Early ankle motion after triple bundle technique repair vs. casting for acute Achilles tendon rupture

The Statistical Fragility of Operative vs Nonoperative Management for Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review of Comparative Studies

BACKGROUND

The statistical significance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies is often conveyed utilizing the P value. However, P values are an imperfect measure and may be vulnerable to a small number of outcome reversals to alter statistical significance. The interpretation of the statistical strength of these studies may be aided by the inclusion of a Fragility Index (FI) and Fragility Quotient (FQ). This study examines the statistical stability of studies comparing operative vs nonoperative management for Achilles tendon rupture.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed of 10 orthopaedic journals between 2000 and 2021 for comparative studies focusing on management of Achilles tendon rupture reporting dichotomous outcome measures. FI for each outcome was determined by the number of event reversals necessary to alter significance (P < .05). FQ was calculated by dividing the FI by the respective sample size. Additional subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 8020 studies screened, 1062 met initial search criteria with 17 comparative studies ultimately included for analysis, 10 of which were RCTs. A total of 40 outcomes were examined. Overall, the median FI was 2.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-4), the mean FI was 2.90 (±1.58), the median FQ was 0.032 (IQR 0.012-0.069), and the mean FQ was 0.049 (±0.062). The FI was less than the number of patients lost to follow-up for 78% of outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Studies examining the efficacy of operative vs nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture may not be as statistically stable as previously thought. The average number of outcome reversals needed to alter the significance of a given study was 2.90. Future analyses may benefit from the inclusion of a fragility index and a fragility quotient in their statistical analyses.

Endoscopic Haglund's Resection and Percutaneous Double-Row Insertional Achilles Repair

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be a debilitating condition that often fails to improve with nonsurgical management such as bracing and physical therapy. Traditional surgical techniques include an open debridement of the diseased tendon and resection of calcaneal spurs. This is followed by repair of the tendon. Suture anchors are often used to secure the tendon, but recent advances in tendon fixation, including the advent of double-row repairs, has allowed better biomechanical repairs and faster rehabilitation. Additionally, minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic techniques have advanced to allow successful treatment of all aspects of the condition while minimizing wound complications and infection. The authors present a technique to treat insertional Achilles tendinopathy and calcaneal bone spurs using minimally invasive surgery techniques while also incorporating a percutaneous double-row suture anchor repair. The technique utilizes 4 portals to access 2 endoscopic working planes. The burr is inserted deep to the tendon and the calcaneoplasty is performed. Subsequently, the endoscope is inserted alongside a shaver to remove bony debris and debulk the anterior aspect of the Achilles areas of tendinopathy. Following this, the portals are used to place a double-row suture anchor repair.Levels of Evidence: Level V.

Comparison of mini-open repair system and percutaneous repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture

Background

To reduce incision complications, minimally invasive operative approaches for treatment with acute Achilles tendon rupture have been developed, such as Mini-open repair and percutaneous repair. Which technique is the better surgical option? In the present study, we compared the two surgical procedures— modified Mini-open repair versus percutaneous repair—in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods

From January 2016 to November 2018, 68 matched patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were divided into treatment group (Mini-open with modified Ma-Griffith technique) and control group (the Ma–Griffith technique). The patients were then treated with different surgical techniques and followed up for no less than 24 months, and the functional outcome scores and complications were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The mean follow-up time in Mini-open repair group was 29.0±2.9 months, and that in control group was 27.9±2.9 months (P=0.147). The Mini-open repair group showed reliably higher American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score and Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) than the control group in functional assessment (95.0±3.8 vs. 92.3±5.3, P=0.000; 93.8±3.8 vs. 90.9±4.5,P=0.000). There was no cases of sural nerve injury in Mini-open repair group, whereas the percutaneous repair group had 5 cases of the same (P=0.027). No significant differences were found in the calf circumference (32.3±3.9 vs. 31.8±3.6) (P=0.564), range of motion of the ankle (51.3±4.8 vs. 50.5±4.2, P=0.362), or wound complications (34/0 vs. 34/0) (P=1.000) between the two groups at the end of the follow-up time. However, the percutaneous repair group had a shorter average operating time (23.1±5.2 min) than that of the Mini-open repair group (27.7±4.3 min) (P=0.000).

Conclusions

Acute Achilles tendon ruptures may be treated successfully with a new Mini-open repair system or percutaneous repair technique. However, the Mini-open repair system may represent a superior surgical option, since it offers advantages in terms of direct visual control of the repair, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score and risk of sural nerve palsy.

Study design

Case-control studies, Level of evidence, 3.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04802-8.

Duration of immobilisation after Achilles tendon rupture repair by open surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The best treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures remains controversial. No cohort studies have compared different immobilisation durations after open surgery. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the optimal duration of immobilisation after this surgery.

Methods

A total of 266 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were divided into 4 groups (A, B, C, and D) according to immobilisation duration of 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. All patients underwent the same suture technique with a similar rehabilitation protocol and were examined clinically at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 24, and 48 weeks, with a final follow-up at a mean of 22.3 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the time of return to light sports activity (LSA). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) and single-legged heel rise height (SHRH). Data on operation time, complications, visual analogue pain scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and Achilles tendon Total Rupture score (ATRS) were also collected. Demographic baseline data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance; outcome parameters were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis H test, and complications were analysed using Fisher’s exact test. Statistical significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

VAS scores decreased significantly, reaching 0 in all groups after 12 weeks. The AOFAS and ATRS scores were significantly different between the groups from weeks 2 to 12 (P<0.001) and weeks 2 to 16 (P<0.001), respectively. All the mean scores showed better results in group B than in the other groups. In terms of recovery time of ROM, SHRH, and LSA, groups A and B were significantly faster than groups C and D (P<0.001). There were 13 (13/266, 4.9%) complications: 5 superficial infections, 3 deep venous thrombosis, and 5 trauma-related re-ruptures. On the last follow-up, all complications had recovered. There were no significant differences in complications between the groups.

Conclusions

Immobilisation for 2 weeks after this open surgery is the best choice for early rehabilitation and weight-bearing while minimising pain and other complications.

Operative treatment versus nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare re-rupture rate, complication rate, and functional outcome after operative versus nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures; to compare re-rupture rate after early and late full weight bearing; to evaluate re-rupture rate after functional rehabilitation with early range of motion; and to compare effect estimates from randomised controlled trials and observational studies.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases were last searched on 25 April 2018 for studies comparing operative versus nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and observational studies reporting on comparison of operative versus nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction was performed independently in pairs, by four reviewers, with the use of a predefined data extraction file. Outcomes were pooled using random effects models and presented as risk difference, risk ratio, or mean difference, with 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

29 studies were included-10 randomised controlled trials and 19 observational studies. The 10 trials included 944 (6%) patients, and the 19 observational studies included 14 918 (94%) patients. A significant reduction in re-ruptures was seen after operative treatment (2.3%) compared with nonoperative treatment (3.9%) (risk difference 1.6%; risk ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.60; P<0.001; I²=22%). Operative treatment resulted in a significantly higher complication rate than nonoperative treatment (4.9% v 1.6%; risk difference 3.3%; risk ratio 2.76, 1.84 to 4.13; P<0.001; I²=45%). The main difference in complication rate was attributable to the incidence of infection (2.8%) in the operative group. A similar reduction in re-rupture rate in favour of operative treatment was seen after both early and late full weight bearing. No significant difference in re-rupture rate was seen between operative and nonoperative treatment in studies that used accelerated functional rehabilitation with early range of motion (risk ratio 0.60, 0.26 to 1.37; P=0.23; I²=0%). No difference in effect estimates was seen between randomised controlled trials and observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that operative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures reduces the risk of re-rupture compared with nonoperative treatment. However, re-rupture rates are low and differences between treatment groups are small (risk difference 1.6%). Operative treatment results in a higher risk of other complications (risk difference 3.3%). The final decision on the management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures should be based on patient specific factors and shared decision making. This review emphasises the potential benefits of adding high quality observational studies in meta-analyses for the evaluation of objective outcome measures after surgical treatment.

[Preliminary effectiveness of laminated bevel suturing technique for treating acute closed Achilles tendon rupture]

Objective

To introduce a modified technique for treating acute closed Achilles tendon rupture and evaluate the preliminary effectiveness.

Methods

Between March 2011 and September 2015, 8 cases (8 sides) with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture were repaired with the laminated bevel suturing technique. All of the patients were male with an average age of 39.3 years (range, 22-58 years), injured in nonprofessional sports. The diagnosis was confirmed by typical signs of positive heel-lift test and Thompson test; the complete rupture of Achilles tendon was determined by color Doppler ultrasound or MRI, and the distance between the stump and calcaneus was 2-5 cm (mean, 3.3 cm). The time from injury to operation was 2-12 days (mean, 4.1 days). With the patient in prone position, a posterior longitudinal incision medial to the tendon was made, the broken stumps of Achilles tendon were divided into 3 layers on the coronal plane, fibers made into strips. The strips were staggered and stacked, stitched side to side with absorbable suture. The ankle joint at the plantar flexion position was fixed with plaster, and early rehabilitation exercise was carried out.

Results

The operation time was 70-135 minutes (mean, 99 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 5-30 mL (mean, 15.6 mL). All the incisions healed by first intention without infection, except for 1 case who need dressing exchange because of partial delayed healing. All the patients were followed up 6-50 months (mean, 30.5 months). There was no complication of surgical site infection, sural nerve injury, or deep vein thrombosis. The patients could walk normally with powerful raising heels and return to previous sports, without complication of re-rupture. Compared with the contralateral side, the activity of ankle joint dorsiflexion reduced 0-6° (mean, 3°); plantar flexion reduced 1-5° (mean, 2°). At last follow-up, according to Arner-Lindholm score, the surgical results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 100%.

Conclusion

Laminated bevel suturing technique is simple for repairing acute closed Achilles tendon rupture without the need of special surgical instruments. It provides enough tensile strength for early rehabilitation exercise to rapid and good recovery.

Return to play post-Achilles tendon rupture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rate and measures of return to play

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to identify return to play (RTP) rates following Achilles tendon rupture and evaluate what measures are used to determine RTP.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Studies were assessed for risk of bias and grouped based on repeatability of their measure of RTP determination.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched to identify potentially relevant articles.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies reporting RTP/sport/sport activity in acute, closed Achilles tendon rupture were included.

RESULTS

108 studies encompassing 6506 patients were included for review. 85 studies included a measure for determining RTP. The rate of RTP in all studies was 80% (95% CI 75% to 85%). Studies with measures describing determination of RTP reported lower rates than studies without metrics described, with rates being significantly different between groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

80 per cent of patients returned to play following Achilles tendon rupture; however, the RTP rates are dependent on the quality of the method used to measure RTP. To further understand RTP after Achilles tendon rupture, a standardised, reliable and valid method is required.

Functional rehabilitation of patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture: a meta-analysis of current evidence

PURPOSE

The optimal treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is continuously debated. Recent studies have proposed that the choice of either operative or non-operative treatment may not be as important as rehabilitation, suggesting that functional rehabilitation should be preferred over traditional immobilization. The purpose of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to compare functional rehabilitation to immobilization in the treatment of ATR.

METHOD

This meta-analysis was conducted using the databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PEDro using the search terms: "Achilles tendon," "rupture," "mobilization" and "immobilization". Seven RCTs involving 427 participants were eligible for inclusion, with a total of 211 participants treated with functional rehabilitation and 216 treated with immobilization.

