Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections Following Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

The Achilles tendon is most susceptible to rupture in the lower extremity during exercise. For patients with high requirements for Achilles tendon function, surgery is the preferred method. However, surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly affect functional prognosis and increase the medical burden. This meta-analysis identified risk factors for SSIs in patients with Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).

METHODS

We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Web of Science, VIP (VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals), Wanfang Data, and SinoMed up to October 2024 for studies comparing SSI and non-SSI patients with ATR. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for potential risk factors, and STATA 17.1 was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included. Smoking (OR = 2.39), diabetes (OR = 2.18), open wounds (OR = 11.95), and season (autumn and winter) of injury (OR = 3.00) were identified as significant risk factors for SSIs. Male (OR = 0.55), acute ATR (OR = 0.22), and antibiotic use (OR = 0.31) were identified as protective factors against SSIs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights key risk factors for SSIs following ATR surgery, aiding clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and implementing targeted interventions.