperatively. The results provide reference data for sports physician in evaluation surgical results and informing athletes about expectations after surgery in terms of timing of return to sports in recreational athletes.