Reliability and validation of the Dutch Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

Establishment of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score in a Swedish Population

Background

As the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is increasing in orthopaedic research, there is also a growing need for a standardized interpretation of these scores, such as the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), defined as the value beyond which patients consider themselves well. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is the only PROM specific for Achilles tendon ruptures.

Purpose

To establish the PASS for the ATRS in a Swedish population.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients treated for an acute Achilles tendon rupture at a single institution in Sweden (injured between July 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020) were asked to participate in this study. The patients completed a questionnaire consisting of the ATRS and an anchor question: "How satisfied are you with the result of your treatment?" Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to calculate the PASS threshold for a positive response to the anchor question.

Results

Of 516 eligible patients, 316 (61%) were included. The time from injury to completion of the questionnaire ranged from 12 to 27 months. The PASS threshold for the ATRS was found to be 75. The median ATRS of all patients was 80; 66% of patients reached an ATRS ≥75. Overall, 79% of patients were satisfied with the results of their treatment.

Conclusion

The estimated PASS for the ATRS was 75 in the general Swedish population at 12 to 27 months after an acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Reliability and validation of the German Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

PURPOSE

Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) are important instruments to evaluate efficacy of orthopaedic procedures. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM developed to evaluate outcomes after treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs). Purpose of this study is to develop and culturally adapt the German version of the ATRS and to evaluate reliability and validity.

METHODS

The ATRS was translated by forward-backward translation based on common guidelines. In this retrospective study, 48 patients with a surgical intervention after ATR were recruited. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was valued by determining Pearson correlation coefficient with the German version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A).

RESULTS

The German Version of the ATRS has an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.96) as well as an excellent test-retest-reliability (ICC 0.98). It has a moderately strong correlation with the VISA-A (r = 0.73) as well as with the FAOS subclasses (r = 0.6-0.79).

CONCLUSION

The German version of the ATRS demonstrated good psychometric properties. It proofed to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in patients with Achilles tendon Rupture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Cross-Culturally Adapted Versions of Patient Reported Outcome Measures for the Lower Extremity

Background

A large number of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed in the English language for various lower extremity orthopaedic pathologies. Twenty different PROMs were recommended for 15 specific musculoskeletal lower extremity pathologies or surgeries. However, the availability of cross-culturally adapted versions of these recommended PROMs is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the cross-culturally adapted versions of recommended PROMs for individuals experiencing orthopedic lower extremity pathologies or undergoing surgeries, and to identify the psychometric evidence that supports their utilization.

Study design

Literature Review.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, SPORTDisucs and Scopus were searched for cross-culturally adapted translated studies through May 2022. The search strategy included the names of the 20 recommended PROMs from previous umbrella review along with the following terms: reliability, validity, responsiveness, psychometric properties and cross-cultural adaptation. Studies that presented a non-English language version of the PROM with evidence in at least one psychometric property to support its use were included. Two authors independently evaluated the studies for inclusion and independently extracted data.

Results

Nineteen PROMS had cross-culturally adapted and translated language versions. The KOOS, WOMAC, ACL-RSL, FAAM, ATRS, HOOS, OHS, MOXFQ and OKS were available in over 10 different language versions. Turkish, Dutch, German, Chinese and French were the most common languages, with each language having more than 10 PROMs with psychometric properties supporting their use. The WOMAC and KOOS were both available in 10 languages and had all three psychometric properties of reliability, validity, and responsiveness supporting their use.

Conclusion

Nineteen of the 20 recommended instruments were available in multiple languages. The PROM most frequently cross-culturally adapted and translated were the KOOS and WOMAC. PROMs were most frequently cross-culturally adapted and translated into Turkish. International researchers and clinicians may use this information to more consistently implement PROMs with the most appropriate psychometric evidence available to support their use.

Level of evidence

3a.

Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Achilles tendon total rupture score

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), a patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) designed specifically to assess outcomes in patients with Achilles tendon rupture, into the Thai language and then determine its validity and reliability.

METHODS

The ATRS was translated into the Thai version (Thai-ATRS) according to internationally recognized guidelines. The study included 50 patients with Achilles tendon rupture from 2003 to 2017. The web-based online assessments were conducted two weeks apart. Construction validity was determined by assessing the correlation between the Thai-ATRS and the Thai version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (Thai-FAOS). Reliability was determined with Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

RESULTS

The validity test displayed a strong correlation between the Thai-ATRS and the Thai-FAOS (r = 0.87). The reliability test showed good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95 and excellent internal consistency with an ICC of 0.95, which represented excellent test-retest reliability. The MDC was 10.7 at the individual level and 1.5 at the group level.

CONCLUSION

The Thai-ATRS was demonstrated to be valid and reliable for assessing functional outcomes in Thai patients with Achilles tendon rupture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for the Krackow suture repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective randomized controlled trial

AIMS

Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to either braided absorbable polyglactin suture or braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate suture groups. ATR was then repaired using the Krackow suture method. At three and six months after surgery, the isokinetic muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion was measured using a computer-based Cybex dynamometer. At six and 12 months after surgery, patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS pain), and EuroQoL five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

Overall, 37 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of isokinetic plantar flexion strength, ATRS, VAS pain, or EQ-5D. No re-rupture was observed in either group.

CONCLUSION

The use of absorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR was not inferior to that of nonabsorbable sutures. This finding suggests that absorbable sutures can be considered for the repair of acute ATRs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):938-945.

Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Korean translation of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

Background

The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure to assess clinical outcomes of Achilles tendon rupture, but it has not been validated in Korean yet. The purpose of this study was to translate the ATRS into Korean and evaluate its reliability and validity in a Korean population.

Methods

The ATRS was translated into Korean according to recommended guidelines for forward-backward translation. Thirty-eight patients who underwent surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled. Reliability was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Construct validity was assessed with Spearman rank correlations with the Korean version of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain in daily activity.

Results

The Korean translation of the ATRS had excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.84) and acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84). The SEM was 6.61, and the MDC was 18.32 at the individual level and 2.97 at the group level. The Korean translation of the ATRS was strongly correlated with the FASO (r = 0.88). Correlation with the NRS in daily activity (r = − 0.66) was moderate.

Conclusion

The Korean translation of the ATRS showed sufficient reliability and validity for use in the Korean population.

Level of evidence

II.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04765-w.

Psychological Factors Change During the Rehabilitation of an Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to gain insight into the changes in psychological factors during rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and to explore the association between psychological factors during rehabilitation and functional outcome 12 months after ATR.

METHODS

Fifty patients clinically diagnosed with ATR were invited to visit the hospital 3, 6, and 12 months after injury for data collection. They completed questionnaires assessing psychological factors: psychological readiness to return to sport (Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Questionnaire); kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia); expectations, motivation, and outcome measures related to symptoms and physical activity (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score); and sports participation and performance (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire). To determine whether psychological factors changed over time, generalized estimating equation analyses were performed. Multivariate regression analyses were used to study the association between psychological factors at 3, 6, and 12 months and outcome measures at 12 months after ATR.

RESULTS

Psychological readiness to return to sport improved, and kinesiophobia decreased significantly during rehabilitation. Psychological readiness at 6 and 12 months showed significant associations with sports participation and performance. Kinesiophobia at 6 months was significantly associated with symptoms and physical activity. Motivation remained high during rehabilitation and was highly associated with symptoms and physical activity, sports participation, and performance.

CONCLUSION

Psychological factors change during rehabilitation after ATR. Patients with lower motivation levels during rehabilitation, low psychological readiness to return to sports, and/or high levels of kinesiophobia at 6 months after ATR need to be identified.

IMPACT

According to these results, psychological factors can affect the rehabilitation of patients with ATR. Physical therapists can play an important role in recognizing patients with low motivation levels and low psychological readiness for return to sport and patients with high levels of kinesiophobia at 6 months post-ATR. Physical therapist interventions to enhance motivation and psychological readiness to return to sport and to reduce kinesiophobia need to be developed and studied in the post-ATR population.

LAY SUMMARY

With Achilles tendon rupture, level of motivation, psychological readiness for return to sport, and fear of movement can affect rehabilitation outcome. A physical therapist can help recognize these factors.

