[Conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture]

One hundred patients with Achilles tendon rupture subjected to conservative treatment were studied clinically and radiologically. Follow-up studies lasted from 6 months to 6 years with the average of 3 years and 2 months. Ninety-eight percent of all patients were evaluated as excellent or good clinically. According to the distribution of sole pressure measured by foot print, the distribution of weight-bearing area was observed on the first toe at 6 months after initial treatment the same as on the normal side. In computed radiograms, the shadow of the rupture site of Achilles tendon has become clear and similar to those on the normal side at 6 months after initial treatment. These findings could be used as a criterion for permitting patients to resume sports activity. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that a fresh Achilles tendon rupture should be treated conservatively.