Postoperative Rehabilitation Following Achilles Tendon Repair: A Systematic Review.
Citation: Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy Review. 29(2):130-145, 2021 Jun 01.PMID: 33972490Institution: MedStar National Rehabilitation Network | MedStar Union Memorial HospitalDepartment: Orthopaedic Surgery | Orthopaedic Surgery ResidencyForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Journal ArticleSubject headings: IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXEDYear: 2021Local holdings: Available online from MWHC library: 2001 - presentISSN:- 1062-8592
Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Journal Article | MedStar Authors Catalog | Article | 33972490 | Available | 33972490 |
Available online from MWHC library: 2001 - present
The optimal postoperative management of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture remains unknown. The past 2 decades have witnessed a trend toward less rigid immobilization, earlier weightbearing, and accelerated functional rehabilitation postoperatively. The objective of this study was to identify all high-quality studies pertaining to rehabilitation after AT repair and characterize the various rehabilitation protocols that have been described. A systematic review of the English-language literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All included studies represented level 1, 2, or 3 evidence and examined postoperative rehabilitation protocols following the repair of an acute AT rupture. A total of 1187 subjects were included. Surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, and outcome assessment varied widely between studies. Early postoperative weightbearing with less rigid immobilization appears to accelerate short-term functional recovery. An aggressive rehabilitation program may also be advantageous in the short term, but further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these accelerated physical therapy and return-to-play protocols. Copyright (c) 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
English