Abstract
Traditionally, immobilisation following Achilles tendon rupture has been for 10 to 12 weeks.
We have previously published a series of 71 consecutive repairs with no re-ruptures, using a lateral surgical approach. The latter part of this cohort were immobilised for six weeks instead of 12, with early weight bearing. The lack of any re-ruptures encouraged us to persue the accelerated rehabilitation.
This study documents a further 34 cases followed prospectively for 6–24 months (mean 15.9 months). All were repaired with a single Kessler-type suture using loop PDS, through a lateral approach. Patients were partial weight-bearing immediately in an Aircast boot with three cork heel wedges. At two-weekly intervals the wedges were reduced, and the boot abandoned after six weeks.
There have been no re-ruptures. Thirty of the 34 patients returned to pre-injury activity levels. All patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the immobilisation device and the accelerated rehabilitation regime. Costs savings were also made through use of a single removable orthosis rather than sequential casts.
We advocate this regimen of careful operative achilles tendon repair and accelerated weight bearing rehabilitation with a removable orthosis.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr J. L. Barrie. Correspondence should be addressed to Mr J. L. Barrie, BOFSS Editor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 3LR.
