Incidence of Achilles tendon rupture

Abstract

We determined the incidence of a total Achilles tendon rupture in the city of Oulu and changes over the 16-year period 1979–1994. During this time, 110 ruptures occurred. The incidence increased from 2 ruptures/1 O⁵ inhabitants in 1979–1986 to 12 in 1987–1994, with a mean of 7. The peak annual incidence, 18, was recorded in 1994. The incidence was highest in the age group 30–39 years. Male dominance was 5.5: 1, and 81 % of the ruptures were related to sports, with 88% occurring in ball games. The mean age was significantly lower for the sports injuries.