Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS)

Why use the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) as a physiotherapist?

The Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) has become an important tool in evaluating functional outcomes after interventions in patients who have suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture. (1,2,3)

‍

ATRS Description:

The ATRS consists of 10 items that reflect patients' opinions regarding their symptoms, limitations in daily activities, and physical activities after a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon (1,2,5). Each item is evaluated with an 11-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 corresponds to greater symptoms and limitations, and 10 indicates the absence of symptoms and limitations. The final score is obtained by the sum of the responses for each item, ranging from 0 to 100. (1,4,5)

‍

No equipment is required to achieve this score and it can be achieved in a few minutes. (3)

‍

‍

‍

How to interpret the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) as a physiotherapist?

A lower score indicates a greater number of symptoms and greater functional limitations, while a score of 100 indicates that the patient has fully recovered. (1,4)

‍

What is the clinical value of ATRS in physiotherapy?

The ATRS is the only self-questionnaire validated specifically for the management of Achilles tendon rupture. (2,3,5) An MDC of 18.5 points has been advanced. (2)

The French version of the ATRS was validated in 2020. Excellent test-retest reliability was observed (ICC = 0.996) as well as an excellent level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.98). (1)

‍

Bibliography:

1- Buckinx, F., G. Lecoq, S. Bornheim, S. Bornheim, J. Van Beveren, J. H. Beveren, A. Valcu, C. Daniel, O. Bruyère, J. Y. Reginster, P. D'Hooghe, and J. F. Kaux, and J. F. Kaux. “French Translation and Validation of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score “ATRS”.” Foot and Ankle Surgery 26, no. 6 (August 1, 2020): 662-68.

2- Ganestam, Ann; Barfod, Kristoffer; Klit, Jakob; Troelsen, Anders (2013). Validity and Reliability of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 52 (6), 736—739.

3- Nilsson-Helander, K.; Thomee, R.; Thomee, R.; Gravare-Silbernagel, K.; Thomee, P.; Faxen, E.; Eriksson, B.I.; Karlsson, J. (2006). The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS): Development and Validation. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35 (3), 421—426.

4- Nordenholm, Anna, Niklas Nilsson, Eric Hamrin Senorski, Eric Hamrin Senorski, Katarina Nilsson Helander, Olof Westin, and Nicklas Olsson. “Patients with Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture Have Persistent Limitations in Patient-Reported Function and Calf Muscle Function One Year after Surgical Treatment - a Case Series.” Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics 9, no. 1 (February 9, 2022): 15.

5- Kearney, Rebecca S., Juul Achten, Sarah E. Lamb, Sarah E. Lamb, Nicholas Parsons, and Matthew L. Costa. “The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score: A Study of Responsiveness, Internal Consistency and Convergent Validity on Patients with Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures.” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 10 (February 29, 2012): 24.