Individualized treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture based on the Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Musculoskeletal imaging

Background:

• An individualized treatment algorithm (Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm - CARTA) was developed for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.
• CARTA utilizes ultrasonographic findings to guide operative versus non-operative treatment selection.
• The current standard of care often involves a default treatment approach for all patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if the CARTA provides a superior functional outcome compared to universal operative or non-operative management.
• To determine if individualized treatment based on ultrasonographic parameters optimizes patient recovery from Achilles tendon rupture.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, three-armed randomized controlled trial involving 300 participants.
• Participants were randomized to: 1) CARTA-guided treatment, 2) non-operative treatment, or 3) operative treatment.
• The primary outcome was the heel-rise work test at 12 months; secondary outcomes included tendon healing and patient-reported scores.

Main Results:

• (Results not yet available as study is ongoing/recently completed)
• Analysis will compare functional outcomes across the three treatment arms.
• Secondary outcome data on re-rupture rates and complications will be assessed.

Conclusions:

• This trial aims to determine if tailoring Achilles tendon rupture treatment to individual ultrasonographic findings improves functional outcomes.
• It is hypothesized that personalized treatment strategies will yield better results than a one-size-fits-all approach for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.