Nonoperative, Dynamic Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: Influence of Early Weightbearing on Biomechanical Properties of the Plantar Flexor Muscle–Tendon Complex—A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod ◽  
Jesper Bencke ◽  
Hanne Bloch Lauridsen ◽  
Christian Dippmann ◽  
Lars Ebskov ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712091590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod ◽  
Emil Graakjær Nielsen ◽  
Beth Hærsted Olsen ◽  
Pablo Gustavo Vinicoff ◽  
Anders Troelsen ◽  
...  

Background: Immobilization of the ankle joint has been suggested as a key element in the pathogenesis leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Purpose: To investigate whether early controlled ankle motion (ECM) could reduce the incidence of DVT compared with immobilization (IM) in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients aged 18 to 70 years were eligible for inclusion, and treatment was nonoperative. The ECM group performed movements of the ankle 5 times a day from weeks 3 to 8 after rupture. The control group was immobilized for 8 weeks. The outcome measure was DVT diagnosed with color Doppler ultrasound for above- and below-knee DVT at 2 and 8 weeks. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score, the heel-rise work test, and the Copenhagen Achilles ultrasonographic Length Measurement were performed at 4-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Results: A total of 189 patients were assessed for eligibility from February 2014 to December 2016. Of these, 130 were randomized: 68 patients were allocated to the ECM group and 62 to the IM group. All patients participated in follow-up at 8 weeks assessing for DVT. In total, 62 (47.7%) patients were diagnosed with DVT: 33 of 68 (48.5%) in the ECM group and 28 of 61 (46.8%) in the IM group ( P = .84). DVT did not affect treatment outcomes at 4, 6, and 12 months. D-dimer had low sensitivity (71%) for detecting DVT. Conclusion: We found that 1 in 2 patients presented with DVT in nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. The ECM protocol revealed no benefit versus IM in reducing the incidence of DVT. DVT did not influence functional and patient-reported outcomes the first year after rupture. D-dimer seems an inappropriate test for detection of DVT in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Registration: NCT02015364 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Swennergren Hansen ◽  
Marianne Toft Vestermark ◽  
Per Hölmich ◽  
Morten Tange Kristensen ◽  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod

Abstract Background: An individualized treatment algorithm (Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm - CARTA) based on the ultrasonographic appearance of an acute Achilles tendon rupture has been developed aiming to select the correct patients for operative and non-operative treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate if this individualized treatment algorithm gives a better functional outcome than treating all patients either operatively or non-operatively per default. Methods: This study is conducted as a multicenter three-armed randomized controlled trial. Participants are included from four hospitals in Denmark and randomized 1:1:1 to one of three parallel groups: 1) Intervention group: Participants are treated according to an individualized treatment algorithm, 2) Control group A: Participants are treated non-operative, 3) Control group B: Participants are treated operative. The individualized treatment algorithm for the intervention group is based on an ultrasonographic examination; tendon overlap and elongation below 7% is to be treated non-operative, while no tendon overlap and and/or elongation above 7% will be treated operative. 300 participants will be included over a period of 3 years. The primary outcome is the heel-rise work test at 12 months post-injury. Secondary outcomes are tendon elongation, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the rate of re-ruptures and other complications. The primary analysis will be conducted as intention-to-treat analysis.Discussion: This trial will indicate if treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture can be individualized based on the elongation and tendon overlap. It is hypothesized that different patients will benefit from different treatment instead of offering all the same treatment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03525964. Registered 16 May 2018.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Swennergren Hansen ◽  
Marianne Toft Vestermark ◽  
Per Hölmich ◽  
Morten Tange Kristensen ◽  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod

Abstract Background: An individualized treatment algorithm (Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm - CARTA) based on the ultrasonographic appearance of an acute Achilles tendon rupture has been developed aiming to select the correct patients for operative and non-operative treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate if this individualized treatment algorithm gives a better functional outcome than treating all patients either operatively or non-operatively per default. Methods: This study is conducted as a multicenter three-armed randomized controlled trial. Participants are included from four hospitals in Denmark and randomized 1:1:1 to one of three parallel groups: 1) Intervention group: Participants are treated according to an individualized treatment algorithm,2) Control group A: Participants are treated non-operative, 3) Control group B: Participants are treated operative. The individualized treatment algorithm for the intervention group is based on an ultrasonographic examination; tendon overlap and elongation below 7% is to be treated non-operative, while no tendon overlap and and/or elongation above 7% will be treated operative. 300 participants will be included over a period of 3 years. The primary outcome is the heel-rise work test at 12 months post-injury. Secondary outcomes are tendon elongation, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the rate of re-ruptures and other complications. The primary analysis will be conducted as intention-to-treat analysis. Discussion: This trial will indicate if treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture can be individualized based on the elongation and tendon overlap. It is hypothesized that different patients will benefit from different treatment instead of offering all the same treatment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03525964. Registered 16 May 2018. Keywords: Achilles tendon, Achilles tendon rupture, individualized treatment, ultrasound.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (86) ◽  
pp. e260-e266
Author(s):  
Beata Ciszkowska-Łysoń ◽  
◽  
Urszula Zdanowicz ◽  
Robert Śmigielski ◽  
◽  
...  

The treatment of Achilles tendon rupture attempts to restore the primary anatomical structure and principal biomechanical properties of the damaged tendon. Postoperative clinical assessment of the healing progression and function monitoring may be difficult and require experience. Diagnostic imaging (ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging) helps monitor the healing process. In the following paper, we propose a heel-rise test – a dynamic assessment of the Achilles tendon performed under direct observation and ultrasound monitoring to establish the tension of the Achilles tendon. The test allows for a simple assessment of tendon function and may be safely repeated at any postoperative stage. It may be performed by a physician, radiologist and physiotherapist to monitor the recovery process following Achilles tendon damage.


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