The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons published a study assessing outcomes for Achilles tendon tear treatments. Chicago-based Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine researchers conducted the study.
Here are six points:
1. The researchers found minimally invasive surgery or nonsurgical bracing with a removal boot both yield positive outcomes for Achilles tendon tear patients.
2. The study found platelet rich plasma therapy to be ineffective.
3. This study discovered no difference in re-rupture rates between MIS repair and functional rehabilitation.
4. Researchers found no long-term difference in ankle range of motion, strength, calf circumference or functional outcome scores between patients undergoing functional rehabilitation or surgical treatment.
5. Patients who received surgical treatment returned to work up to 19 days earlier, on average, than those patients receiving nonsurgical treatment.
6. Those patients who underwent surgery demonstrated a small increase in plantar flexion strength at one and two years post-operation.