Treatment outcomes for Achilles tendon ruptures depend upon prompt diagnosis and management. A local study in 2018 highlighted inefficiencies in patient management, and a revised protocol was introduced allowing investigation and referral to be initiated by other healthcare professionals. This retrospective audit evaluates the impact of this on the timescale from presentation to treatment. It analyzes all suspected Achilles tendon ruptures within one District General Hospital from April 2021 to March 2022. Data regarding patient timelines was compared to the 2018 study. Over 12 months, 99 patients were referred to Virtual Fracture Clinic, 87.8% (n=87) of which had a complete or partial tear on ultrasound scan (USS). In comparison to 2018, the average time from presentation to USS request reduced from 2.9 to 1.1 days (p<0.01). 95% were scanned within one week of USS request and 31.3% within 48 hours (81% and 18% previously). The average time from USS request to scan went from 6.8 to 3.2 days (p<0.01). The time from presentation to treatment decision reduced from 10.9 to 6.2 days (p<0.01) and the percentage of patients with a definitive treatment plan within one week increased from 34.5% to 74.2% (p<0.01). Patients required 0.8 fewer appointments (p<0.01) giving an estimated total saving of $10,110 ($128 per patient) during the analysed period. The Achilles Tendon Rupture Pathway has significantly improved the proportion of patients undergoing USS within 48 hours and receiving a treatment decision within one week. This study demonstrates an efficient, cost-saving and replicable pathway for Achilles tendon ruptures.
Keywords: Achilles’ tendon; musculoskeletal imaging; quality service improvement and redesign; tendon rupture management; ultrasound.
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