Functional management of Achilles tendon rupture: A viable option for non-operative management.
BACKGROUND
Functional management of the ruptured Achilles tendon can be effective using orthoses like the removable walker boot (Foam Walker Boot, Air Cast UK Limited, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom). We conducted this study to look at the outcome of our protocol using this orthosis.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 107 non-operatively managed Achilles tendon ruptures over the last 5 years. Case notes were analyzed for demographics and immediate outcomes. Long term outcomes were assessed by a postal questionnaire using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS).


RESULTS
Of the 107 tendons (male:female=71:36, mean age=50 years), 105 tendons (98%) healed with an average discharge time of 22 weeks. Six patients reported major complications and 6 reported minor complications. We received 56 questionnaires with a mean ATRS score of 21. Seventy-seven percent returned to pre-injury level of activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional management of Achilles tendon rupture, under appropriate supervision, provides a viable option for non-operative management.
Karkhanis
S
S
Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, United Kingdom. salil.karkhanis@doctors.org.uk
Mumtaz
H
H
Kurdy
N
N
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001915:Braces; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D016896:Treatment Outcome