Function after Achilles tendon rupture in the elderly - 25 patients older than 65 years followed for 3 years

We retrospectively analyzed the function after Achilles tendon rupture in 2 5 patients older than 65 years, 3 (1-5) gears after the initial treatment. The patients' median age at the time of injury was 71 (65-86) years. The in itial management was surgical in 14 patients and non-surgical (8-week immob ilization) in 10, 1 patient was not treated. The ratio of the number of heel-raises on the injured to the uninjured side was median 0.64 (0-1.14), showing a reduction in performance. However, in both surgically- and non-surgically-treated patients, the subjective impair ment was mild, and the patients were able to perform most walking activitie s. Only 9 patients reached their previous activity level. Co-morbidity was frequent: 17 patients had other diseases that affected their performance. 14 complications occurred in 11 patients. 5 patients sustained a rerupture (4 following initial closed treatment with plaster), 1 a deep venous thromb osis and 4 had superficial infections requiring antibiotic treat ment. 1 pa tient sustained a fibular nerve injury following compression by the plaster cast and another a sural nerve injury during the operation. 2 patients had symptoms due to adhesions between the tendon and the skin. We conclude that Achilles tendon rupture in patients older than 65 years re duces lower limb function and that complications are common following surgi cal and non-surgical treatment.