Changing incidence of Achilles tendon rupture in Scotland, a 15-year study

Objective: To determine the incidence of Achilles tendon rupture in Scotlan d from 1980 to 1995. Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting: Data were obtained from the National Health Service Information an d Statistics Division and analyzed in terms of age- and gender-specific inc idence rates and time trends by age group. Participants: A total of 4,201 patients with Achilles tendon ruptures occur ring during the study period. Main Outcome Measures: Calculation of incidence and of seasonality. Results: The overall incidence of Achilles tendon rupture increased from 4. 7/100,000 in 1981 to 6/100,000 in 1994, with a peak in 1986. In men, the in cidence rose from 6.3/100,000 to 7.3/100,000. In women, the increase in inc idence was more pronounced, from 3/100,000 to 4.7/100,000. In men, peak inc idence rate occurred in the 30- to 39-year age group, whereas in women, the peak age-specific incidence occurred in those aged 80 years and older, wit h a steady increase after age 60. There was no evidence of a seasonality ef fect in the rate of occurrence of Achilles tendon rupture. A bimodal distri bution of age at time of Achilles tendon rupture was noted. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in the incidence of Achilles t endon rupture during the period from 1980 to 1995. This reflects the increa sed incidence of the injury noted in other Northern European countries.