Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use and Recovery after Achilles Tendon Rupture

Background. The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on recovery after Achilles tendon rupture is unknown. This is the first study examining the relationship between NSAID use and recovery after Achilles tendon rupture in humans. Methods. Adult patients presenting between 01/01/14 and 03/30/2018 with acute Achilles tendon rupture were asked to complete a survey in the Spring of 2018 to determine whether they took NSAIDs after rupture. Their recovery was quantified in three ways: 1) the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), 2) the duration of time to walk again normally, and 3) the incidence of tendon re-rupture. Recovery was compared across NSAID and non-NSAID users. Results. Fifty-three percent of 361 patients who completed the survey used NSAIDs following tendon rupture. NSAID users reported a significantly lower ATRS (69) than non-NSAID users (77; p < 0.005). There was no difference in time to walk again normally or incidence of re-rupture. After controlling for age, sex, operative versus non-operative treatment, and time from diagnosis to survey completion, NSAID use was still associated with a significantly lower ATRS (p = 0.003). Conclusion. NSAID use was associated with a lower ATRS after Achilles tendon rupture.