TY  - JOUR
T1  - Commentary on an article by Kevin Willits, MA, MD, FRCSC, et al.: “Operative versus Nonoperative Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Multicenter Randomized Trial Using Accelerated Functional Rehabilitation”
AU  - Aronow, Michael S.
Y1  - 2010/12/01
N1  - 10.2106/JBJS.J.01506
JO  - The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
SP  - e32 1
EP  - 2
VL  - 92
IS  - 17
N2  - 
It is fairly well accepted that nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures with cast immobilization has a higher rerupture rate, but an otherwise lower complication rate, than surgical repair. It is also fairly well accepted that early postoperative weight-bearing and protected range-of-motion exercises are beneficial after surgical repair of Achilles tendon ruptures. A recent guideline and evidence report on the diagnosis and treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture produced by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and endorsed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society gave a moderate strength of recommendation for only two treatment options: (1) early postoperative protected weight-bearing (at two weeks or earlier) for patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who have been treated operatively, and (2) the use of a protective device that allows mobilization by two to four weeks postoperatively1. On the basis of the literature that supports these recommendations and other data that also suggest that protected motion has a beneficial effect on ligament and tendon-healing in humans and animals, there has been interest in whether early protected range of motion might improve the outcomes of acute Achilles tendon ruptures treated nonoperatively.

SN  - 0021-9355
M3  - doi: 10.2106/JBJS.J.01506
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.01506
ER  -