Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports
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Scand J Med Sci Sports · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyContralateral tendon rupture risk is increased in individuals with a previous Achilles tendon rupture.
The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome after surgery for an acute Achilles tendon rupture. In particular, we wanted to study whether persons who have suffered an Achilles tendon rupture are at greater risk of a contralateral tendon rupture. From September 1990 to April 1997, 168 acute Achilles tendon ruptures in 26 women and 142 men were treated operatively. ⋯ Ten patients (6%) experienced a rupture on the contralateral side during the follow-up period (OR: 176 [70-282] vs. the expected rate based on the general population risk of this injury, P<0.001). Thus, this study suggests that patients with an Achilles tendon rupture are at significantly increased risk of a contralateral tendon rupture, as well. Also, as many as half of the patients suffered from post-injury problems at long-term follow-up.