The Influence of Early Weightearing, Controlled Motion, and Timing of Orthosis Removal on the Nonoperative Management of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review

This is a systematic review of the non-operative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture aimed at assessing the effect of early weightbearing, controlled motion and orthosis removal on 5 outcome measures. The literature was searched for relevant RCTs and prospective cohort studies. The primary outcome measure was the re-rupture rate. The secondary outcome measures were the rates for DVT, duration before return to work (RTW), return to sports (RTS) and the mean Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). Eighteen publications reporting a total of 1068 patients were reviewed. The pooled rates were: re-rupture: 7.3%, DVT: 5.5%, RTW: 10.3 weeks, RTS: 47.7% and ATRS: 78.7. Early compared to late weightbearing was associated with significantly lower rates of DVT, RTW and ATRS but no difference in the rates of re-rupture and RTS. Early controlled motion compared to no motion was associated with significantly lower rates of re-rupture, RTW and ATRS but no difference in the rates of DVT and RTS. Early compared to late orthosis removal was associated with significantly higher rates of re-rupture and ATRS as well as a lower rate of RTW but no difference in the rates of DVT and RTS. The findings relating to re-rupture, DVT, RTW and RTS support the adoption of early weightbearing and controlled motion in the non-operative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. Early removal of orthosis is not advisable due to an increased risk of re-rupture. The ATRS results were considered inconclusive probably due to inconsistencies in the reporting or heterogeneity in the study population.

French translation and validation of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score "ATRS"

BACKGROUND

To provide a cross-cultural French adaptation of the Achille's Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and to assess its psychometric performances.

METHOD

The ATRS questionnaire was first translated and inter-culturally adapted into French according to international guidelines. Then, 95 subjects were recruited to complete the French version of the ATRS twice (2 weeks of interval). The SF-36 and VISA-A were used as comparative questionnaires. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated (test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, floor/ceiling effects).

RESULTS

Thetest-retest reliability was excellent (ICC of 0,966 (95% CI:0.644-0.879)) and the internal consistency very high (Cronbach's alpha of 0,98). The convergent and divergent construct validity were also confirmed. Finally, none of the subjects obtained the lowest score (0) or the maximal score (100) to the questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

A valid and reliable French version of the ATRS is now available.

Performance of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score Over Time in a Large National Database: Development of an Instruction Manual for Accurate Use

BACKGROUND

The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a commonly used patient-reported outcome measure for patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture. The score consists of 10 questions, the last 3 of which include activities that some patients cannot or do not do. No instruction manual has been developed for the ATRS.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose was to evaluate the ATRS at 4, 12, and 24 months after a rupture. The hypothesis was that the results at 4 months would be inconsistent when compared with the results at 1 year and 2 years. We also aimed to develop a manual that explains how to use the ATRS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This was a mixed-methods study. The first section was a registry study, where prospectively collected data were analyzed. Data were collected 4, 12, and 24 months after rupture. The original score based on 10 items was compared with a score based on the first 7 items adjusted to the same scale as the original score. Density plots and scatterplots were made and differences between the scores were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. The second section of the study consisted of discussions among the authors, which resulted in a manual for the ATRS.

RESULTS

In total, 2790 complete ATRSs were included. The 7-item score significantly overestimated the value of the 10-item score at all time points (P < .001), but only at 4 months was the difference clinically relevant (9.7 points).

CONCLUSION

When the ATRS is used for short-term evaluation, there is a risk of results being inconsistent because of the last 3 questions. A manual explaining how to use the ATRS was therefore developed. We recommend that the full ATRS together with the manual should be used in future research rather than eliminating the 3 last questions.

The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score is a responsive primary outcome measure: an evaluation of the Dutch version including minimally important change

PURPOSE

Aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the Dutch version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS-NL).

METHODS

Patients (N = 47) completed the ATRS-NL at 3 and 6 months after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). Additionally, they filled out the Euroqol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) and Global Rating of Change Score (GRoC). Effect sizes (ES) and standardized response means (SRM) were calculated. The anchor-based method for determining the minimally important change (MIC) was used. GRoC and improvement on the items mobility and usual activities on the EQ-5D-5L served as external criteria. The scores on these anchors were used to categorize patients' physical functioning as improved or unchanged between 3 and 6 months after ATR. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was performed, with the calculation of the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the estimation of MIC values using the optimal cut-off points.

RESULTS

There was a large change (ES: 1.58) and good responsiveness (SRM: 1.19) of the ATRS-NL between 3 and 6 months after ATR. Using ROC analysis, the MIC values ranged from 13.5 to 28.5 for reporting improvement on EQ-5D-5L mobility and GRoC, respectively. The AUC of improvement on mobility and improvement on GRoC were > 0.70.

