Full weightbearing dynamic rehabilitation for Achilles Tendon Rupture
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of a full-weight-bearing dynamic rehabilitation programme in Achilles tendon ruptures: an exploratory study.
IRAS ID
145656
Contact name
Philippa Dolphin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
This exploratory study will investigate the outcome of patients following conservative (non surgical) management of Achilles tendon rehabilitation using a dynamic orthosis (VACOPED boot).
The Achilles Tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body and is also the most frequently ruptured. There has been debate as to the most effective management of Achilles tendon rupture, considering surgical versus conservative management (Wilkins, Bisson, 2012). Traditionally conservative management consisted of plaster cast immobilisation for 10 -12 weeks. It has been suggested that conservative management in traditional plaster cast immobilisation has a higher risk of rerupture than surgical management, however, where functional rehabilitation is allowed as a part of conservative management, rerupture rate is similar to that of surgical management (Sorosceanu, 2012).The purpose of this study is primarily to study the rerupture rate of achilles tendon ruptures that are managed conservatively in VACOPED boot. Incidence of rerupture will be proven by ultrasound scan and will be documented. Secondary measures of tendon length during the period of immobilisation will be taken as this may have a bearing on final outcome. Patient administered questionnaires will be used at 0, 3 and 6 months to assist evaluation of the outcome of the intervention. A functional test will be used to assist evaluation of outcome at 6 months.
Subjects will be recruited from the soft tissue ankle clinic at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. All patients with an achilles tendon rupture that is appropriate for management in a VACOPED boot are eligable for inclusion.
A grant from the Allied Health Professionals Research Network (AHPRN) has been received to support the project.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1040
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion