[Acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon--apropos of 14 conservatively treated cases].
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the results of non surgical treatment (cast for 12 weeks) for complete and recent rupture of Achilles tendon.


METHODS
We reviewed with an average follow up of 2 years 14 patients (14 ruptures). All patients evaluated subjective results on a linear scale. Objective results were given by clinical examination, ultrasonography and performance testing.


RESULTS
Subjective results were excellent for 50% of cases, good for 29% and fair for 21%. Amyotrophy of the calf was always noted (mean 15 cm). The maximum force was reduced by 22% and the endurance by 47% in comparison with the healthy calf. All sportsmen but one were able to continue their sport as before. None of them had to change their job.


CONCLUSIONS
The conservative treatment of fresh ruptured Achilles tendon by plaster cast for 12 weeks gives satisfactory results in comparison with surgical treatment followed by 6 weeks immobilisation. The results are not so good when compared to conservative or surgical treatment followed by immediate mobilisation.


CONCLUSIONS
Conservative treatment by plaster cast for 12 weeks should be applied to non compliant patients or to patients who are not concerned by the functional results or unable to follow a programme of reeducation or to patients with chronic skin lesions.
Arlettaz
Y
Y
Service d' orthopédie et de traumatologie de l'appareil moteur, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne.
Chevalley
F
F
Gremion
G
G
Leyvraz
P F
PF
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Les ruptures fraîches du tendon d'Achille--A propos de 14 cas traités conservativement.