Impact of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis on self-reported function and treatment outcome following an acute Achilles tendon rupture: A register study

BACKGROUND: Acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common injury associated with a high rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during rehabilitation. This study assessed whether DVT affects long-term self-reported function.

METHODS: Data from the Danish Achilles Tendon Database were used to compare Achilles tendon Total Rupture Scores (ATRS) at 6, 12, and 24 months between patients with and without symptomatic DVT, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS: No significant ATRS difference between DVT and non-DVT groups was observed over time (adjusted mean difference = -0.7, 95 % CI: -4.8-3.3, p = 0.72). However, patients with DVT reported lower ATRS at 24 months (adjusted mean difference = -4.9, 95 % CI: -9.0 to -0.9, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic DVT is not significantly associated with self-reported function over time in patients with ATR. However, patients with DVT may experience a recovery plateau, leading to lower long-term function, though the clinical significance is unclear.