INTRODUCTION: Acute Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury causing functional deficits and sick leave. Data from the Danish Achilles tendon Database (DADB) can help us monitor and optimise treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the completeness and data validity in the DADB.

METHODS: The study was performed as a registry study comparing data in the DADB with data from patient records. Data were collected from three of 11 hospitals registered in the DADB. The study was conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2016. A completeness of 80% was considered satisfactory, and a parameter was valid if there was agreement between the DADB and the patient record in 80% of the cases.

RESULTS: Overall, completeness was 77% (155/201); for the non-operated patients 81% (150/185) and the operated patients 31% (5/16). The seven investigated parameters all showed a validity of 83-100%.

CONCLUSIONS: This study documented a satisfactory completeness of data on the non-operated patients registered in the DADB and an unsatisfactory completeness of data on operated patients. All investigated parameters were valid. These results suggest that data in the DADB on non-operated patients can contribute to research within the field. Due to a limited sample on operated patients, conclusions should be made with caution. The logistics concerning data collection among operated patients warrants optimisation.

FUNDING: not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency and the Danish Patient Safety Authority.