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Bak BM, Seow D, Teo YZE, Hasan MY, Pearce CJ. Return to Play and Functional Outcomes Following Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Foot Ankle Surg 2024; 63:420-429. [PMID: 38296023 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2023.12.008] [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] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Return to play (RTP) and functional outcomes are critical to treatment success for acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR). This systematic review and meta-analysis explored treatment superiority essential in optimal treatment selection concerning individual patients and their expectations regarding RTP and functional outcomes. This study was in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The included studies were assessed regarding the level and quality of evidence. Fixed-effects models were employed for I2 < 25% and random-effects models for I2 ≥ 25%. The RTP rate meta-analysis of surgical vs conservative treatment revealed no significant difference. This was similar to the subgroup analysis of open repair and conservative treatment. The RTP rate and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) meta-analysis of open repair + earlier rehabilitation (ER) vs + later rehabilitation (LR) also revealed no significant differences. The mean time to RTP meta-analysis of open repair + ER vs + LR showed that open repair + ER was significantly favored (-4.19 weeks; p = .002). The ATRS meta-analysis of conservative treatment with ER vs with LR revealed no significant difference. This meta-analysis has revealed that the RTP rates following treatment of AATR are high. Therefore, the decision for surgical vs conservative treatment or open repair + ER vs + LR for AATR should not be selected based on the expectation of RTP. However, open repair + ER can be advocated over + LR for reduced mean time to RTP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dexter Seow
- National University Health System, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | | | - Christopher J Pearce
- National University Health System, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Christensen M, Silbernagel KG, Zellers JA, Kjær IL, Rathleff MS. Feasibility of an early progressive resistance exercise program for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:66. [PMID: 38650039 PMCID: PMC11034137 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term strength deficits are common after Achilles tendon ruptures. Early use of progressive resistance exercises may help reduce strength deficits, but the feasibility of this approach is unknown. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of early progressive resistance exercises regarding patient acceptability and compliance with the intervention. METHODS We recruited patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture treated non-surgically. During 9 weeks of immobilisation with a walking boot, participants attended weekly supervised physiotherapy sessions of progressive resistance exercises and performed home exercises, consisting of isometric ankle plantarflexion, seated heel-rise, and elastic band exercises. Acceptability was evaluated using a 7-point Likert scale (1 = very unacceptable and 7 = very acceptable) with feasibility threshold at 80% of the participants rating ≥ 4. Adherence to the exercises was defined as 80% of the participants performing at least 50% of the home exercises. During the intervention, tendon healing and adverse events were monitored. RESULTS Sixteen participants (mean age 46 (range 28-61), male/female = 13/3) completed the intervention. Pre-injury Achilles tendon total rupture score was 98 (SD 8). All participants rated the acceptability of the exercises ≥ 5 (moderate acceptable to very acceptable) at 9- and 13-week follow-up and 9/16 rated 7 points (very acceptable). Participants performed 74% (range 4-117) of the total prescribed home exercises and 15/16 performed > 50%. One participant was not compliant with the home exercises due to feeling uncomfortable performing these independently. There were no re-ruptures, but one case of deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS The early progressive resistance exercise program for treatment of non-surgically treated Achilles tendon rupture was feasible. Future studies should investigate the efficacy of the progressive intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at Clinical Trials (NCT04121377) on 29 September 2019. CLINICALTRIALS NCT04121377 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Christensen
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, Aalborg, 9000, Denmark.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | | | - Jennifer A Zellers
- Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Inge Lunding Kjær
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Michael Skovdal Rathleff
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, Aalborg, 9000, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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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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Xin D, Tang Y, Zeng L, Mo Y. A new minimally invasive technique for the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. Asian J Surg 2023; 46:3860-3861. [PMID: 37003884 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.03.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Xin
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanghua Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linru Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yafeng Mo
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Pearsall C, Arciero E, Czerwonka N, Gupta P, Vosseller JT, Trofa DP. A systematic review of the patient reported outcome measures utilized in level 1 randomized controlled trials involving achilles tendon ruptures. Foot Ankle Surg 2023; 29:317-323. [PMID: 37098457 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2023.04.004] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are utilized in level 1 randomized controlled trials involving Achilles tendon ruptures. However, the characteristics of these PROMs and current practices has not yet been reported. We hypothesize that there will be heterogeneous PROM usage in this context. METHODS A PubMed and Embase systematic review was performed including all dates up to July 27th, 2022, assessing Achilles tendon ruptures in level 1 studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines where applicable. Inclusion criteria were all randomized controlled clinical studies involving Achilles tendon injuries. Studies that: (1) were not level 1 evidence (including editorial, commentary, review, or technique articles), (2) omitted outcome data or PROMs, (3) included injuries aside from Achilles tendon ruptures, (4) involved non-human or cadaveric subjects, (5) were not written in English, and (6) were duplicates were excluded. Demographics and outcome measures were assessed in the studies included for final review. RESULTS Out of 18,980 initial results, 46 studies were included for final review. The average number of patients per study was 65.5. Mean follow up was 25 months. The most common study design involved comparing two different rehabilitation interventions (48 %). Twenty different outcome measures were reported including the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) (48 %), followed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle score Ankle-Hindfoot score (AOFAS-AH) (46 %), the Leppilahti score (20 %), and the RAND-36/Short Form (SF) - 36/SF-12 scores (20 %). An average of 1.4 measures were reported per study. CONCLUSION Significant heterogeneity exists in PROM usage among level 1 studies involving Achilles tendon ruptures, which prevents meaningful interpretation of these data across multiple studies. We advocate for usage of at least the disease-specific Achilles Tendon Rupture score and a global, quality of life (QOL) survey such as the SF-36/12/RAND-36. Future literature should provide more evidence-based guidelines for PROM usage in this context. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV; Systematic Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Pearsall
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily Arciero
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalia Czerwonka
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Puneet Gupta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - David P Trofa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Henriksen GJ, Cramer A, Hölmich P, Hansen MS, Hansen JK, Christensen M, Barfod KW. Treatment outcome at 1 year did not differ between use of cast or walker in the first 3 weeks after an acute Achilles tendon rupture. A registry study of 1304 patients from the Danish Achilles tendon database. Foot Ankle Surg 2023; 29:56-62. [PMID: 36163152 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2022.09.004] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The best choice of orthosis in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture is still under debate. OBJECTIVE To investigate if choice of orthosis in the first 3 weeks of treatment affected patient reported outcome (Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS)), tendon elongation (Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA) and Heel Rise Height (HRH)) and re-rupture. METHODS Registry study in the Danish Achilles tendon Database. Patients treated with cast and patients treated with walker in the first 3 weeks of treatment were compared using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS 1304 patients were included in the study. No clinically relevant difference was found: Adjusted mean difference (using walker the whole period as reference)(95% CI) ATRS after 1 year = 0.1(-3.0; 4.1), ATRS after 6 months = 2.0(-4.5; 5.8), ATRS after 2 years = 3.0(-0.7; 7.0), HRH difference = 0.6(-6.6; 8.2), ATRA difference = 0.03°(-1.5; 1.6), re-rupture(odds ratio) = 0.812(0.4; 1.61). CONCLUSION Patients treated with cast the first 3 weeks after acute Achilles tendon rupture did not have better treatment outcome than patients treated with walker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guðrun Jóannesardóttir Henriksen
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Allan Cramer
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Per Hölmich
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Maria Swennergren Hansen
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research-Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Kaae Hansen
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospital, Denmark
| | - Marianne Christensen
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy; Interdiciplinary Orthopaedics, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
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Kastoft R, Barfod K, Bencke J, Speedtsberg MB, Hansen SB, Penny JØ. 1.7 cm elongated Achilles tendon did not alter walking gait kinematics 4.5 years after non-surgical treatment. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 30:3579-3587. [PMID: 35234975 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-06874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to evaluate Achilles tendon length after non-surgical treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture (aATR), and to evaluate indirect effects of possible persistent elongation on kinematics. METHODS The study was performed as a cross-sectional study based on a population of patients from an RCT regarding non-operative treatment of aATR. Thirty-seven patients out of the 56 in the original RCT participated with at a follow up of 4-5 years after aATR. Primary outcome was Achilles tendon elongation. Additional outcomes were Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA), calf circumference, passive ankle plantar and dorsiflexion and loading pattern. Foot pressure mapping was performed to measure plantar loading distribution pattern; medial and lateral forefoot peak pressure, heel peak pressure, medial versus lateral loading pattern and timing of heel lift during roll over process. The healthy leg was used as a control. RESULTS The injured Achilles tendon was significantly elongated by 1.7 (SD 1.6) cm compared to the non-injured leg. A slight delay of 2.6% (SD 6.0) was measured in heel lift in the injured side compared to the non-injured leg. We found no significant difference in forefoot peak pressure, medial and lateral peak pressure as well as heel peak pressure, and no correlation was found between Achilles tendon length and pressure measurements. Finally, dorsiflexion was 1.9°(SD1.28) larger, ATRA 8.1°(SD6.7) larger, and calf circumference 1.6 cm (SD1.1) lower on the injured leg. CONCLUSION The Achilles tendon was 1.7 cm elongated 4.5 years after the initial injury and significant changes in ATRA, calf circumference and passive dorsiflexion was present. Except for a slight delay in heel lift-off, kinematics during walking was symmetrical between injured and healthy leg, even with an elongated tendon on the injured leg. The clinical relevance of the Achilles tendon elongation is uncertain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II. CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER NCT02760784.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Kastoft
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Kristoffer Barfod
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bencke
- Laboratory of Human Movement Analysis, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Merete B Speedtsberg
- Laboratory of Human Movement Analysis, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Sanja Bay Hansen
- Department of Radiology, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jeannette Ø Penny
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
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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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Diniz P, Ferreira AS, Figueiredo L, Batista JP, Abdelatif N, Pereira H, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Finkelstein SN, Ferreira FC. Early analysis shows that endoscopic flexor hallucis longus transfer has a promising cost-effectiveness profile in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 31:2001-2014. [PMID: 36149468 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-07146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current options for treating an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) include conservative and surgical approaches. Endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer has been recently proposed to treat acute ruptures, but its cost-effectiveness potential remains to be evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform an early cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic FHL transfer for acute ATRs, comparing the costs and benefits of current treatments from a societal perspective. METHODS A conceptual model was created, with a decision tree, to outline the main health events during the treatment of an acute ATR. The model was parameterized using secondary data. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to gather information on the outcomes of current treatments. Data related to outcomes of endoscopic FHL transfers in acute Achilles ruptures was obtained from a single prospective study. Analysis was limited to the two first years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was the main outcome used to determine the preferred strategy. A willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year was used. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine whether changes in input parameters would cause significant deviation from the reference case results. Specifically, a probability sensitivity analysis was conducted using Monte Carlo simulations, and a one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted by sequentially varying each model parameter within a given range. RESULTS For the reference case, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios exceeded the willingness-to-pay threshold for all the surgical approaches. Overall, primary treatment was the main cost driver. Conservative treatment showed the highest direct costs related to the treatment of complications. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000, open surgery was cost-effective in 50.9%, minimally invasive surgery in 55.8%, and endoscopic FHL transfer in 72% of the iterations. The model was most sensitive to parameters related to treatment utilities, followed by the costs of primary treatments. CONCLUSION Surgical treatments have a moderate likelihood of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000, with endoscopic FHL transfer showing the highest likelihood. Following injury, interventions to improve health-related quality of life may be better suited for improved cost-effectiveness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Diniz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital de Sant'Ana, Rua de Benguela, 501, 2775-028, Parede, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Department of Bioengineering and iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Fisiogaspar, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - André Soares Ferreira
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital de Sant'Ana, Rua de Benguela, 501, 2775-028, Parede, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lígia Figueiredo
- Clinical Department Club Atletico Boca Juniors, CAJB Centro Artroscopico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Pablo Batista
- Head of Orthopedic Department, Dr Nasef OrthoClinic, Private Practice, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nasef Abdelatif
- Orthopaedic Department, Centro Hospitalar Póvoa de Varzim, Vila Do Conde, Portugal
| | - Hélder Pereira