RESULTS

Re-rupture rate, other complications, strength, range of motion, duration of sick leave, return to sport and patient satisfaction were examined. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. A trend favoring functional rehabilitation was seen regarding the examined outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Functional rehabilitation after acute Achilles tendon rupture does not increase the rate of re-rupture or other complications. A trend toward earlier return to work and sport, and increased patient satisfaction was found when functional rehabilitation was used. The present literature is of low-to-average quality, and the basic constructs of the examined treatment and study protocols vary considerably. Larger, randomized controlled trials using validated outcome measures are needed to confirm the findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

The Gift Box Open Achilles Tendon Repair Method: A Retrospective Clinical Series

Previous biomechanical studies have shown that the gift box technique for open Achilles tendon repair is twice as strong as a Krackow repair. The technique incorporates a paramedian skin incision with a midline paratenon incision, and a modification of the Krackow stitch is used to reinforce the repair. The wound is closed in layers such that the paratenon repair is offset from paramedian skin incision, further protecting the repair. The present study retrospectively reviews the clinical results for a series of patients who underwent the gift box technique for treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures from March 2002 to April 2007. The patients completed the Foot Function Index and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale. The tendon width and calf circumference were measured bilaterally and compared using paired t tests with a 5% α level. A total of 44 subjects, mean age 37.5 ± 8.6 years, underwent surgery approximately 10.8 ± 6.5 days after injury. The response rate was 35 (79.54%) patients for the questionnaire and 20 (45.45%) for the examination. The mean follow-up period was 35.7 ± 20.1 months. The complications included one stitch abscess, persistent pain, and keloid formation. One (2.86%) respondent reported significant weakness. Five (14.29%) respondents indicated persistent peri-incisional numbness. The range of motion was full or adequate. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale score was 93.2 ± 6.8) and the mean Foot Function Index score was 7.0 ± 10.5. The calf girth and tendon width differences were statistically significantly between the limbs. The patients reported no repeat ruptures, sural nerve injuries, dehiscence, or infections. We present the outcomes data from patients who had undergone this alternative technique for Achilles tendon repair. The technique is reproducible, with good patient satisfaction and return to activity. The results compared well with the historical repeat rupture rates and incidence of nerve injury and dehiscence for open and percutaneous Achilles tendon repairs.

Long term results of acute Achilles repair with triple-bundle technique and early rehabilitation protocol

BACKGROUND

The best treatment for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is still under debate. Our purpose was to evaluate surgical triple-bundle technique in selected patients with full subcutaneous rupture of Achilles tendon.

METHODS

Sixty-six consecutive patients (56 men, 10 women; age range 20-61 years) with full unilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon were surgically treated by the triple-bundle technique. Seventy-four percent of the lesions occurred during sport activity. Each patient was assessed by: (1) The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score; (2) the Leppilahti score; (3) the range of movement measurement of ankle joint; (4) ipsilateral thigh, calf, and ankle circumferences compared to the contralateral limb; (5) functional evaluation with isokinetic dynamometry of both limbs.

RESULTS

80.3% of the patients were fully satisfied (AOFAS ≥90) with treatment and resumed their previous level of sport. Concerning the outcomes, (1) the mean AOFAS score at 36 months was 93.9; (2) the mean Leppilahti score at 36 months was 91.8; (3) the mean difference in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion between the healthy side and the operated side was 4.3° and 6.9°, respectively. We observed calf muscle hypotrophy in two cases and scar complication in one. No re-ruptures occurred. Isokinetic tests performed 36 months after surgery showed a good restoration of plantarflexion. At univariate analysis AOFAS was influenced by age and difference between the healthy side and the operated side in dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and circumference at all three levels and strenght at 60°/s. At univariate analysis, Leppilahti score confirmed the significant parameters of the AOFAS with the exception of age and difference of thigh circumference. The only predictive parameters in multivariate analysis were dorsiflexion difference (O.R. = 0.831; 95% C.I. 0.694-0.995; p = 0.044) and plantarflexion difference (O.R. = 0.777; 95% C.I. 0.631-0.958; p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

In this case series the triple-bundle technique showed a low rate of complications and good functional restore tested with isokinetic tests. For these reasons afforded by biomechanical strength test reported in literature, this technique has to be considered a valid choice for the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in young patients with a high level of sport activity.

