(Golden Oldie) Stable surgical repair with accelerated rehabilitation versus nonsurgical treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures: a randomized controlled study

Review written by Dr Ebonie Rio info

Key Points

  1. At 12-month follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) between those who received surgery and early accelerated rehab and those who did not
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) can be a traumatic injury. In the general population ATR occurs in approximately 18 per 10,000 people (0.18%). In athletic populations the number is closer to 6-18% (1). ATR can be managed surgically or conservatively; both are typically followed by immobilization and then various forms of mobilization (movement).

Re-rupture is one proxy measure of success following ATR. Although re-rupture is uncommon, many people who rupture their Achilles tendon experience significant and ongoing deficits in their function and quality of life (2,3). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether early loading of the tendon and range of motion training (mobilization) could improve patient-reported outcome and function after a total acute ATR.

Many people who rupture their Achilles experience significant and ongoing deficits in their function and quality of life.
bulb
Assisting your patients to make an informed decision is critical.

METHODS

Participants with an acute ATR were included in this study. Rupture’s older than four days and re-ruptures were criteria for exclusion, so too were neuromuscular disease, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and immunosuppressive treatment.

Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1121 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot