Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2026
Murine Hind Limb Explant Model for Studying the Mechanobiology of Achilles Tendon Impingement
Published on: December 8, 2023
[Acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon--apropos of 14 conservatively treated cases]
Y Arlettaz1, F Chevalley, G Gremion
1Service d' orthopédie et de traumatologie de l'appareil moteur, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne.
Goal Of The Study:
To analyse the results of non surgical treatment (cast for 12 weeks) for complete and recent rupture of Achilles tendon.
Material And Methods:
We reviewed with an average follow up of 2 years 14 patients (14 ruptures). All patients evaluated subjective results on a linear scale. Objective results were given by clinical examination, ultrasonography and performance testing.
Results:
Subjective results were excellent for 50% of cases, good for 29% and fair for 21%. Amyotrophy of the calf was always noted (mean 15 cm). The maximum force was reduced by 22% and the endurance by 47% in comparison with the healthy calf. All sportsmen but one were able to continue their sport as before. None of them had to change their job.
Discussion:
The conservative treatment of fresh ruptured Achilles tendon by plaster cast for 12 weeks gives satisfactory results in comparison with surgical treatment followed by 6 weeks immobilisation. The results are not so good when compared to conservative or surgical treatment followed by immediate mobilisation.
Conclusion:
Conservative treatment by plaster cast for 12 weeks should be applied to non compliant patients or to patients who are not concerned by the functional results or unable to follow a programme of reeducation or to patients with chronic skin lesions.