- Ripoll y De Prado Sports Clinic: FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Murcia/Madrid, Spain.,PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho ICVS/3B's, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Academic Center for Evidence Based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gino M M J Kerkhoffs
- Institute for Data, Systems and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stan N Finkelstein
- Division of Clinical Informatics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Bioceramed - Cerâmicos para Aplicações Médicas S.A., Loures, Portugal
| | - Frederico Castelo Ferreira
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Barfod KW, Hansen MS, Sandholdt H, Boesen A, Hölmich P, Troelsen A, Kristensen MT. The Copenhagen Achilles Length Measurement Performed at Time of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture is Correlated to Tendon Elongation After 1 Year. J Foot Ankle Surg 2022; 61:1098-1102. [PMID: 35241344 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2022.01.028] [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: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Elongation of the tendon has been proposed as the most important factor leading to poor outcome after acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The aim of this paper was to investigate if Amlang's ultrasound classification (AmC) or the Copenhagen Achilles Length Measurement (CALM) when assessed in the acute phase after ATR could predict elongation 1 y after rupture. 107 males and 27 females, aged 18 to 70 y and treated nonsurgically were included. AmC and CALM were assessed at time of rupture and correlated to elongation measured with CALM and Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA) at 1 y. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine a cut off for acceptable elongation at time of rupture given that elongation at 1 y was not to exceed 10%. AmC showed no statistically significant correlation. CALM at baseline correlated to CALM at 1 y r = 0.214 (p = .02) and ATRA at 1 y r = 0.218 (p = .02). The ROC model had AUC = 0.67 for 7% elongation at baseline yielding a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.50 for predicting elongation of 10% or more at 1 y. Elongation of the Achilles tendon at baseline measured with CALM was weakly correlated to elongation at 1 y. A cut off of 7% elongation at baseline caught 77% of patients who, when treated nonsurgically, ended up with an elongation above 10% at 1 y. A prospective trial investigating CALM as part of a selection algorithm for deciding between operative and nonoperative treatment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Maria Swennergren Hansen
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research - Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Håkon Sandholdt
- Clinical Research Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anders Boesen
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Per Hölmich
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anders Troelsen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedic Research Hvidovre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Morten Tange Kristensen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research - Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
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11
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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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12
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Zhao K, Dong S, Wang W. When is the optimum time for the initiation of early rehabilitative exercise on the postoperative functional recovery of peri-ankle fractures? A network meta-analysis. Front Surg 2022; 9:911471. [PMID: 36051702 PMCID: PMC9424660 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.911471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the safe and most effective initiation time for the functional recovery of patients with peri-ankle fractures after surgery. Method We searched electronic databases, including the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed and the reference lists of relevant articles published from inception to October 30, 2021. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction and evaluated the quality of the included literature using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Network meta-analysis, including consistency testing, publication bias, and graphical plotting, was performed using Stata (v16.0). Results A total of 25 articles involving 1756 patients were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that functional exercise within 2 days after surgery may result in lower VAS scores compared to other techniques (P < 0.05). Functional exercise within 12 months may lead to higher AOFAS scores than that of other techniques (P < 0.05). The total postoperative complication rate, including deep vein thrombosis, showed no statistically significant differences between any two interventions (P > 0.05). The results of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) showed that functional exercise within two days postoperatively may have the lowest VAS scores (SUCRA = 82.8%), functional exercise within 1 week postoperatively may have the lowest deep vein thrombosis rate (SUCRA = 66.8%), functional exercise within 10 days postoperatively may have the fewest total postoperative complication rate (SUCRA = 73.3%) and functional exercise within 12 months postoperatively may contribute to the highest AOFAS scores (SUCRA = 85.5%). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that initiation of rehabilitation within two days after surgery may be the best time to reduce postoperative pain; rehabilitation interventions within 10 days after surgery may be the optimal time for reducing the total postoperative complication rate, including deep vein thrombosis; and continued functional exercise within 12 months after surgery may steadily and ideally improve the function of the ankle joint. Systematic Review Registration: doi: 10.37766/inplasy2021.12.0030, identifier: INPLASY2021120030
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhao
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Shilei Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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13
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Hoeffner R, Svensson RB, Bjerregaard N, Kjær M, Magnusson SP. Persistent Deficits after an Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Narrative Review. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7445398. [PMID: 38655161 PMCID: PMC11022787 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7445398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Persistent muscle weakness, tendon elongation, and incomplete return to preinjury level are frequent sequelae after acute Achilles tendon rupture, and evidence-based knowledge of how to best rehabilitate the injury is largely absent in the literature. The objective of this review is to illuminate and discuss to what extent an Achilles tendon rupture affects muscle, tendon, and function when assessed with the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), muscle strength, muscle cross-sectional area, tendon length, and the heel-rise test. The patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) data in the literature suggest that the recovery takes longer than 6 months (ATRS, 70 out of 100), that one-year postinjury, the ATRS only reaches 82, and that this does not appear to noticeably improve thereafter. Loss of muscle mass, strength, and function can in some cases be permanent. Over the first 6 months postinjury, the tendon undergoes elongation, which appears to be negatively correlated to heel-rise function. More recently, there has been some interest in how muscle length and excursion is related to the reduced function. The available literature indicates that further research is highly warranted and that efforts to restore normal tendon length may improve the likelihood of returning to preinjury level after an Achilles tendon rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Hoeffner
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rene B. Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Bjerregaard
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjær
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stig Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harish Kurup
- United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Boston, United Kingdom
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15
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Myhrvold SB, Brouwer EF, Andresen TKM, Rydevik K, Amundsen M, Grün W, Butt F, Valberg M, Ulstein S, Hoelsbrekken SE. Nonoperative or Surgical Treatment of Acute Achilles' Tendon Rupture. N Engl J Med 2022; 386:1409-1420. [PMID: 35417636 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2108447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether surgical repair of an acute Achilles' tendon rupture by an open-repair or minimally invasive approach is associated with better outcomes than nonsurgical treatment is not clear. METHODS We performed a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial that compared nonoperative treatment, open repair, and minimally invasive surgery in adults with acute Achilles' tendon rupture who presented to four trial centers. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Achilles' tendon Total Rupture Score (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of tendon rerupture. RESULTS A total of 554 patients underwent randomization, and 526 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean changes in the Achilles' tendon Total Rupture Score were -17.0 points in the nonoperative group, -16.0 points in the open-repair group, and -14.7 points in the minimally invasive surgery group (P = 0.57). Pairwise comparisons provided no evidence of differences between the groups. The changes from baseline in physical performance and patient-reported physical function were similar in the three groups. The number of tendon reruptures was higher in the nonoperative group (6.2%) than in the open-repair or minimally invasive surgery group (0.6% in each). There were 9 nerve injuries in the minimally invasive surgery group (in 5.2% of the patients) as compared with 5 in the open-repair group (in 2.8%) and 1 in the nonoperative group (in 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS In patients with Achilles' tendon rupture, surgery (open repair or minimally invasive surgery) was not associated with better outcomes than nonoperative treatment at 12 months. (Funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and Akershus University Hospital; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01785264.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ståle B Myhrvold
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Espen F Brouwer
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Tor K M Andresen
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Karin Rydevik
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Madeleine Amundsen
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Wolfram Grün
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Faisal Butt
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Morten Valberg
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Svend Ulstein
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
| | - Sigurd E Hoelsbrekken
- From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (S.B.M) and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (S.B.M., E.F.B., T.K.M.A., S.U.), Lørenskog, Volvat Medical Center and the Norwegian Sports Medicine Clinic (K.R., S.E.H.), the Division of Orthopedic Surgery (M.A.) and the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (M.V.), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital Trust, Kalnes (W.G.), and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen (F.B.) - all in Norway
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer W Barfod
- From the Sports Orthopedic Research Center-Copenhagen, Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Copenhagen
| | - Per Hölmich
- From the Sports Orthopedic Research Center-Copenhagen, Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Copenhagen
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17
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Doyle TR, Davey MS, Hurley ET. Statistical Findings Reported in Randomized Control Trials for the Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures are at High Risk of Fragility: A Systematic Review. J ISAKOS 2022; 7:72-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Ghaddaf AA, Alomari MS, Alsharef JF, Alakkas E, Alshehri MS. Early versus late weightbearing in conservative management of acute achilles tendon rupture: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Injury 2022; 53:1543-1551. [PMID: 35115168 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is one of the most frequently encountered injuries in Sports Medicine. ATR can be managed surgically or conservatively followed by early functional rehabilitation or cast immobilization. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an update about the role of early weightbearing (WB) versus late WB on the clinical outcomes of adults with acute ATR. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search in Web of Science, Ovid, Medline/PubMed, and CENTRAL. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared early WB, defined as weight-bearing within 4 weeks of treatment, to late WB for individuals with acute (<14 days) ATR. We sought to evaluate the following outcomes: re-rupture rate, Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS), return to pre-injury sport activity, time to return to work, and adverse event rate. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes while the risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS A total of 9 RCTs that enrolled 1046 participants were deemed eligible. There was no significant difference between early WB and late WB in terms of re-rupture rate (RR=0.75, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.16), ATRS (SMD=0.06, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.16), return to pre-injury sport activity (RR=1.05, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.28), time to return to work (SMD=0.03, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.26), or adverse event rate (RR=1.87, 95% CI 0.53 to 6.63). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis shows no difference in the functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes between early functional rehabilitation and cast immobilization for conservatively treat individuals with acute ATR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah A Ghaddaf
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed S Alomari
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawaher F Alsharef
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eyad Alakkas
- Department of Surgery/Orthopedic Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Alshehri
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Surgery/Orthopedic Section, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Coopmans L, Amaya Aliaga J, Metsemakers WJ, Sermon A, Misselyn D, Nijs S, Hoekstra H. Accelerated Rehabilitation in Non-operative Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Surg 2022; 61:157-162. [PMID: 34400090 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The optimal treatment and rehabilitation strategy for Achilles tendon ruptures is still under debate. There is a paradigm shift toward early mobilization and weightbearing. We examined the treatment effect of accelerated functional rehabilitation in nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for articles comparing accelerated versus delayed rehabilitation in the nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture was performed. Outcomes of interest were Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) (standardized patient-reported instrument related to symptoms and physical activity after treatment of an acute Achilles tendon rupture), rerupture rate, strength, range of motion, return to work, and sports. A total of 2001 articles were identified using our search strategy. We included 6 randomized controlled trials of interest. Although the concept of accelerated rehabilitation has gained popularity in recent years, no statistically significant differences could be revealed in any of the outcomes of interest. We performed a meta-analysis on the following outcomes: ATRS (mean difference -0.93 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.01 to 4.14), Rerupture rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.97, 95% CI: 0.46-2.03), Return to sports (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.76-2.25), Return to work (mean difference 5.24, 95% CI to -12.04 to 22.51). The treatment effect of accelerated rehabilitation in nonoperatively treated patients seems to be small. However, we recommend accelerated rehabilitation for all conservatively treated patients, because it is a safe option and no detrimental effects have been described in the literature. Furthermore, many patients prefer this type of rehabilitation to avoid the practical disadvantages of prolonged immobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Coopmans
- Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jorge Amaya Aliaga
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, VU Brussel - Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Willem-Jan Metsemakers
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Sermon
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Misselyn
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Nijs
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Harm Hoekstra
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Seow D, Yasui Y, Calder JDF, Kennedy JG, Pearce CJ. Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Complication Rates With Best- and Worst-Case Analyses for Rerupture Rates. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:3728-3748. [PMID: 33783229 DOI: 10.1177/0363546521998284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) is a common injury. The controversy that has surrounded the optimal treatment options for AATRs warrants an updated meta-analysis that is comprehensive, accounts for loss to follow-up, and utilizes the now greater number of available studies for data pooling. PURPOSE To meta-analyze the rates of all complications after the treatment of AATRs with a "best-case scenario" and "worst-case scenario" analysis for rerupture rates that assumes that all patients lost to follow-up did not or did experience a rerupture, respectively. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS Two authors performed a systematic review of the PubMed and Embase databases according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines on February 17, 2020. The included studies were assessed in terms of the level of evidence, quality of evidence, and quality of the literature. A meta-analysis by fixed-effects models was performed if heterogeneity was low (I2 < 25%) and by random-effects models if heterogeneity was moderate to high (I2≥ 25%). RESULTS Surgical treatment was significantly favored over nonsurgical treatment for reruptures. Nonsurgical treatment was significantly favored over surgical treatment for complications other than reruptures, notably infections. Minimally invasive surgery was significantly favored over open repair for complications other than reruptures (no difference for reruptures), in particular for minor complications. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated that surgical treatment was superior to nonsurgical treatment in terms of reruptures. However, the number needed to treat analysis produced nonmeaningful values for all treatment options, except for surgical versus nonsurgical treatment and minimally invasive surgery versus open repair. No single treatment option was revealed to be profoundly favorable with respect to every complication. The results of this meta-analysis can guide clinicians and patients in their treatment decisions that should be made jointly and on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter Seow
- National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Youichi Yasui
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James D F Calder
- Fortius Clinic, London, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John G Kennedy
- NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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21
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Zhang YJ, Long X, Du JY, Wang Q, Lin XJ. Is Early Controlled Motion and Weightbearing Recommended for Nonoperatively Treated Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Orthop J Sports Med 2021; 9:23259671211024605. [PMID: 34568502 PMCID: PMC8461133 DOI: 10.1177/23259671211024605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is disagreement as to whether early controlled motion and weightbearing confer a beneficial effect for nonoperatively treated acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) compared with immobilization and late weightbearing. Purpose To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether early controlled motion and weightbearing results in different outcomes compared with immobilization and late weightbearing for nonoperatively treated patients with acute ATR. Study Design Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1. Methods We conducted a search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for relevant RCTs in humans from January 1981 to August 2020. The primary outcome was the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) at 1-year follow-up. The secondary outcomes were the rerupture rate, return to sports activity and work, and the heel-rise work (limb symmetry index [LSI]). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Results Included were 7 RCTs involving 424 participants (n = 215 treated with early controlled motion and weightbearing [early group], n = 209 treated with immobilization and late weightbearing [late group]). The quality assessment indicated a low risk of bias in all included RCTs. There was no difference between the early and late groups regarding the ATRS (mean difference [MD], -0.220; 95% CI, -4.489 to 4.049; P = .920). Likewise, we found no difference between the 2 groups in terms of the rerupture rate (odds ratio [OR], 1.107; 95% CI, 0.552 to 2.219; P = .775), the number of patients who returned to sports (OR, 0.766; 95% CI, 0.438 to 1.341; P = .351) and returned to work (OR, 0.706; 95% CI, 0.397 to 1.253; P = .234), the time to return to work (MD, -2.802 days; 95% CI, -6.525 to 0.921 days; P = .140), or the heel-rise work LSI (MD, -0.135; 95% CI, -6.243 to 5.973; P = .965). Conclusion No significant differences were found between early controlled motion and weightbearing compared with immobilization and late weightbearing regarding the ATRS, the rerupture rate, return to sports activity and work, and the heel-rise work in nonoperatively treated patients with acute ATR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao Long
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jing-Yu Du
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiang-Jin Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
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22
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Liu X, Dai TJ, Li BL, Li C, Zheng ZY, Liu Y. Early functional rehabilitation compared with traditional immobilization for acute Achilles tendon ruptures : a meta-analysis. Bone Joint J 2021; 103-B:1021-1030. [PMID: 34058871 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.103b6.bjj-2020-1890.r1] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the prognosis after early functional rehabilitation or traditional immobilization in patients who underwent operative or nonoperative treatment for rupture of the Achilles tendon. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to 3 June 2020, using keywords related to rupture of the Achilles tendon and rehabilitation. Data extraction was undertaken by independent reviewers and subgroup analyses were performed based on the form of treatment. Risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) (with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were used as summary association measures. RESULTS We included 19 trials with a total of 1,758 patients. There was no difference between the re-rupture rate (RR 0.84 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.28); p = 0.423), time to return to work (WMD -1.29 (95% CI -2.63 to 0.05); p = 0.060), and sporting activity (WMD -1.50 (95% CI -4.36 to 1.37); p = 0.306) between the early functional rehabilitation and the traditional immobilization treatment strategies. Early rehabilitation up to 12 weeks yielded significantly better Achilles tendon Total Rupture Scores ((ATRS) WMD 5.11 (95% CI 2.10 to 8.12); p < 0.001). Patients who underwent functional rehabilitation had significantly lower limb symmetry index of heel-rise work ((HRW) WMD -4.19 (95% CI -8.20 to 0.17); p = 0.041) at one year. CONCLUSION Early functional rehabilitation is safe and provides better early function and the same functional outcome in the longer term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1021-1030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Dai
- Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.,Jiangsu College of Nursing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bao-Lin Li
- Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ye Liu
- Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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23
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Costa ML, Achten J, Wagland S, Marian IR, Maredza M, Schlüssel MM, Liew AS, Parsons NR, Dutton SJ, Kearney RS, Lamb SE, Ollivere B, Petrou S. Plaster cast versus functional bracing for Achilles tendon rupture: the UKSTAR RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 24:1-86. [PMID: 32068531 DOI: 10.3310/hta24080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles tendon rupture affects > 11,000 people each year in the UK, leading to prolonged periods away from work, sports and social activities. Traditionally, the ruptured tendon is held still in a plaster cast for ≥ 8 weeks. Functional bracing is an alternative treatment that allows patients to mobilise earlier, but there is little evidence about how bracing affects patients' recovery. OBJECTIVES To measure the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score, quality of life, complications and resource use of patients receiving non-operative treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture treated with plaster cast compared with those treated with functional bracing. DESIGN This was a multicentre, randomised, pragmatic, two-group superiority trial. SETTING The setting was 39 NHS hospitals. PARTICIPANTS A total of 540 adult patients treated non-operatively for Achilles tendon rupture were randomised from July 2016 to May 2018. Exclusion criteria included presenting after 14 days, having had previous rupture and being unable to complete questionnaires. INTERVENTIONS A total of 266 participants had a plaster cast applied, with their toes initially pointing to the floor. The cast was changed over 8 weeks to bring the foot into a walking position. A total of 274 patients had a functional brace that facilitated immediate weight-bearing. The foot position was adjusted within the brace over the same 8-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Achilles Tendon Rupture Score is patient reported and assesses symptoms and physical activity related to the Achilles tendon (score 0-100, with 100 being the best possible outcome). The secondary outcomes were quality of life, complications and resource use at 8 weeks and at 3, 6 and 9 months. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 48.7 years, were predominantly male (79%) and had ruptured their tendon during sports (70%). Over 93% of participants completed follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in Achilles Tendon Rupture Score at 9 months post injury (-1.38, 95% confidence interval -4.9 to 2.1). There was a statistically significant difference in Achilles Tendon Rupture Score at 8 weeks post injury in favour of the functional brace group (5.53, 95% confidence interval 2.0 to 9.1), but not at 3 or 6 months post injury. Quality of life showed the same pattern, with a statistically significant difference at 8 weeks post injury but not at later time points. Complication profiles were similar in both groups. Re-rupture of the tendon occurred 17 times in the plaster cast group and 13 times in the functional brace group. There was no difference in resource use. CONCLUSIONS This trial provides strong evidence that early weight-bearing in a functional brace provides similar outcomes to traditional plaster casting and is safe for patients receiving non-operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. The probability that functional bracing is cost-effective exceeds 95% for the base-case imputed analysis, assuming a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. On average, functional brace is associated with lower costs (-£103, 95% confidence interval -£290 to £84) and more quality-adjusted life-years (0.015, 95% confidence interval -0.0013 to 0.030) than plaster cast. LIMITATIONS Some patients declined to participate in the trial, but only a small proportion of these declined because they had a preference for one treatment or another. Overall, 58% of eligible patients agreed to participate, so the participants are broadly representative of the population under investigation. FUTURE WORK Although the UK Study of Tendo Achilles Rehabilitation provides guidance with regard to early management, rehabilitation following Achilles tendon rupture is prolonged and further research is required to define the optimal mode of rehabilitation after the initial cast/brace has been removed. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN62639639. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Costa
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Juul Achten
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan Wagland
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ioana R Marian
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mandy Maredza
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael Maia Schlüssel
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna S Liew
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick R Parsons
- Statistics and Epidemiology Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Susan J Dutton
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca S Kearney
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Benjamin Ollivere
- Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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24
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Andreasen KR, Hansen MS, Bencke J, Hölmich P, Barfod KW. The heel-rise work test overestimates the performed work with 21-25% after an Achilles tendon rupture. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2021; 29:1604-1611. [PMID: 33236164 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06369-8] [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: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate concurrent validity of the heel-rise work test performed with use of the heel as a surrogate for the center of body mass. METHODS The study was a validity study performed on a prospective cohort of consecutive patients. Forty-five patients were included in the study. The heel-rise work test estimates the total work performed by repeated heel-rises until fatigue. In this study, the heel-rise work was assessed by the linear encoder and a motion capture system simultaneously for validation. The linear encoder was attached to the patient's heel and reflective marker was attached to the pelvis and heel. Student's paired t-test, linear regression analysis and Bland Altman plots were used to estimate the measurement error of the linear encoder. RESULTS The heel-rise work test overestimated the total work with 21.0% on the injured leg and 24.7% on the non-injured leg. Student's paired t-test showed no difference in measurement error between the limbs (n.s.). The linear regression analysis showed no difference in limb symmetry index between the two methods of heel-rise work estimation (a (slope) = 1.00, R = 0.94, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The heel-rise work test performed using the heel as a surrogate for center of body mass overestimates the total work with 21.0-24.7% compared to a gold standard but was able to precisely detect the relative difference between the limbs. The heel marker can be considered a valid measurement device for assessing relative differences between the limbs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clinical testing of injuries to the lower body using the heel-rise work test is valid when using the relative difference between the limbs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Rask Andreasen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark. .,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Maria Swennergren Hansen
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research-Copenhagen (PMR-C), Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bencke
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Laboratory of Human Movement Analysis, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Per Hölmich
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Copenhagen University Hospital Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
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25
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No clinically relevant difference between operative and non-operative treatment in tendon elongation measured with the Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) 1 year after acute Achilles tendon rupture. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2021; 29:1617-1626. [PMID: 33386883 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06391-w] [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: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies have shown that elongation of the injured Achilles tendon after acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is negatively associated with clinical outcomes. The difference between operative and non-operative treatment on the length of the Achilles tendon is only sparsely investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate if the operative and non-operative treatment of ATR had different effects on tendon elongation. METHODS The study was performed as a registry study in the Danish Achilles tendon database (DADB). The primary outcome of the study was an indirect measure of Achilles tendon length: the Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) at 1-year follow-up. The variable of interest was treatment (operative or non-operative). RESULTS From August 2015 to January 2019, 438 patients (154 operatively treated and 284 non-operatively treated) were registered with full baseline data and had their ATRA correctly registered at 1-year follow-up in DADB. The analysis did not show a clinically relevant nor statistically significant difference in ATRA between operative and non-operatively treated patients at 1-year follow-up (mean difference - 1.2°; 95% CI - 2.5; 0.1; n.s) after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION There were neither clinically relevant nor statistically significant differences in terms of the ATRA at 1-year follow-up between the operative and non-operatively treated patients. This finding suggests that operative treatment does not lead to a clinically relevant reduction in tendon elongation compared to non-operative treatment and it should therefore not be used as an argument in the choice of treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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26
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Frank RM, Bradsell H, Thompson SR. What's New in Sports Medicine. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2021; 103:653-659. [PMID: 33849047 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Frank
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (R.M.F.), University of Colorado School of Medicine (R.M.F. and H.B.) , Aurora , Colorado
| | - Hannah Bradsell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (R.M.F.), University of Colorado School of Medicine (R.M.F. and H.B.) , Aurora , Colorado
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27
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M Khair R, Stenroth L, Péter A, Cronin NJ, Reito A, Paloneva J, Finni T. Non-uniform displacement within ruptured Achilles tendon during isometric contraction. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:1069-1077. [PMID: 33464638 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was investigate tendon displacement patterns in non-surgically treated patients 14 months after acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and to classify patients into groups based on their Achilles tendon (AT) displacement patterns. Twenty patients were tested. Sagittal images of AT were acquired using B-mode ultrasonography during ramp contractions at a torque level corresponding to 30% of the maximal isometric plantarflexion torque of the uninjured limb. A speckle tracking algorithm was used to track proximal-distal movement of the tendon tissue at 6 antero-posterior locations. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA for peak tendon displacement was performed. K-means clustering was used to classify patients according to AT displacement patterns. The difference in peak relative displacement across locations was larger in the uninjured (1.29 ± 0.87 mm) than the injured limb (0.69 ± 0.68 mm), with a mean difference (95% CI) of 0.60 mm (0.14-1.05 mm, P < .001) between limbs. For the uninjured limb, cluster analysis formed 3 groups, while 2 groups were formed for the injured limb. The three distinct patterns of AT displacement during isometric plantarflexion in the uninjured limb may arise from subject-specific anatomical variations of AT sub-tendons, while the two patterns in the injured limb may reflect differential recovery after ATR with non-surgical treatment. Subject-specific tendon characteristics are a vital determinant of stress distribution across the tendon. Changes in stress distribution may lead to variation in the location and magnitude of peak displacement within the free AT. Quantifying internal tendon displacement patterns after ATR provides new insights into AT recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ra'ad M Khair
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Lauri Stenroth
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annamária Péter
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Aleksi Reito
- Central Finland Health Care District, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha Paloneva
- Central Finland Health Care District, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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28
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Dai W, Leng X, Wang J, Hu X, Ao Y. Rehabilitation regimen for non-surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 24:536-543. [PMID: 33388266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare re-rupture rate, functional and quality-of-life outcomes, return to sports and work, complications, and resource use in patients treated non-surgically with different rehabilitation regimens for Achilles tendon rupture. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library through May 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included patients treated non-surgically for Achilles tendon rupture. All analyses were stratified according to rehabilitation protocols. RESULTS Eight RCTs with a total of 978 patients were included. There was no significant difference about re-rupture rate (P=0.38), return to sports (P=0.85) and work (P=0.33), functional outcome (P=0.34), quality of life (P=0.50), and complication rate (P=0.29) between early weight bearing with functional ankle motion and traditional ankle immobilisation with non-weight bearing. Similarly, no significant difference in re-rupture rate (P=0.88), return to sports (P=0.45) and work (P=0.20), functional outcome (P=0.26), and complication rate (P=0.49) was seen between ankle immobilisation with non-weight bearing and early weight bearing without functional ankle motion. CONCLUSIONS Traditional ankle immobilisation with non-weight bearing was not found to be superior to early weight bearing with or without functional ankle motion for patients treated non-surgically for Achilles tendon rupture. Clinicians may consider early weight bearing in functional brace as a safe and cost-effective alternative to non-weight bearing with plaster casting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Dai
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Peking University Third Hospital, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Leng
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Hu
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Peking University Third Hospital, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingfang Ao
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Peking University Third Hospital, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Wang H, Su Q, Yan Z, Lu F, Zhao Q, Liu Z, Zhou F. Rehabilitation Treatment of Motor Dysfunction Patients Based on Deep Learning Brain-Computer Interface Technology. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:595084. [PMID: 33192282 PMCID: PMC7642128 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.595084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, brain-computer interface (BCI) is expected to solve the physiological and psychological needs of patients with motor dysfunction with great individual differences. However, the classification method based on feature extraction requires a lot of prior knowledge when extracting data features and lacks a good measurement standard, which makes the development of BCI. In particular, the development of a multi-classification brain-computer interface is facing a bottleneck. To avoid the blindness and complexity of electroencephalogram (EEG) feature extraction, the deep learning method is applied to the automatic feature extraction of EEG signals. It is necessary to design a classification model with strong robustness and high accuracy for EEG signals. Based on the research and implementation of a BCI system based on a convolutional neural network, this article aims to design a brain-computer interface system that can automatically extract features of EEG signals and classify EEG signals accurately. It can avoid the blindness and time-consuming problems caused by the machine learning method based on feature extraction of EEG data due to the lack of a large amount of prior knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qinglun Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China
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30
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Barfod KW, Nielsen EG, Olsen BH, Vinicoff PG, Troelsen A, Holmich P. Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Early Controlled Motion of the Ankle Versus Immobilization. Orthop J Sports Med 2020; 8:2325967120915909. [PMID: 32426409 PMCID: PMC7222258 DOI: 10.1177/2325967120915909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immobilization of the ankle joint has been suggested as a key element in the
pathogenesis leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Purpose: To investigate whether early controlled ankle motion (ECM) could reduce the
incidence of DVT compared with immobilization (IM) in the treatment of acute
Achilles tendon rupture. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients aged 18 to 70 years were eligible for inclusion, and treatment was
nonoperative. The ECM group performed movements of the ankle 5 times a day
from weeks 3 to 8 after rupture. The control group was immobilized for 8
weeks. The outcome measure was DVT diagnosed with color Doppler ultrasound
for above- and below-knee DVT at 2 and 8 weeks. The Achilles tendon Total
Rupture Score, the heel-rise work test, and the Copenhagen Achilles
ultrasonographic Length Measurement were performed at 4-, 6-, and 12-month
follow-up. Results: A total of 189 patients were assessed for eligibility from February 2014 to
