The Influence of Early Weightearing, Controlled Motion, and Timing of Orthosis Removal on the Nonoperative Management of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This is a systematic review of the non-operative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture aimed at assessing the effect of early weightbearing, controlled motion and orthosis removal on 5 outcome measures. The literature was searched for relevant RCTs and prospective cohort studies. The primary outcome measure was the re-rupture rate. The secondary outcome measures were the rates for DVT, duration before return to work (RTW), return to sports (RTS) and the mean Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). Eighteen publications reporting a total of 1068 patients were reviewed. The pooled rates were: re-rupture: 7.3%, DVT: 5.5%, RTW: 10.3 weeks, RTS: 47.7% and ATRS: 78.7. Early compared to late weightbearing was associated with significantly lower rates of DVT, RTW and ATRS but no difference in the rates of re-rupture and RTS. Early controlled motion compared to no motion was associated with significantly lower rates of re-rupture, RTW and ATRS but no difference in the rates of DVT and RTS. Early compared to late orthosis removal was associated with significantly higher rates of re-rupture and ATRS as well as a lower rate of RTW but no difference in the rates of DVT and RTS. The findings relating to re-rupture, DVT, RTW and RTS support the adoption of early weightbearing and controlled motion in the non-operative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. Early removal of orthosis is not advisable due to an increased risk of re-rupture. The ATRS results were considered inconclusive probably due to inconsistencies in the reporting or heterogeneity in the study population.