An analysis of functional outcome following tendon augmentation surgeries in patients presenting with steroid-induced tendo achilles rupture and spontaneous tendo achilles ruptures

Abstract

Introduction: Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, paradoxically is also the commonest one to undergo rupture. Corticosteroids are one of the most commonly used drugs in tendon disorders; also it is blamed for early and late ruptures. We wanted to assess whether there is any difference in functional outcome in steroid-induced TA rupture group versus spontaneous (no steroid injection) TA rupture. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 patients were included in the study as per inclusion-exclusion criteria and preoperatively grouped based on previous history of intralesional steroid injection. Both the group underwent same tendon augmentation surgeries and similar physiotherapy protocols. Functional outcome was assessed using AOFAS and Leppilahti Scores. Results: Better functional outcome was seen in the group with no previous exposure of intralesional steroid injection which was statistically significant (p <0.05) which was confirmed in both scoring systems. Conclusion: Uses of intralesional steroid correlates negatively with outcome.