AN INVESTIGATION OF LONG-TERM POSTOPERATIVE FUNCTIONAL RESULTS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR

Purpose: Achilles tendon repair (ATR) is applied to gain function after Achilles tendon ruptures. The present study aimed to compare long term functional results between the surgery side with the uninjured side in percutaneous ATR individuals. Methods: Twenty individuals with ATR (age=40.15 +/- 7.32 years, body mass index=27.17 +/- 3.27 kg/ m(2)) were included in the study. The lower extremity functional performance was assessed with Y balance test, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scale (FAOS) and heel-rise test. The side to side differences were assessed by using a Paired samples t-test. Results: The mean time following surgery in individuals with ATR was 5.02 +/- 3.64 years (min-max=2-13). Y balance test anterior direction (p=0.008) and posteromedial direction (p=0.014) reach distances and heel-rise levels (p<0.001) were lower in the surgery side. The FAOS subscale scores were other symptoms 87.90 +/- 12.34 (min-max=61-100), foot and ankle pain score 93.60 +/- 11.55 (min-max=58-100), activities of the daily living score 94.95 +/- 9.76 (min-max: 66-100), function in sports and recreation score 86.75 +/- 17.03 (min-max=50-100) and foot and ankle related quality of life score 78.15 +/- 17.50 (min-max=50-100). Conclusion: The side to side differences of heel rise distance and dynamic balance in individuals with ATR persist following surgery. The factors such as changes in tendon length, muscle strength deficiencies, architectural changes in tendon and muscle body, which may cause the functional differences should be investigated.