title: [Achilles tendon rupture. Surgical or non-surgical treatment].
abstract: Opinions differ about the proper treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. 38 patients with acute total rupture of the Achilles tendon were included in a comparative study of operative as against non-operative treatment. 21 of the patients were treated operatively and 17 non-operatively. The follow-up time was 6-53 months. Three of the non-operated patients but none of the operated group experienced major complications. Ten of the non-operated patients and 14 of the non-operated group experienced minor complications. In the non-operated patients the plantar-flexion range was significantly reduced in the injured foot compared with the other foot (p = 0.03). Because of more re-ruptures and reduced muscle strength in the non-operative group, operative treatment is recommended for active persons. Non-operative treatment may be considered for older people.
authors.affiliation: Ortopedisk avdeling, Haukeland Sykehus, Bergen.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Helgeland
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Odland
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hove
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*