Postoperative Rehabilitation Following Achilles Tendon Repair: A Systematic Review. 

 -  2021 
<br/><br/>Available online from MWHC library: 2001 - present 
<br/><br/> 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. 
<br/><br/><br/>English 
<br/><br/><label>ISSN: </label>1062-8592 
<br/><br/><label>Standard No.: </label>00132585-202106000-00010 [pii] 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000309 [doi] 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXED
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Geographic Terms: </label><br/>MedStar National Rehabilitation Network<br/>MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
<br/><br/><label>Index Terms--Occupation: </label><br/>Orthopaedic Surgery<br/>Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
<br/><br/><label>Index Terms--Function: </label><br/>Journal Article