Prospective Use of a Standardized Nonoperative Early Weightbearing Protocol for Achilles Tendon Rupture: 17 Years of Experience.

Ecker, TM; Bremer, Anne K; Krause, F; Müller, Thorsten; Weber, Martin (2016). Prospective Use of a Standardized Nonoperative Early Weightbearing Protocol for Achilles Tendon Rupture: 17 Years of Experience. American journal of sports medicine, 44(4), pp. 1004-1010. Sage Publications 10.1177/0363546515623501

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BACKGROUND

Acute traumatic rupture of the Achilles tendon can be treated operatively or nonoperatively. Throughout the literature, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment protocol.

PURPOSE

To report on 17 years of experience with treating this injury with a standardized nonoperative treatment protocol.

STUDY DESIGN

Case Series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The treatment protocol was based on a combination of an equinus cast and rehabilitation boot, which promoted immediate full weightbearing and early functional rehabilitation. A total of 171 patients were consecutively treated and prospectively followed from 1996 to 2013. Assessed were subjective parameters such as pain, loss of strength, return to previous activity level, meteosensitivity, and general satisfaction with the treatment outcome. Clinical assessment included testing of plantar flexion strength and endurance, calf circumference, and tendon length. Subjective and clinical parameters were then used to calculate a modified Thermann score. The correlation between tendon lengthening and function was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months (mean, 27 ± 20 months; range, 12-88 months). The mean Thermann score was 82 ± 13 (range, 41-100), and subjective satisfaction was rated "very good" and "good" in 90%. An inverse correlation was found between tendon length and muscle strength (R = -0.3). There were 11 reruptures (8 with and 3 without an adequate trauma). General complications were 5 deep venous thromboses, 1 complex regional pain syndrome, and minor problems such as transient heel pain (n = 3), heel numbness (n = 1), and cast-associated skin abrasions (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

Seventeen years of experience with a nonoperative treatment protocol for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon confirmed good functional outcome and patient satisfaction. Reruptures mostly occurred with new traumatic events in the vulnerable phase from 6 to 12 weeks after the initial injury. Muscle strength correlated to tendon length, making its assessment a crucial follow-up parameter. The protective equinus cast and boot can protect against excessive tendon lengthening during the healing process.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Orthopaedic, Plastic and Hand Surgery (DOPH) > Clinic of Orthopaedic Surgery

UniBE Contributor:

Ecker, Timo Michael, Krause, Fabian

Subjects:

600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health

ISSN:

0363-5465

Publisher:

Sage Publications

Language:

English

Submitter:

Lilianna Bolliger

Date Deposited:

18 Apr 2017 12:21

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 15:02

Publisher DOI:

10.1177/0363546515623501

PubMed ID:

26818449

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Achilles tendon; biology of tendon; foot; rupture

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.95010

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/95010

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