Comparison of Tendon Lengthening With Traditional Versus Accelerated Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1720-1726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelechi R. Okoroha ◽  
Najib Ussef ◽  
Toufic R. Jildeh ◽  
Lafi S. Khalil ◽  
Laith Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Repair Site ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Achilles Tendon Repair ◽  
Tendon Lengthening ◽  
Accelerated Rehabilitation ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Background: Early weightbearing protocols after Achilles tendon repair promote mobilization, yet little is known about their effect on tendon lengthening. Purpose: To evaluate tendon lengthening after Achilles tendon repair with accelerated rehabilitation. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients undergoing primary repair for acute Achilles tendon ruptures consented to have tantalum beads placed within the tendon. Patients were randomized into either a traditional (weightbearing at 6 weeks) or accelerated (graduated weightbearing at 2 weeks) rehabilitation group. The primary outcome of the study was postoperative tendon elongation as measured by radiostereometric beads. Secondary outcomes included Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference Short Form (PROMIS PI-SF) score. Results: All 18 patients included in the final analysis were found to have significant tendon lengthening after surgery, with a mean lengthening of 15.9 mm. No significant differences were found in overall lengthening between the traditional and accelerated rehabilitation groups (15.3 ± 4.5 vs 16.4 ± 4.7 mm, respectively; P = .33) at final follow-up. The repair site in each group was found to lengthen more than the intratendinous site (traditional group, 13.2 vs 2.1 mm; accelerated group, 16.8 vs −0.4 mm); however, no difference in lengthening was seen between groups ( P = .82 and P = .31, respectively). The greatest amount of lengthening occurred between 2 and 6 weeks, and the least amount of lengthening occurred between 6 and 12 weeks, with no difference between the traditional and accelerated groups at these time points ( P = .84 and P = .38, respectively). No differences were noted in ankle range of motion (dorsiflexion, P = .16; plantarflexion, P = .08) or outcome scores (ATRS, P = .56; PROMIS PI-SF, P = .54). Conclusion: This study’s findings demonstrate that all patients undergoing operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures had lengthening after surgery. No difference was found in tendon lengthening (repair site or intratendinous) at any time point between patients undergoing traditional versus accelerated rehabilitation postoperatively. The greatest amount of lengthening was found to occur between 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, and tendon lengthening decreased significantly after 6 weeks. Registration: NCT04050748 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

scholarly journals Comparison of Tendon Lengthening with Traditional vs. Accelerated Rehab Following Achilles Tendon Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0032
Author(s):  
Kelechi Okoroha ◽  
Najib Ussef ◽  
Erik Eller ◽  
Ferras Zeni ◽  
Vasilios Moutzouros
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Repair Site ◽  
Operative Repair ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tendon Lengthening ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Objectives: Operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures have shown successful outcomes. However, little is know about the amount of tendon or repair site lengthening after repair and if lengthening is affected by rehab protocols. The purpose of our study was to compare lengthening of the Achilles tendon after surgical repair, comparing traditional and accelerated rehab protocols. Methods: Twenty patients undergoing primary repair of Achilles tendon ruptures were assessed for participation. We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial in accordance with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010 statement. The study arms included operative repair of Achilles tendon rupture with either accelerated (graduated weight bearing at 2 weeks) or traditional rehab (weight bearing at 6 weeks). During repair, two 2-mm tantalum beads with laser-etched holes were sutured to the Achilles tendon at the repair site. Beads were evaluated via CT scans immediately post-operatively and at 12 weeks. X-rays were obtained at time 0 and then at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was the difference in tendon or repair site lengthening between the study arms. Randomization was by a computerized algorithm. The observer was blinded and the patient was not blinded to the intervention. Results: Zero patients declined participation and all 20 patients were included for final analysis. All patients showed statistically significant lengthening at two weeks following surgery. There was a trend toward increased lengthening at 6 weeks in the accelerated rehab group (9.9 mm, range 2.6 -13.9 mm) compared to the traditional rehab group (4.1 mm, range 1.5 -9.0 mm), although this was not statistically significant; p = .07. However the final amount of tendon lengthening at 12 weeks after surgery was not different between the accelerated rehab group (14.4 mm, range 11.7 -17.0 mm) and the traditional rehab group (13.4 mm, range 10.7 -17.0 mm); p = .38. Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest that all patients undergoing operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures have significant lengthening after surgery. Although there was a trend toward increased lengthening at 6 weeks in the accelerated rehab group, there was no difference in tendon lengthening at final follow up between the two groups.

The Effect of Obesity on Achilles Rupture Repair

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffery S. Hillam ◽  
Neil Mohile ◽  
Niall Smyth ◽  
Jonathan Kaplan ◽  
Amiethab Aiyer
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Acs Nsqip ◽  
Achilles Tendon Repair ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
American College Of Surgeons ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Introduction. Obesity is an increasingly common comorbidity that may negatively affect outcomes following orthopaedic surgery. It is valuable to determine whether obese patients are vulnerable for postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) to determine the effect of obesity on surgical treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods. Patients who underwent a surgical repair of the Achilles tendon were retrospectively identified through the ACS NSQIP. The patients were divided into 2 cohorts (obese and nonobese), then perioperative and postoperative factors were evaluated for association with obesity. Results. A total of 2128 patients were identified, of whom 887 (41.7%) were classified as obese. Obesity correlated with an increased operative time, 60.9 versus 56.1 minutes. The only postoperative complication associated with obesity was wound dehiscence. Logistic regression adjusted for comorbid conditions demonstrated that obesity was not associated with an increased risk of wound dehiscence. Conclusion. A large segment of the patient population undergoing Achilles tendon repair is obese. Obesity was found to have an increased association with wound dehiscence, likely related to comorbid conditions, following Achilles tendon repair. Obesity was not significantly associated with any other complication. Levels of Evidence: III, Retrospective Cohort Study

scholarly journals The Clinical Outcomes After a Novel Mini-Open Achilles Tendon Repair

