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Acevedo D, Garcia JR, Grewal RS, Vankara A, Murdock CJ, Hardigan PC, Aiyer AA. Comparison of rerupture rates after operative and nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture in older populations: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop 2024; 52:112-118. [PMID: 38445100 PMCID: PMC10909967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2024.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the treatment for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) associated with the lowest risk of rerupture in older patients. Methods Five databases were searched through September 2022 for studies published in the past 10 years analyzing operative and nonoperative ATR treatment. Studies were categorized as "nonelderly" if they reported only on patients aged 18-60 years. Studies that included at least 1 patient older than age 70 were categorized as "elderly inclusive." Of 212 studies identified, 28 were eligible for inclusion. Of 2965 patients, 1165 were treated operatively: 429 (37%) from elderly-inclusive studies and 736 (63%) from nonelderly studies. Of the 1800 nonoperative patients 553 (31%) were from nonelderly studies and 1247 (69%) were from elderly-inclusive studies. Results For nonoperative treatment, the rate of rerupture was higher in nonelderly studies (83/1000 cases, 95% CI = 58, 113) than in elderly-inclusive studies (38/1000 cases, 95% CI = 22, 58; P<.001). For operative treatment no difference was found in the rate of rerupture between nonelderly studies (7/1000 cases, 95% CI = 0, 21) and elderly-inclusive studies (12/1000 cases, 95% CI = 0, 35; P<.78). Overall, operative treatment was associated with a rerupture rate of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0%, 2.8%) (P<.001), which was lower than the 5% rate reported by other studies for nonoperative management (P<.001). Conclusion Older patients may benefit more than younger patients from nonoperative treatment of ATR. More studies are needed to determine the age at which rerupture rates decrease among nonoperatively treated patients. Level of Evidence 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Acevedo
- Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, 3200 S University Drive, Davie, FL, 33328, USA
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jose R. Garcia
- Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, 3200 S University Drive, Davie, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Rajvarun S. Grewal
- California Health Sciences University, 120 Clovis Avenue, Clovis, CA, 93612, USA
| | - Ashish Vankara
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Christopher J. Murdock
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Patrick C. Hardigan
- Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, 3200 S University Drive, Davie, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Amiethab A. Aiyer
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Schwartz PE, Schwartz MH, Georgiadis AG. Delayed Diagnosis of Complete Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Teenage Athlete: A Case Report of Nonoperative Treatment. JBJS Case Connect 2024; 14:01709767-202403000-00025. [PMID: 38306444 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.23.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
CASE A 19-year-old female athlete experienced calf pain during sport. A complete Achilles tendon rupture was diagnosed 4 weeks after injury. Ultrasound revealed discontinuity of the Achilles tendon with 2.0 cm of diastasis, persisting in plantarflexion. Plantarflexion immobilization was initiated, and progressive dorsiflexion was used until 10 weeks from injury. At 1 year from injury, ankle magnetic resonance imaging revealed a contiguous tendon, the patient was pain-free, and had returned to high-level athletics with equivalent sport performance relative to her preoperative status. CONCLUSION Certain Achilles tendon ruptures in young people may be treated nonoperatively with good clinical outcomes, even if diagnosis and immobilization are delayed and tendon diastasis persists in maximum plantarflexion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael H Schwartz
- Department of Orthopaedics, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- James R. Gage Center for Gait and Motion Analysis, St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Andrew G Georgiadis
- Department of Orthopaedics, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- James R. Gage Center for Gait and Motion Analysis, St. Paul, Minnesota
