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[Achilles tendon rupture: early dynamic mobilisation after surgery]
F Holmenschlager1, St Schubert, St Winckler
1Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Germany. francis.holmenschlager@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Zentralblatt Fur Chirurgie
|July 3, 2002
Summary
Early functional dynamic treatment with a novel lower leg splint improved outcomes for Achilles tendon ruptures. This approach, following standard suture repair, led to excellent or good results in all 45 evaluated patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Traumatology
Background:
- Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries, often associated with sports.
- Surgical repair is a standard treatment, but optimal rehabilitation protocols are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a lower leg splint can enhance outcomes after surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures.
Main Methods:
- A standardized Bunnell suture repair was performed on 58 patients with subcutaneous Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Patients then underwent early functional dynamic treatment using a newly developed lower leg splint.
Main Results:
- 45 patients (42 male, 3 female) were assessed at an average of 30 months post-surgery.
- No postoperative complications, reruptures, or infections were reported.
- Ultrasound revealed excellent tendon gliding in most patients; 27 scored excellent and 18 good based on the Trillat classification.
Conclusions:
- Early functional dynamic treatment, similar to hand tendon protocols, can yield superior results in surgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures.
- The use of a dynamic lower leg splint appears to facilitate improved functional recovery.