December 2016. Of these, 130 were randomized: 68 patients were allocated to
the ECM group and 62 to the IM group. All patients participated in follow-up
at 8 weeks assessing for DVT. In total, 62 (47.7%) patients were diagnosed
with DVT: 33 of 68 (48.5%) in the ECM group and 28 of 61 (46.8%) in the IM
group (P = .84). DVT did not affect treatment outcomes at
4, 6, and 12 months. D-dimer had low sensitivity (71%) for detecting
DVT. Conclusion: We found that 1 in 2 patients presented with DVT in nonoperative treatment of
acute Achilles tendon rupture. The ECM protocol revealed no benefit versus
IM in reducing the incidence of DVT. DVT did not influence functional and
patient-reported outcomes the first year after rupture. D-dimer seems an
inappropriate test for detection of DVT in patients with acute Achilles
tendon rupture. Registration: NCT02015364 (ClinicalTrials.gov
identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center-Copenhagen, Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Emil Graakjær Nielsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Beth Hærsted Olsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Pablo Gustavo Vinicoff
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anders Troelsen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Orthopedic Research Amager-Hvidovre, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Per Holmich
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center-Copenhagen, Arthroscopic Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
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31
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Hansen MS, Vestermark MT, Hölmich P, Kristensen MT, Barfod KW. Individualized treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture based on the Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm (CARTA): a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:399. [PMID: 32398120 PMCID: PMC7218535 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04332-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An individualized treatment algorithm (Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm (CARTA)) based on the ultrasonographic appearance of an acute Achilles tendon rupture has been developed aiming to select the correct patients for operative and non-operative treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate if this individualized treatment algorithm gives a better functional outcome than treating all patients either operatively or non-operatively per default. Methods/design This study is conducted as a multicenter, three-armed randomized controlled trial. Participants are included from four hospitals in Denmark and randomized 1:1:1 to one of three parallel groups: 1) Intervention group—participants are treated according to an individualized treatment algorithm; 2) Control group A—participants are treated non-operatively; 3) Control group B—participants are treated operatively. The individualized treatment algorithm for the intervention group is based on an ultrasonographic examination; tendon overlap and elongation below 7% is to be treated non-operatively, while no tendon overlap and/or elongation above 7% will be treated operatively. Over a period of 3 years, 300 participants will be included. The primary outcome is the heel-rise work test at 12 months post-injury. Secondary outcomes are tendon elongation, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the rate of re-ruptures, and other complications. The primary analysis will be conducted as an intention-to-treat analysis. Discussion This trial will indicate if treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture can be individualized based on elongation and tendon overlap. It is hypothesized that different patients will benefit from different treatments instead of offering all the same treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03525964. Registered 16 May 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Swennergren Hansen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research - Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physiotherapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark. .,Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Marianne Toft Vestermark
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Viborg Regional Hospital, Heiberbs Allé 4, 8800, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Per Hölmich
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Morten Tange Kristensen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research - Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physiotherapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod
- Sports Orthopedic Research Center - Copenhagen (SORC-C), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
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32
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Costa ML, Achten J, Marian IR, Dutton SJ, Lamb SE, Ollivere B, Maredza M, Petrou S, Kearney RS. Plaster cast versus functional brace for non-surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture (UKSTAR): a multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation. Lancet 2020; 395:441-448. [PMID: 32035553 PMCID: PMC7016510 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)32942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Achilles tendon rupture who have non-operative treatment have traditionally been treated with immobilisation of the tendon in plaster casts for several weeks. Functional bracing is an alternative non-operative treatment that allows earlier mobilisation, but evidence on its effectiveness and safety is scarce. The aim of the UKSTAR trial was to compare functional and quality-of-life outcomes and resource use in patients treated non-operatively with plaster cast versus functional brace. METHODS UKSTAR was a pragmatic, superiority, multicentre, randomised controlled trial done at 39 hospitals in the UK. Patients (aged ≥16 years) who were being treated non-operatively for a primary Achilles tendon rupture at the participating centres were potentially eligible. The exclusion criteria were presenting more than 14 days after injury, previous rupture of the same Achilles tendon, or being unable to complete the questionnaires. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a plaster cast or functional brace using a centralised web-based system. Because the interventions were clearly visible, neither patients nor clinicians could be masked. Participants wore the intervention for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was patient-reported Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) at 9 months, analysed in the modified intention-to-treat population (all patients in the groups to which they were allocated, excluding participants who withdrew or died before providing any outcome data). The main safety outcome was the incidence of tendon re-rupture. Resource use was recorded from a health and personal social care perspective. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN62639639. FINDINGS Between Aug 15, 2016, and May 31, 2018, 1451 patients were screened, of whom 540 participants (mean age 48·7 years, 79% male) were randomly allocated to receive plaster cast (n=266) or functional brace (n=274). 527 (98%) of 540 were included in the modified intention-to-treat population, and 13 (2%) were excluded because they withdrew or died before providing any outcome data. There was no difference in ATRS at 9 months post injury (cast group n=244, mean ATRS 74∙4 [SD 19∙8]; functional brace group n=259, ATRS 72∙8 [20∙4]; adjusted mean difference -1∙38 [95% CI -4∙9 to 2∙1], p=0·44). There was no difference in the rate of re-rupture of the tendon (17 [6%] of 266 in the plaster cast group vs 13 [5%] of 274 in the functional brace group, p=0·40). The mean total health and personal social care cost was £1181 for the plaster cast group and £1078 for the functional bract group (mean between-group difference -£103 [95% CI -289 to 84]). INTERPRETATION Traditional plaster casting was not found to be superior to early weight-bearing in a functional brace, as measured by ATRS, in the management of patients treated non-surgically for Achilles tendon rupture. Clinicians may consider the use of early weight-bearing in a functional brace as a safe and cost-effective alternative to plaster casting. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Costa
- Oxford Trauma, Nuffield Department of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Juul Achten
- Oxford Trauma, Nuffield Department of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ioana R Marian
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan J Dutton
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- Oxford Trauma, Nuffield Department of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Benjamin Ollivere
- Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mandy Maredza
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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