CONCLUSION

The ATRS-NL showed good responsiveness in ATR patients between 3 and 6 months after injury. Use of this questionnaire is recommended in clinical follow-up and longitudinal research of ATR patients. MIC values of 13.5 and 28.5 are recommended to consider ATR patients as improved and greatly improved between 3 and 6 months after ATR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

The recovery after Achilles tendon rupture: a protocol for a multicenter prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common sports injury, with a rising incidence and significant impairments. Due to the lack of treatment guidelines, there is no consensus about diagnostic methods, primary treatment (non-surgical or surgical) and rehabilitation. It is hypothesized that this lack of consensus and guidelines leads to sub-optimal recovery and higher societal costs. The primary aim of this study is to give a broad insight into the recovery after ATR. Secondarily this study aims to explore factors contributing to recovery and gain insight into the cost-effectiveness of ATR management.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study will include all adult (≥ 18 years) patients with an ATR treated at the three main hospitals in the Northern Netherlands: University Medical Center Groningen, Martini Hospital Groningen and Medical Center Leeuwarden. All subjects will be invited for three visits at 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury. The following data will be collected: patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), physical tests, imaging and economic questionnaires. At 3 months post-injury personal, injury, and treatment data will be collected through a baseline questionnaire and assessment of the medical file. The PROMs concern the Dutch version of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, EQ-5D-5 L, Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire, Injury Psychological Readiness Return to Sport Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Expectations, Motivation and Satisfaction questionnaire and a ranking of reasons for not returning to sport. The administered physical tests are the heel-rise test, standing dorsiflexion range of motion, resting tendon length and single leg hop for distance. Ultrasound Tissue Characterization will be used for imaging. Finally, economic data will be collected using the Productivity Cost Questionnaire and Medical Consumption Questionnaire.

DISCUSSION

This prospective cohort study will contribute to optimal decision making in the primary treatment and rehabilitation of ATRs by providing insight into (1) ATR recovery (2) novel imaging for monitoring recovery (3) (barriers to) return to sport and (4) cost-effectiveness of management. The analysis of these data strives to give a broad insight into the recovery after ATR as well as provide data on novel imaging and costs, contributing to individualized ATR management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trialregister.nl. NTR6484 . 20/06/2017. 20/07/2017.

Reliability and validity of the Polish version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) into Polish version, and to evaluate its reliability and validity.

METHODS

The ATRS was translated into Polish language according to the Beaton recommendations. A total number of 71 patients previously treated surgically (from 2011 to 2015), due to the Achilles tendon rupture, were enrolled in this study. ATRS-Polish was performed twice within a period of 5-10 days. To evaluate test-retest reliability, intra-rater coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Construct validity was determined by the Spearman's rank coefficient correlation between the ATRS-Polish and a Polish version of EQ-5D-5L questionnaire.

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability was found to be excellent (ICC 0.9). The mean and standard deviation of the first and second assessment amounted 87.4 ± 14.0 and 88.4 ± 13.2, respectively. Construct validity analysis showed a strong correlation between the ATRS and the EQ-5D-5L score (r = - 0.69.) and moderate correlation between ATRS and actual comfort (r = 0.47).

CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES

Polish version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score was found to be reliable and valid.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Validity and reliability of the Norwegian translation of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score

PURPOSE

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly being used in clinical research. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM designed to assess outcomes in patients with ruptures of the Achilles tendon. The aim of this study was to develop a Norwegian adaption of the ATRS and evaluate its validity and reliability.

METHODS

The ATRS was translated into Norwegian in accordance with recommended guidelines. The study included 94 patients treated for Achilles tendon ruptures from January 2010 until February 2013, and the web-based questionnaires were administered twice. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Construct validity was evaluated by calculating the Spearman's correlation coefficient with the five subclasses of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), the SF-36 subclass physical function and the SF-36 physical and mental summary scores.

RESULTS

Both internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.90) were excellent, and the MDC was 2.12 at the group level and 16.98 at the individual level. Construct validity was supported by Spearman's correlation coefficients above 0.7 with the SF-36 subclass physical function and the SF-36 physical summary score as well as the FAOS subclasses Sport/Rec and quality of life. There was no floor effect, and 6 patients (6.4%) achieved a maximum score of 100.

CONCLUSIONS

The Norwegian adaption of the ATRS demonstrates acceptable validity and reliability for use in the Norwegian population to assess clinical outcomes in patients with Achilles tendon ruptures.