222
· DOS Abstracts
The epidemiology of acute Achilles tendon
ruptures in the south Copenhagen area in the
period 2004 - 2013
Ann Ganestam, Anders Troelsen, Kristoffer W. Barfod
Orthopedic surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre
Background:
Acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a frequent and potentially
disabling injury that typically occurs among young active adults. Epidemiological
studies have shown an increasing incidence but data are old and might not be
accurate. The last epidemiological study fromDenmark was published in the year
1998 and showed an increase from 18.2/10
5
inhabitants in 1984 to 37.3/10
5
in 1996.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
To investigate the incidence of acute Achilles tendon
rupture in the south Copenhagen area from 2004 to 2013 with focus on sex,
seasonal variation and changes over time.
Materials and Methods:
By using the ICD-10 code for acute Achilles tendon
rupture (DS86.0) the National patient register was searched to find the number
of acute Achilles tendon ruptures at Hvidovre Hospital in the time period of
2004-2013. Information concerning sex, date of treatment and month of in-
jury was retrieved. Regional population data for the region of south Copenhagen
was retrieved from the Hospital administration.
Findings / Results:
An increase in incidence from 15.8/10
5
in 2004 to
23.0/10
5
in 2013 was found. 22% were women and 78% were men. The sea-
sonal incidence over the ten year period showed a distribution with peak inci-
dence in May (20.6/10
5
) and September (18.1/10
5
). The lowest incidence was
found in July and December (8.6/10
5
).
Conclusions:
The incidence of ATR increased from 15.8/10
5
to 23.0/10
5
over
the ten year period. However, the incidence is markedly lower than the incidence
of 37.3/10
5
found in 1996. As such there is no evidence of a continuing rise in
incidence of ATR. The seasonal variation is supported by earlier epidemiological
studies. It might be explained by the seasonal variation in activity in recreational
sports and gymnastics.
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