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Rendek Z, Bon Beckman L, Schepull T, Dånmark I, Aspenberg P, Schilcher J, Eliasson P. Early Tensile Loading in Nonsurgically Treated Achilles Tendon Ruptures Leads to a Larger Tendon Callus and a Lower Elastic Modulus: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med 2022; 50:3286-3298. [PMID: 36005394 PMCID: PMC9527451 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221117780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early tensile loading improves material properties of healing Achilles tendon ruptures in animal models and in surgically treated human ruptures. However, the effect of such rehabilitation in patients who are nonsurgically treated remains unknown. HYPOTHESIS In nonsurgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures, early tensile loading would lead to higher elastic modulus 19 weeks after the injury compared with controls. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Between October 2015 and November 2018, a total of 40 nonsurgically treated patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to an early tensile loading (loaded group) or control group. Tantalum bead markers were inserted percutaneously into the tendon stumps 2 weeks after the injury to allow high-precision measurements of callus deformation under mechanical testing. The loaded group used a training pedal twice daily to produce a gradual increase in tensile load during the following 5 weeks. Both groups were allowed full weightbearing in an ankle orthosis and unloaded range of motion exercises. Patients were followed clinically and via roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis and computed tomography at 7, 19, and 52 weeks after the injury. RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation elastic modulus at 19 weeks was 95.6 ± 38.2 MPa in the loaded group and 108 ± 45.2 MPa in controls (P = .37). The elastic modulus increased in both groups, although it was lower in the loaded group at all time points. Tendon cross-sectional area increased from 7 weeks to 19 weeks, from 231 ± 99.5 to 388 ± 142 mm2 in the loaded group and from 188 ± 65.4 to 335 ± 87.2 mm2 in controls (P < .001 for the effect of time). Cross-sectional area for the loaded group versus controls at 52 weeks was 302 ± 62.4 mm2 versus 252 ± 49.2 mm2, respectively (P = .03). Gap elongation was 7.35 ± 13.9 mm in the loaded group versus 2.86 ± 5.52 mm in controls (P = .27). CONCLUSION Early tensile loading in nonsurgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures did not lead to higher elastic modulus in the healing tendon but altered the structural properties of the tendon via an increased tendon thickness. REGISTRATION NCT0280575 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatica Rendek
- Orthopedic Department, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Leo Bon Beckman
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Thorsten Schepull
- Orthopedic Department, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ida Dånmark
- Orthopedic Department, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Aspenberg
- Author deceased,Orthopedic Department, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jörg Schilcher
- Orthopedic Department, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Eliasson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden,Pernilla Eliasson, MSc, PhD, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Cell Biology Building Floor 10, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden ()
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Saxena A, Giai Via A, Grävare Silbernagel K, Walther M, Anderson R, Gerdesmeyer L, Maffulli N. Current Consensus for Rehabilitation Protocols of the Surgically Repaired Acute Mid-Substance Achilles Rupture: A Systematic Review and Recommendations From the "GAIT" Study Group. J Foot Ankle Surg 2022; 61:855-861. [PMID: 35120805 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Surgical repair of acute mid-substance Achilles tendon ruptures is performed in active patients, but the postoperative rehabilitation program is often based on the experience of the surgeon or therapist, rather than on evidence-based protocols. The aim of the study is to establish an evidence-based protocol for rehabilitation. This study is a consensus statement. The "GAIT" study group (German, American, and Italian Tendon), an informal collection of 4 experienced foot and ankle surgeons, met to address the question of what items they felt were important relative to rehabilitate a surgically repaired Achilles tendon acute rupture. Thirty-three statements were formulated. A value of 100% agreement by all the members was set to produce a proposed consensus statement. A value of 80% consensus was set to produce "strong recommendation." A systematic review of the literature was also performed. The GAIT group reach 100% agreement on the average postoperative non-weightbearing for 2.3 weeks, the foot in plantarflexion for the first 4 weeks, avoiding ROM exercises beyond neutral, and both stretching and eccentric exercise, not started before 12 weeks. Concentric bilateral heel raises should be performed after 6 weeks, and the average return to initiate sports, was 24.4 weeks. The use of a 1/8th-1/4th inch heel cushions in daily shoes after 8 weeks, the use of an antigravity treadmill for rehabilitation, and the return to sports based on heel raise repetitions is strongly recommended. Given lack of established verified protocols, the recommendations by our experienced panel should be considered. These proposed consensus statements could be used as a basis for larger controlled trials, and develop best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Saxena
- Department of Sports Medicine, Sutter-PAMF, Palo Alto, CA.
