Project context: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a disabling condition with growing incidence in recent years. This is a prospective, non-randomised, observational study to investigate the clinical and biomechanical outcomes and prevalence of reruptures after operative or nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03704532. The prospective study was designed to recruit 200 non-surgically treated ATR patients. For the biomechanical substudy, a sample of 52 was targeted. Assessments were done in clinic at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after rupture, and in the biomechanics laboratory 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after rupture. Overall goal of this study was to identify factors that explain good recovery from ATR in a 1-year follow-up design. Data included in the dataset: Non-operatively treated patients total N= 74. Operatively treated patients total N=7. Re-ruptures N=6. Lower number of participants for biomechanical variables, missing data from different assessment points exists. Variables: Demographics, ankle joint range of motion, Achilles tendon and triceps surae muscle ultrasonography in relaxed condition (tendon thickness, medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle fascicle length and pennation angle, MG and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) cross-sectional area, ultrasound shear wave elastography of Achilles tendon and MG and soleus muscles) and during dynamic contraction (tendon non-uniform movement, tendon stiffness, MG fascicle function during heel rise and gait), plantarflexion strength of both limbs (6 and 12 months), electromyography during isometric force production, heel rise and gait. Patient-reported outcomes using UCLA, Tegner, Leppilahti Score, RAND-36 and ATRS questionnaires, complemented by questions about compliance to rehabilitation. Accelerometer-measured physical activity for 7 days during normal daily life (8 weeks, 6 months, 12 months).

2024