title: [Randomized comparison of CAM walker and light-weight plaster cast in the treatment of first-time Achilles tendon rupture].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Hillerød Sygehus, ortopaedkirurgisk afdeling O.
authors.forename: Oleg Funck
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Keld Hvitfeldt
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Solgaard
mesh_terms: 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