Medium Term Outcome of Nonoperative Treatment After Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre

Status: Completed

Conditions: Achilles Tendon Rupture

Treatments: Behavioral: Early weight bearing

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02760784

16015461-1

Details and patient eligibility

About

A total of 56 patients completed a previous study regarding non-operative treatment for acute achilles tendon rupture. This study consists of an additional follow up after 4-5 years depending on original date of injury.

Full description

30 patients suffering from acute Achilles tendon rupture was originally randomized to each arm, and followed up after 6 and 12 months. Of these a total of 56 patients was included in the final analysis, and invited to participate in this additional follow-up, 4-5 years after their original injury. Originally patients was monitored using: ATRS questionnaires, ATRA: Achilles Tendon Resting Angle, Heel Raise Work: number of lifts, lift height and total work, and tests of strength and stiffness in the ankle using a kinetic dynamometer.

Enrollment: 37 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Suffered acute Achilles tendon rupture from April 2011 to March 2012, and then referred to Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre.
• Participated and completed the original study.
• The patient must be able to speak and understand Danish, as well as be capable to give informed consent to participating.

Exclusion criteria

• Terminal disease or serious illnesses with an ASA score of 3 or above.
• Any injury significantly influencing gate and function of the lower extremities other than re-rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Trial design

37 participants in 2 patient groups

Early Weight Bearing

Description:

Ankle immobilized with orthosis (DJO Nextep Contour 2 Walker) with 3 1.5 cm wedges in the heel, fixing the angle between 20-30 degrees. The orthosis was used for 8 weeks, gradually removing the wedges. Full weight bearing was allowed from day 1. The orthosis was worn 24 hours / day the first 2 weeks. From week 2 controlled motion exercises and removal of the orthosis 5 times a day.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Early weight bearing

Control

Description:

Ankle immobilized with orthosis (DJO Nextep Contour 2 Walker) with 3 1.5 cm wedges in the heel, fixing the angle between 20-30 degrees. The orthosis was used for 8 weeks, gradually removing the wedges. Weight bearing was allowed from week 6. The orthosis was worn 24 hours / day the first 2 weeks. From week 2 controlled motion exercises and removal of the orthosis 5 times a day.