| | - Alessio Giai Via
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno Italy
| | - Karin Grävare Silbernagel
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, STAR Health Sciences Complex Campus, Newark, DE
| | - Markus Walther
- Schön Klinik München Harlaching - FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, München, Germany
| | | | - Ludger Gerdesmeyer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, Public Health Clinic, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno Italy; Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, London, England; School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University School of Medicine, Stoke on Trent, England
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Wenning M, Mauch M, Heitner A, Streicher P, Ritzmann R, Paul J. Midterm functional performance following open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2022; 142:1337-1349. [PMID: 33484315 PMCID: PMC9217896 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-020-03746-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Various impairments such as soleus atrophy and consecutive functional deficits in end-range plantarflexion have been described in surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to assess the functional performance at midterm following open surgical repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study includes n = 52 patients which were tested on average 3.5 ± 1.4 years postoperatively using three different functional performance tests and patient-reported outcome measures. Two different surgical techniques (anatomical repair = AR vs. conventional repair = CR) were compared in a subanalysis. The testing included isokinetic strength testing, a novel setup of heel-rise testing using a marker-based 3D motion analysis system and a gait analysis. RESULTS At an average 3.5 years post-surgery, there is a persisting deficit in plantarflexion strength of 10.2%. Moreover, analysis of maximum peak torque angle and strength deficits according to the plantarflexion angle revealed that these deficits are not equally distributed across the range of motion. AR results in a significantly smaller deficit at 10° of plantarflexion compared to CR (13.9 vs. 29.9%, p < 0.05). This reflects into the functional performance during different modalities (static vs. dynamic) in this novel method of heel-rise testing. CONCLUSION In summary, there are persisting functional deficits at > 3 years following Achilles tendon repair which range from strength deficits to specific impairments of functional performance e.g. during heel rise. Anatomical reconstruction is associated with an improved functional performance potentially due to a more symmetric strength during end-range plantarflexion which transfers into a higher satisfaction during athletic activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wenning
- Rennbahnklinik, Kriegackerstr. 100, CH-4132, Muttenz, Baselland, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marlene Mauch
- Rennbahnklinik, Kriegackerstr. 100, CH-4132, Muttenz, Baselland, Switzerland
| | - Albrecht Heitner
- Rennbahnklinik, Kriegackerstr. 100, CH-4132, Muttenz, Baselland, Switzerland
| | - Paul Streicher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ramona Ritzmann
- Rennbahnklinik, Kriegackerstr. 100, CH-4132, Muttenz, Baselland, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Paul
- Rennbahnklinik, Kriegackerstr. 100, CH-4132, Muttenz, Baselland, Switzerland.
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Naldo J, Agnew P, Brucato M, Dayton P, Shane A. ACFAS Clinical Consensus Statement: Acute Achilles Tendon Pathology. J Foot Ankle Surg 2021; 60:93-101. [PMID: 33199168 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Injuries to the Achilles tendon are a challenge to the foot and ankle surgeon. In recent years, research has led to a relative change in the way that many surgeons view acute Achilles tendon rupture. In an effort to fully evaluate these trends, as well as to evaluate all aspects of care for acute Achilles tendon rupture, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons convened a panel of experts to create a clinical consensus statement to address selected aspects of care of the acute Achilles tendon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Naldo
- Chairperson, ACFAS Acute Achilles Tendon Pathology Clinical Consensus Statement, Chicago, IL; Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA; Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA.
