Operative vs. Non-Operative Treatment of Acute Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon: A Multi-centered Randomized Control Trial

 

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

To be eligible for study inclusion, patients must have a complete mid-substance rupture of the Achilles tendon as diagnosed on clinical exam (with a positive Thompson squeeze test and a palpable gap in the tendon substance) and confirmatory MRI. They must present for initial assessment and treatment with application of a plantar-flexed cast within 48 hours of their injury, and must referred to one of the participating orthopaedics surgeons in a timely fashion so as to allow for further treatment (operative repair or initiation of the rehabilitation protocol) within 14 days of their injury. All patients must provide informed consent and must be willing and able to comply with and participate in the rehabilitation protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

 Patients with an open Achilles injury, an Achilles injury that is not a mid-substance tendon injury (ie. an Achilles avulsion from the calcaneal insertion or a musculotendinous junction rupture), any additional injury to the ipsilateral lower extremity, a prior rupture or other significant injury to the same Achilles tendon, any functional impairment (physical or mental) that may interfere with compliance with the rehabilitation protocol, any known contraindication to surgery or anesthetic, any known factor for increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture (i.e. diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapy including local or systemic steroids, and fluoroquinolone use).

 

Contact

PI
Dr  Mark Glazebrook

Operative vs. Non-Operative Treatment of Acute Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon: A Multi-centered prospective Randomized Control Trial:  comparing outcomes of patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures treated either non-operatively or with open operative tendon repair. All patients will undergo accelerated functional rehabilitation.

Sample size=220