Wound complications with posterior midline and posterior medial leg incisions: a systematic review

There is no consensus on the optimal incisional approach at the posterior leg to avoid wound healing complications. The purpose of this systematic review is to report and compare complication rates associated with two common incisions used to approach the Achilles tendon in order to provide additional recommendations for optimal incision placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched using keywords for procedures using posterior leg incisions. A total of 8724 studies were analyzed and subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Once inclusion criteria were met, each article was placed in 1 of 2 groups based on incision placement: midline (group 1) or posterior medial (group 2). Study format, patient demographics, surgical indication and other details, and wound complications were recorded. The data obtained was reviewed for trends between the two groups.

RESULTS

38 articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven articles used the midline approach (group 1) whereas 31 articles used the posterior medial incision (group 2). The 38 articles included 1287 patients, of whom 25.6% were female with an average age of 43.9 years. Group 1 included 142 patients and group 2 had 1145 patients. The total wound complication rate among all reports was determined to be 8.2%, with 7.0% and 8.3% between groups 1 and 2, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Although incision placement may influence wound healing complications, it appears that additional factors such as advanced age, delay in surgical intervention, gender, comorbid conditions, prior surgery, and postoperative protocols also play a role. This report suggests that a midline approach is no less precarious in avoidance of wound complications regardless of patient demographics or other surgical details in comparison with a posterior medial incision.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV.

Complications of the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures

Since the first reports in the medical literature of treatment of the Achilles tendon, complications have been recognized from both non-operative and operative techniques. These include tendon rerupture, sural nerve morbidity, wound healing problems, changes in tendon morphology, venous thromboembolism, elongation of the tendon, complex regional pain syndrome, and compartment syndrome. This article delineates the incidence for each of these complications, with differing techniques, methods of avoiding these complications and treatment methods if they occur.

The "Giftbox" repair of the Achilles tendon: a modification of the Krackow technique

BACKGROUND

The Krackow locking loop technique has been used for Achilles tendon repair with documented success in allowing early range of motion with stable fixation. Previous studies documented failure at the rupture site by knot failure. We propose a modification of the traditional Krackow technique where the knots of the suture are tied away from the rupture site (aka the Giftbox technique). We compared the tensile strength of Achilles tendons repaired using the traditional Krackow technique with those repaired using the Giftbox technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen pairs of fresh frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons were harvested. An Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm from the calcaneal insertion. Thirteen Achilles ruptures were repaired using the traditional Krackow technique and 13 pairs were repaired using the Giftbox technique. The Achilles tendons were then tested to failure as defined as a gap of 1 cm.

RESULTS

The mean force to failure for the tendons using the Giftbox technique was 168 N, whereas the mean for the traditional Krackow technique was 81 N (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Based on our biomechanical study, Achilles tendons repaired using the Giftbox technique are more than twice as strong as those repaired using the traditional Krackow technique.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We recommend the Giftbox modification to minimize gap formation and improve the strength of the repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon.

A modified operation for Achilles tendon ruptures

BACKGROUND

Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture has long been at the center of debate.

HYPOTHESIS

A new technique in surgical Achilles tendon repair allows for more stability and earlier rehabilitation.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

One hundred Achilles tendon rupture patients (70 men, 30 women; age range, 16-54 years; mean age, 32 years) were treated by a newly modified method of repair. Twenty-one of these patients were high-level athletes, and 79 were recreational-level athletes. The average length of follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 1-6.3 years), and none of the ruptures included avulsion fractures. After adjusting the tendon to an adequate length using a Tsuge suture, each fibrous bundle was gathered in a longitudinal direction and fixed with a Bunnell-type suture. The same postoperative physical therapy protocol was applied to all patients: at 1 week, early full weightbearing with a walking cast was initiated, and at 2 weeks, patients began range of motion (ROM) exercises and were instructed to wear a hinged ankle-foot orthosis that permitted full plantar flexion but limited full dorsiflexion. From 6 weeks, patients started practicing double-legged heel raises.

