title: Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: Clinical Evaluation, Conservative Management, and Early Active Rehabilitation.
abstract: The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest, largest, and most commonly ruptured tendon in the human body. Physical examination provides high sensitivity and specificity. Imaging studies are not recommended unless there are equivocal findings in the physical examination. Recent studies have shown that the risk of re-rupture is negated with implementation of functional rehabilitation protocols. Heterogeneity in study design makes conclusions on the specifics of functional rehabilitation protocols difficult; however, it is clear that early weight bearing and early controlled mobilization lead to better patient outcome and satisfaction in both surgically and conservatively treated populations.
authors.affiliation: Foot and Ankle Department, UnityPoint Trinity Regional Medical Center, 804 Kenyon Road, Suite 310, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA. Electronic address: merrellkauwe@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Merrell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kauwe
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000208:Acute Disease; D000072700:Conservative Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Functional rehabilitation; Nonsurgical treatment; Postsurgical rehabilitation