To identify key metabolic predictors of delayed healing after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair and assess the impact of metabolic disease on early postoperative outcomes.
Approach:
Study Design: A single-center retrospective study involving 60 patients with acute ATR undergoing surgical repair, measuring preoperative serum levels of various metabolic biomarkers and assessing postoperative healing via MRI.
Statistical Analysis: Spearman’s rank correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to evaluate associations between metabolic biomarkers and healing outcomes, with subgroup analyses comparing SNQ levels between hyperuricemic and normouricemic patients.
Key Findings:
Serum uric acid (UA) positively correlated with signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) values (ρ = 0.400, p = 0.002).
Multivariate analysis identified UA as an independent predictor of elevated SNQ (β = 0.394, p = 0.006).
Hyperuricemic patients had significantly higher median SNQ values compared to normouricemic controls (14.57 vs. 7.27, p < 0.001).
Interpretation:
Hyperuricemia is a significant metabolic factor impairing early healing after ATR repair.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a single center and a small sample size of 60 patients.
The retrospective design may introduce biases in data collection and interpretation.
Conclusion:
Hyperuricemia is associated with delayed healing outcomes following ATR repair.
A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled crossover trials found reduced aerobic time-trial completion times with both low- and moderate-dose oral anhydrous caffeine, but the evidence was mostly derived from male participants, cycling studies, and trials using doses no higher than 6 mg/kg.
