title: [Early functional treatment of surgically managed Achilles tendon rupture].
abstract: 40 acute traumatic ruptures of the Achilles tendon were evaluated in a prospective study after open repair using an early functional rehabilitation protocol. The age of the patients averaged 43 (23-64) years. The operation consisted of a Kessler suture and microadaptation of the tendon. A special boot was used for after treatment. The boot was used 9 (1-18) weeks and full weight bearing was reported after 7 (1-16) weeks. The sick leave time averaged 5.5 (0-18) weeks. After 1 year, length and ankle joint motion were restored. Outcome was assessed using a 100-point score described by Thermann. After 4 months it averaged 73.5 +/- 15.5 points and after 1 year 94.5 +/- 6.0 points. There were no perioperative complications. One rerupture occurred 6 weeks postoperatively and was operated successfully. The combination of surgical repair and early functional after treatment resulted in normal function after 1 year, but requires cooperation of the patient.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädische Klinik, Kantonsspital, Basel, Schweiz.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schäfer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Regazzoni
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hintermann
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012421:Rupture; D012775:Shoes; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology