TY - JOUR
T1 - Randomised controlled trials of immediate weight-bearing mobilisation for rupture of the tendo Achillis
AU - Costa, M. L.
AU - MacMillan, K.
AU - Halliday, D. A.
AU - Chester, R.
AU - Shepstone, L.
AU - Robinson, A. H. N.
AU - Donell, S. T.
PY - 2006/1/1
Y1 - 2006/1/1
N2 - We performed two independent, randomised, controlled trials in order to assess the potential benefits of immediate weight-bearing mobilisation after rupture of the tendo Achillis. The first trial, on operatively-treated patients showed an improved functional outcome for patients mobilised fully weight-bearing after surgical repair. Two cases of re-rupture in the treatment group suggested that careful patient selection is required as patients need to follow a structured rehabilitation regimen. The second trial, on conservatively-treated patients, provided no evidence of a functional benefit from immediate weight-bearing mobilisation. However, the practical advantages of immediate weight-bearing did not predispose the patients to a higher complication rate. In particular, there was no evidence of tendon lengthening or a higher re-rupture rate. We would advocate immediate weight-bearing mobilisation for the rehabilitation of all patients with rupture of the tendo Achillis.
AB - We performed two independent, randomised, controlled trials in order to assess the potential benefits of immediate weight-bearing mobilisation after rupture of the tendo Achillis. The first trial, on operatively-treated patients showed an improved functional outcome for patients mobilised fully weight-bearing after surgical repair. Two cases of re-rupture in the treatment group suggested that careful patient selection is required as patients need to follow a structured rehabilitation regimen. The second trial, on conservatively-treated patients, provided no evidence of a functional benefit from immediate weight-bearing mobilisation. However, the practical advantages of immediate weight-bearing did not predispose the patients to a higher complication rate. In particular, there was no evidence of tendon lengthening or a higher re-rupture rate. We would advocate immediate weight-bearing mobilisation for the rehabilitation of all patients with rupture of the tendo Achillis.
U2 - 10.1302/0301-620X.88B1.16549
DO - 10.1302/0301-620X.88B1.16549
M3 - Article
VL - 88
SP - 69
EP - 77
JO - Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-British
JF - Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-British
IS - 1
ER -