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0009
Author(s):  
Craig C. Akoh ◽  
Amanda N. Fletcher ◽  
Selene G. Parekh ◽  
Akhil Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Postoperative Outcomes ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Achilles Tendon Repair ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mini Open

Category: Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon ruptures are a common sporting injury, mostly occurring in men over the age of 40. Operative repair of Achilles tendon can lead to earlier return to activity and improved function in the active population. Mini-open repairs have recently been described for effective treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. We aim to describe our unique mini- open Achilles tendon repair technique and to report our clinical outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients from January 2010 and July 2019 who underwent a 3cm mini-open Achilles tendon repairs, without additional targeting devices, for closed acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Patients were followed up for a minimum of one year. We recorded pre- and postoperative Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), visual analog scale (VAS), and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) scores. Subgroup analysis were performed for acute repairs (< 2 weeks) and subacute (2-6 weeks). Two-sided student’s t-test to compare preoperative and postoperative outcomes for continuous variables. Chi-square analyses were used to determine the strength of correlation between categorical variables. A p-value of < .05 was considered significant for all statistical analyses. Results: A total of 33 patients met the inclusion criteria and are included in this study. The mean age of our cohort was 43.8 years old (range 22-78) and 78.8% of patients were male. The mean length of follow-up was 4.4 years (range 1.0-9.8 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 15.6 days (1-45 days). Patients reported a mean return to their previous level of activity at a mean of 5.6 months (range 1.7-22.1). The mean pre- and postoperative outcomes scores improved significantly for both the acute and subacute repair groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences for postoperative outcomes scores between the acute and subacute Achilles repair groups (p > 0.05). There were no reported complications in our patient cohort. Conclusion: Patients showed improvements in postoperative patient-reported outcome scores with minimal complications. There were no significant difference in outcomes for acute versus subacute repairs. Our mini-open Achilles tendon repair, which required no additional targeting instrumentation, has shown favorable mid-term results.

scholarly journals Functional Outcomes and MRI Results Following Knotless Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0045
Author(s):  
Brian D. Steginsky ◽  
Mallory Suhling ◽  
Eric Giza ◽  
Christopher D. Kreulen ◽  
B. Dale Sharpe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Distal Stump ◽  
Achilles Tendon Repair ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Category: Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: The surgical techniques for primary repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures have evolved from large open incisions to mini-open and percutaneous techniques. Studies have demonstrated that lesser invasive surgical techniques may reduce the risk of post-operative wound complications. Knotless surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures can be performed through a mini-incision, but still permits a robust re-approximation of the tendon stumps and decreases suture burden through distal anchor fixation in the calcaneus. However, stress shielding and subsequent tendinosis of the distal tendon stump is a theoretical concern with this surgical technique. We hypothesize that our surgical technique allows for a durable repair through a minimally invasive approach, permitting a safe and accelerated rehabilitation protocol, excellent functional outcomes, and absence of distal stump tendinosis. Methods: A multicenter retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients that underwent primary Achilles tendon repair using a knotless surgical technique with a minimum of one-year follow-up from three orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons’ practices. Exclusion criteria included: age <18, chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (>4 weeks), insertional Achilles tendon ruptures, revision Achilles surgery, peripheral neuropathy, and systemic inflammatory disease. All patients were contacted by phone and asked to return to the office for an MRI, clinical examination, and completion of functional outcome questionnaires. The primary outcome measure was the validated Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analog Score (VAS), postoperative complications, ankle range of motion, calf circumference, and single-heel rise. MRI was used to assess tendon continuity and healing, tendinosis, muscle atrophy, and bone marrow edema/stress fracture associated with anchor fixation in the calcaneus. MRI interpretation was performed by a single, blinded musculoskeletal radiologist. Results: Forty-three patients were identified with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. There were 36 patients (36/43, 84%) who underwent knotless Achilles tendon repair and agreed to participate in the study. The average time to clinical follow-up was 23.5 months (SD±16.3). The mean postoperative ATRS was 84.6 (SD±19.7). There was no significant difference in calf circumference (p=0.22), dorsiflexion (p=0.07), and plantarflexion (p=0.11) between the unaffected and surgical extremity at latest follow-up. One patient (1/36, 2.8%) experienced a re-rupture. There were no wound complications or neuritis. MRI was obtained in 26 patients (26/36, 72.2%) at an average of 17.5 months (SD±10.1). There were no MRI findings of distal stump tendinosis or calcaneal stress fractures. Thirty-two patients (32/36, 88.8%) returned to the same athletic activities one-year after surgery. Conclusion: There is paucity in the literature on functional outcomes following knotless Achilles tendon repair. In this multicenter study, we found that validated functional outcome scores and return to activity were similar to historical controls, with a low rate of surgical complications. MRI obtained in twenty-six patients (72.2%) at 17.5 months demonstrated an intact tendon without distal tendon stump stress shielding or calcaneal stress fracture. The knotless Achilles tendon repair is a unique surgical technique, minimizing suture burden and postoperative complications, while offering excellent functional outcomes and return to activity at two-year follow-up. The excellent clinical outcomes are corroborated by MRI.

scholarly journals Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis After Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Early Controlled Motion of the Ankle Versus Immobilization

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712091590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristoffer Weisskirchner Barfod ◽  
Emil Graakjær Nielsen ◽  
Beth Hærsted Olsen ◽  
Pablo Gustavo Vinicoff ◽  
Anders Troelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
D Dimer

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).

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