Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists with Post-Operative Outcomes after Achilles Tendon Repair in Obese Patients

Feb 14, 2026The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Link Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Recovery After Achilles Tendon Surgery in Obese Patients

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Abstract

GLP-1 RA users had a lower risk of wound infection compared to non-users (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.88, p = 0.03).

Among 337 patients studied, 11.6% were using GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 RA users experienced a lower incidence of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) at 2.6% compared to 6.4% in non-users, although this difference was not statistically significant.
Readmission rates were lower in GLP-1 RA users (2.6%) versus non-users (7.7%), but the difference was also not statistically significant.
No reinterventions were reported among GLP-1 RA users, while 6.7% of non-users required reintervention.
Diabetes was positively correlated with wound infection risk (r = 0.29, p < 0.01).

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BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are becoming increasingly popular for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Beyond their metabolic effects, they have shown anti-inflammatory properties, which may impact post-surgical recovery. However, their role in orthopedic procedures is not yet well defined. This study investigates whether GLP-1 RA use affects post-operative complications, including wound infection, venous thromboembolism, hospital readmission, and reintervention for Achilles tendon repair patients.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 337 patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair. Among them, 11.6% were GLP-1 RA users. Post-operative complications, including wound infection, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE), readmission, and reintervention, were analyzed. Logistic regression models and correlation analysis were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for complications while controlling for potential confounders. Variance inflation factor (VIF) analysis was conducted to evaluate collinearity between independent variables.

RESULTS: GLP-1 RA users had a lower risk of wound infection compared to non-users (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.88, p = 0.03). Additionally, GLP-1 RA users had lower rates of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) (2.6% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.5), readmission (2.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.12), and reintervention (0.0% vs. 6.7%, p = 1.00); however, these differences were not statistically significant. Diabetes showed the strongest positive correlation with wound infection (r = 0.29, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that GLP-1 RA use is associated with a lower risk of wound infection following Achilles tendon repair. These findings suggest a potential protective role of GLP-1 RAs in surgical outcomes.

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Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists with Post-Operative Outcomes after Achilles Tendon Repair in Obese Patients

Abstract

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