[Randomized comparison of CAM walker and light-weight plaster cast in the treatment of first-time Achilles tendon rupture].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare a CAM walker to a traditional cast. We expected the CAM walker to be comparable.


METHODS
Fifty patients with a first time rupture of the Achilles tendon were randomised to either a cast or a CAM walker. Both groups were immobilised for eight weeks. All patients were examined four and 12 months after the injury.


RESULTS
We found five reruptures in 29 patients treated with a cast (17%). No reruptures occurred in 21 patients treated with a CAM walker. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.066). There was no difference in age, sex, patient satisfaction, dominant/non dominant leg, muscle strength, or range of motion.


CONCLUSIONS
The CAM walker is a useful alternative to a cast, with few complications and lower costs. Owing to the risk of type two error (44%), it is possible that we could have found a significant difference in the number of reruptures if the number of patients had been larger.
Petersen
Oleg Funck
OF
Hillerød Sygehus, ortopaedkirurgisk afdeling O.
Nielsen
Michael B
MB
Jensen
Keld Hvitfeldt
KH
Solgaard
Søren
S
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012008:Recurrence; D012421:Rupture / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014853:Walkers; D016474:Weight-Bearing