523 Effect of the COVID-19 UK Lockdown on Lower Limb Tendon Ruptures

Abstract

Aim Achilles tendon ruptures are known to be prevalent in the ‘weekend warrior’, individuals who are intermittently active on a background of sedentary behaviour. There is minimal literature that looks at whether this impacts the incidence of rupture of other tendons. In the spring of 2020, a ‘lockdown’ was announced in the UK in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we aim to assess whether the incidence of lower limb tendon rupture had increased compared to other years, and whether the incidence changed as exercise allowance was increased. Method A retrospective study was performed at a London district general hospital assessing the incidence of Achilles, patellar and quadricep tendon rupture presenting during the lockdown period, and the corresponding periods in 2019 and 2021. Results In 2020 there was a significant increase in incidence of Achilles (2021: 16, 2020: 14, 2019: 8) and patellar (2021: 2, 2020: 7, 2019: 1) tendon ruptures, whereas quadricep (2021: 0, 2020: 2, 2019: 0) tendon ruptures did not differ significantly. There was an increase in the incidence of Achilles tendon rupture as exercise allowance was increased. Conclusions This study reinforces the necessity of stepwise return to play protocol for deconditioned athletes as well as the advantages of an active lifestyle for the general population. The results also indicate that patellar rupture may be influenced by the same lifestyle factors as Achilles rupture and should prompt larger studies across multiple sites to confirm this.