| | - Patrick Agnew
- Director of Podiatric Medical and Surgical Education, Associate Professor, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
| | | | - Paul Dayton
- Private Practice, Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, Ankeny, IA
| | - Amber Shane
- Chair, Department of Podiatric Surgery, Advent Health System, Orlando, FL; Faculty, Advent Health East Orlando Podiatric Surgical Residency, Orlando, FL
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Zhou L, Wei J, Liu L, Tao S, Dong Z. Composite sural neurocutaneous flap with gastrocnemius tendon for repairing defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2021; 28:2309499020971863. [PMID: 33176579 DOI: 10.1177/2309499020971863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Defect of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue remains a surgical challenge due to its insufficient blood supply and high requirement of function. This study aims to report the clinical efficacy of the composite sural neurocutaneous composite flap with gastrocnemius tendon on the complicated defect of Achilles region. METHODS Seven cases of defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue were reconstructed by the composite sural neurocutaneous composite flaps with gastrocnemius tendons. It is important to keep the connection between gastrocnemius tendon and deep fascia of the composite flap during operation. The smallest and the largest areas of transferred skin flaps were 7.5 cm × 4.5 cm and 11 cm × 10 cm respectively. The size of gastrocnemius tendon ranged from 5 cm × 3 cm to 9 cm × 4 cm. Patients was evaluated by using the Arner-Lindholm scale at the last follow-up. RESULTS Six flaps survived completely with no complication. One flap developed wound dehiscence and went on to heal by daily dressing. With 12-60 months follow-up, all patients gained satisfactory appearance and function of ankle, without tendon re-rupture or recurrent infection. Based on Arner-Lindholm scale, six cases were noted to be excellent and one was good. CONCLUSION The composite sural neurocutaneous flap with gastrocnemius tendon is a viable and practical method to salvage Achilles tendon defect and overlying soft tissue coverage, with minimal adhesion and satisfactory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianwei Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shibin Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhonggen Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Prospective randomized clinical trial of open operative, minimally invasive and conservative treatments of acute Achilles tendon tear. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2021; 141:751-760. [PMID: 32367375 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-020-03461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) is a common injury of great importance in an increasingly active society. When early functional treatment is established, recent literature shows comparable rates of re-rupture in conservative and surgical treatments of AATR. However, there is no study comparing the outcome using a dynamometer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of patients with AATR treated conservatively and surgically using a dynamometer. In addition, the data are compared to evaluation of the Achilles tendon with ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2012 and 2015, 90 patients (mean age 41 years, male-to-female ratio 81:9) with AATR were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, and monocentric study. Thirty patients were assigned to each of the three different treatment groups. Group OPEN received a conventional open suture of the Achilles tendon, group MIN received a minimally invasive suture and patients in group CONS were treated conservatively. Follow-up treatment was the same for all patients regardless of the group they were assigned to. Plantar flexion force was assessed using a dynamometer (Biodex® System 3 Pro, Biodex Medical Systems). Further evaluation included a physical test and ultrasound of the Achilles tendon. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients were available for a 24-month follow-up. In each of the OPEN and MIN groups, there was one re-rupture. In the CONS group, there were two re-ruptures. A positive correlation between the Biodex® dynamometer measurement and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS-AH) could be found in all groups. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups after 2 years. On sonography, all patients showed isolated structure loosening and a significantly thickened cross-sectional area compared with the non-injured opposite side, without differences between the groups. There was no correlation between the Biodex® measurement and sonographic outcome. CONCLUSION At 24-month follow-up, no significant difference can be found in patients with AATR treated operatively or conservatively. It is, therefore, important to inform patients with AATR regarding the respective advantages and disadvantages of the individual treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Randomized controlled trial; level 1.
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Barfod KW, Hansen MS, Hölmich P, Kristensen MT, Troelsen A. Efficacy of early controlled motion of the ankle compared with immobilisation in non-operative treatment of patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture: an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Br J Sports Med 2019; 54:719-724. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundEarly controlled motion (ECM) of the ankle is widely used in the non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture, although its safety and efficacy have not been investigated properly in a randomised set-up.Purpose/Aim of the studyTo investigate if ECM of the ankle was superior to immobilisation in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.Materials and methodsThis was an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial with patients allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel groups. Patients aged 18–70 years were eligible for inclusion. The ECM group performed movements of the ankle five times a day from week 3 to week 8 after rupture. The control group was immobilised for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) evaluated at 1-year postinjury. The secondary outcomes were heel-rise work test (HRW), Achilles tendon elongation and rate of rerupture. Analysis was conducted as intention-to-treat using inverse probability weighting.Findings/Results189 patients were assessed for eligibility and 130 were included from February 2014 to December 2016. There were 64 patients in the ECM group and 58 in the immobilisation group. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.3) between the ECM and the immobilisation groups at 1 year: mean (SD) ATRS was 74 (18) and 75 (18), respectively. HRW was 60% (21) and 60% (21) of the uninjured limb, and elongation was 18 mm (13) and 16 mm (11), respectively. Correspondingly, there were six and seven reruptures.ConclusionsECM revealed no benefit compared with immobilisation in any of the investigated outcomes.Trial registration numberNCT02015364
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