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Hoeffner R, Agergaard AS, Svensson RB, Cullum C, Mikkelsen RK, Konradsen L, Krogsgaard M, Boesen M, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Tendon Elongation and Function After Delayed or Standard Loading of Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med 2024; 52:1022-1031. [PMID: 38353060 DOI: 10.1177/03635465241227178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles tendon ruptures often result in long-term functional deficits despite accelerated (standard) rehabilitation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS The purpose of this study was to investigate if delayed loading would influence functional, clinical, and structural outcomes of the muscles and tendon 1 year after a surgical repair. It was hypothesized that delaying the loading would reduce the heel-rise height deficit 1 year after Achilles tendon rupture. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS In total, 48 patients with a surgically repaired Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to 2 groups: the standard group received the currently accepted rehabilitation, and the delayed group received the same rehabilitation except that initial loading was delayed by 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the heel-rise height difference between the injured and uninjured sides at 1 year. The secondary outcomes were (1) tendon length measured with magnetic resonance imaging, (2) muscle fascicle length and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle, (3) Doppler activity measured with ultrasonography, (4) Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and (5) isometric muscle strength. RESULTS The mean heel-rise height deficits for the standard and delayed groups were -2.2 cm and -2.1 cm, respectively (P = .719). The soleus part of the tendon was already elongated 1 week after surgery in both groups without a between-group difference (side-to-side difference: standard, 16.3 mm; delayed, 17.5 mm; P = .997) and did not change over 52 weeks. The gastrocnemius tendon length was unchanged at 1 week but elongated over time without a between-group difference (side-to-side difference at 52 weeks: standard, 10.5 mm; delayed, 13.0 mm; P = .899). The delayed group had less Doppler activity at 12 weeks (P = .006) and a better ATRS (standard, 60 points; delayed, 72 points; P = .032) at 52 weeks. CONCLUSION Delayed loading was not superior to standard loading in reducing the heel-rise height difference at 1 year. The data indirectly suggested reduced inflammation in the initial months and a better patient-reported outcome at 1 year in the delayed group. The soleus part of the tendon was already markedly elongated (35%) 1 week after surgery, while the length of the gastrocnemius tendon was unchanged at 1 week but was 6% elongated at 1 year. Together, these data indirectly suggest that the delayed group fared better, although this finding needs to be confirmed in future investigations. REGISTRATION NCT04263493 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Hoeffner
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Agergaard
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Cullum
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Kramer Mikkelsen
- Section for Sports Traumatology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Konradsen
- Section for Sports Traumatology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Krogsgaard
- Section for Sports Traumatology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikael Boesen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sgadari A, Izzo A, Smeraglia F, Coviello A, Patel S, Mariconda M, Bernasconi A. Analysis of the 50 Most Cited Articles on Achilles Tendon Injury. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231170846. [PMID: 37223076 PMCID: PMC10201165 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231170846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Achilles tendon injuries represent one of the most common reasons for referral to orthopaedic surgeons. Purpose To outline the characteristics, examine trends in publication, and evaluate the correlation between citations and study quality of the 50 most cited articles on Achilles tendon injury. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods After searching the Web of Science for articles published in orthopaedic journals, we identified the 50 most cited articles on Achilles tendon injury and abstracted their characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). Multiple bivariate analyses (Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient) were used to evaluate the association among number of citations, citation rate (citations/year), 2020 journal impact factor (JIF), year of publication, level of evidence (LoE), study type (tendon rupture or chronic tendinopathy), sample size, and mCMS. Results The top 50 articles were cited 12,194 times. Each article had a mean ± SD 244 ± 88.8 citations (range, 157-657) and a citation rate of 12.6 ± 5.4 per year (range, 3-28). A total of 35 studies (70%) were published between 2000 and 2010. The citation rate of the 16 most recent studies was almost double that of the 16 oldest studies (17.5 vs 9.9; P < .001). Nineteen studies (49%) were classified as having poor quality (mCMS <50 points). The mean JIF of the 9 journals that published the studies was 5.1. The citation rate correlated with the number of citations (r = 0.56; P < .001), publication year (r = 0.60; P < .001), and LoE (r = -0.44; P = .005). The publication year correlated with the LoE (r = -0.40; P = .01). Study quality in terms of mCMS correlated with the JIF (r = 0.35; P = .03) and LoE (r = -0.48; P = .003) but not the citation rate (P = .15). Conclusion The mean LoE and the citation rate of the most cited articles on Achilles tendon injury both significantly increased over time. Although the JIF was positively correlated with study quality, almost half of the studies had poor-quality methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Sgadari
- Department of Public Health, Trauma and
Orthopaedics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Izzo
- Department of Public Health, Trauma and
Orthopaedics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Smeraglia
- Department of Public Health, Trauma and
Orthopaedics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Coviello
- Department of Public Health, Trauma and
Orthopaedics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Shelain Patel
- Foot and Ankle Unit, Royal National
Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Massimo Mariconda
- Department of Public Health, Trauma and
Orthopaedics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Bernasconi
- Department of Public Health, Trauma and
Orthopaedics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Seow D, Islam W, Randall GW, Azam MT, Duenes ML, Hui J, Pearce CJ, Kennedy JG. Lower re-rupture rates but higher complication rates following surgical versus conservative treatment of acute achilles tendon ruptures: a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2023:10.1007/s00167-023-07411-1. [PMID: 37115231 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-023-07411-1] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To systematically review and evaluate the current meta-analyses for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR). This study can provide clinicians with a clear overview of the current literature to aid clinical decision-making and the optimal formulation of treatment plans for AATR. METHODS Two independent reviewers searched PubMed and Embase on June 2, 2022 based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Assessment of evidence was twofold: level of evidence (LoE) and quality of evidence (QoE). LoE was evaluated using published criteria by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the QoE by the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) scale. Pooled complication rates were highlighted for significance in favour of one treatment arm or no significance. RESULTS There were 34 meta-analyses that met the eligibility criteria, with 28 studies of LoE 1, and the mean QoE was 9.8 ± 1.2. Significantly lower re-rupture rates were reported with surgical (2.3-5%) versus conservative treatment (3.9-13%), but conservative treatment was favoured in terms of lower complication rates. The re-rupture rates were not significantly different between percutaneous repair or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to open repair, but MIS was favoured in terms of lower complication rates (7.5-10.4%). When comparing rehabilitation protocols following open repair (four studies), conservative treatment (nine studies), or combined (three studies), there was no significant difference in terms of re-rupture or obvious advantage in terms of lower complication rates between early versus later rehabilitation. CONCLUSION This systematic review found that surgical treatment was significantly favoured over conservative treatment for re-rupture, but conservative treatment had lower complication rates other than re-rupture, notably for infections and sural nerve injury. Open repair had similar re-rupture rates to MIS, but lower complication rates; however, the rate of sural nerve injuries was lower in open repair. When comparing earlier versus later rehabilitation, there was no difference in re-rupture rates or obvious advantage in complications between open repair, conservative treatment, or when combined. The findings of this study will allow clinicians to effectively counsel their patients on the postoperative outcomes and complications associated with different treatment approaches for AATR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter Seow
- NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 171 Delancey Street, New York, NY, 10002, USA
- National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wasif Islam
- NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 171 Delancey Street, New York, NY, 10002, USA
| | - Grace W Randall
- NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 171 Delancey Street, New York, NY, 10002, USA
| | - Mohammad T Azam
- NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 171 Delancey Street, New York, NY, 10002, USA
| | - Matthew L Duenes
- NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 171 Delancey Street, New York, NY, 10002, USA
| | - James Hui
- National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher J Pearce
- National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John G Kennedy
- NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 171 Delancey Street, New York, NY, 10002, USA.
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Amendola F, Barbasse L, Carbonaro R, Alessandri-Bonetti M, Cottone G, Riccio M, De Francesco F, Vaienti L, Serror K. The Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: An Evidence-Based Approach from the Diagnosis to the Treatment. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58091195. [PMID: 36143872 PMCID: PMC9500605 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) is a common injury with a significant impact on daily living. Although various systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been written on the topic, no actual consensus exists on the best treatment. We aimed to collect the highest quality of evidence on the subject and to produce a document to which to refer, from the diagnosis to the final treatment. Material and Methods: Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews discussing Achilles tendon rupture, concerning either diagnostic criteria, classification, or treatment; English language; clearly stated inclusion and exclusion criteria for patients’ selection. Results: Thirteen systematic reviews were included in the study. A strong consensus exists about the higher risk of re-rupture associated with non-operative treatment and a higher risk of complications associated with surgical repair. Conclusions: The combination of minimally invasive repair and accelerated functional rehabilitation seems to offer the best results in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Amendola
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Léa Barbasse
- Plastic and Reconstructive Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Riccardo Carbonaro
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Alessandri-Bonetti
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cottone
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Riccio
- Hand Surgery Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Azienda “Ospedali Riuniti”, Via Conca 21, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco De Francesco
- Hand Surgery Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Azienda “Ospedali Riuniti”, Via Conca 21, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0715963945
| | - Luca Vaienti
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Kevin Serror
- Plastic and Reconstructive Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France
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