RESULTS

At an average of 10 weeks, ankle ROM was comparable to that of the nonoperated leg, and double-legged heel raises were achieved at an average of 7.6 weeks. On average, patients were able to do 20 continuous single-legged heel-raising motions (equivalent to manual muscle testing grade 5) at 15.4 weeks, and jogging started at 12.3 weeks. High-level athletes returned to their original sports level at an average of 5 months. Two reruptures (2%) were experienced, but no other complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

This surgical technique allows for strong repair stability and subsequent early weightbearing and ROM exercises.

The effect of achilles tendon lengthening on ankle dorsiflexion: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND

Tendon lengthening is an important cause of morbidity after Achilles tendon rupture. However, direct measurement of the tendon length is difficult. Ankle dorsiflexion has, therefore, been used as a surrogate measure on the assumption that it is the Achilles tendon that limits this movement. The aim of this investigation was to assess the relationship between Achilles tendon length and ankle dorsiflexion. The primary question was whether or not the Achilles tendon is the structure that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The secondary purpose was to quantify the relationship between Achilles tendon lengthening and dorsiflexion at the ankle joint.

METHODS

Five cadaver specimens were dissected to expose the tendons and capsular tissue of the leg and hindfoot. Fixed bony reference points were used as markers for the measurements. In the first specimen, the Achilles tendon was intact and the other structures that may limit ankle dorsiflexion were sequentially divided. In the other specimens the Achilles tendon was lengthened by 1 cm intervals and the effect upon ankle dorsiflexion movement was recorded.

RESULTS

Division of the other tendons and the capsular tissue around the ankle joint did not affect the range of ankle dorsiflexion. When the Achilles was divided the foot could be dorsiflexed until the talar neck impinged upon the anterior aspect of the distal tibia. There was a mean increase of 12 degrees of dorsiflexion for each centimeter increase in tendon length.

CONCLUSION

The Achilles tendon is the anatomical structure that limits ankle dorsiflexion, even when the tendon is lengthened. There was a linear relationship between the length of the Achilles tendon and the range of ankle dorsiflexion in this cadaver model. Ankle dorsiflexion would appear to be a clinically useful indicator of tendon length.

Early weightbearing and ankle mobilization after open repair of acute midsubstance tears of the achilles tendon

PURPOSE

To study the effects of early weightbearing and ankle mobilization after acute repair of ruptured Achilles tendon.

STUDY DESIGN

Comparative longitudinal study.

METHODS

Patients in group 1 were postoperatively immobilized with their ankle in gravity equinus, they were encouraged to bear weight on the operated limb as soon as possible to full weightbearing, and they received a single cast change at 2 weeks, with the ankle accommodated in an anterior splint in a plantigrade position, allowing the ankle to be plantar flexed fully but not dorsiflexed above neutral. Patients in group 2 were immobilized with their ankle in full equinus with a cast change at 2 weeks, when the ankle was immobilized in mid equinus, and at 4 weeks, when the ankle was immobilized in a plantigrade position, and they were advised to bear weight.

RESULTS

Patients in group 1 attended fewer outpatient visits, completely discarded their crutches at an average of 2.5 weeks, and more were satisfied with the results of surgery. At ultrasonography, the average thickness of the repaired tendon was 12.1 mm, with no difference in the thickness of the ruptured tendon regardless of postoperative management. There was no significant difference in isometric strength between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Early weightbearing with the ankle plantigrade is not detrimental to the outcome of repair after acute rupture of the Achilles tendon and shortens the time needed for rehabilitation. However, strength deficit and muscle atrophy are not prevented.