E-Stim and Achilles Tendon Repair Study

Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center, Ohio40 enrolled

Overview

Calf muscle atrophy (muscle degeneration) is common following Achilles tendon repair due to the immobilization period necessary to ensure optimal healing. The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) after Achilles tendon surgery will reduce calf muscle atrophy.

The specific aims of this study are to evaluate the use of electrical stimulation on muscle cross-sectional area and muscle fascicle length following post-operative Achilles tendon surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive an electrical stimulation unit (Compex®, DJO Global, San Diego, CA). Twenty of these units will be experimental and 20 will be sham.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Interventions

Compex® muscle stimulatorDEVICE

The Compex® muscle stimulator is a commercially available muscle stimulator that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a governmental body. It is not investigational. The investigational part of this study aims to evaluate if the use of muscle simulation after Achilles tendon surgery will reduce calf atrophy.

(inactive) muscle stimulatorDEVICE

A placebo (inactive) muscle stimulator, which will be placed immediately following surgery. Eight electrodes will be placed on the lower leg: four electrodes on the gastrocnemius (calf muscle), and two electrodes each on the lateral gastrocnemius (side) and anterior tibialis muscle (front). Subjects will be instructed to use the stimulator for three 20 minute sessions per day.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Any patient who is having surgery to treat an acute Achilles tendon rupture or any surgery that involves reflecting or repairing the distal Achilles tendon. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 45 2. Inability to consent to participate in clinical research 3. Any patient younger than 18 years old 4. Any limitations that would interfere with the delivery of electrical stimulation including, but not limited to: 1. Presence of an insulin pump 2. Pacemaker, defibrillators or other implanted electrical device 3. Neurostimulation implants 4. History of epilepsy/seizure 5. Current pregnancy. A pregnancy test will be performed for any female prior to surgical intervention per hospital protocol unless she is post-menopausal or has been sterilized. 6. Active malignancy 7. Peripheral neuropathy 8. Diabetes Mellitus 9. Ischemia of lower limbs 10. Active infection 11. Following acute trauma or fracture

Locations (1)

Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center

Westerville, Ohio, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Reduce Calf Muscle Atrophy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively at weeks 2 and 6 to measure cross sectional muscle volumes of the calf muscle. By measuring the muscle volume, the investigators hope to show the use of electrical stimulation will reduce calf muscle atrophy.

Time frame: Pre-operative, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks post-operative

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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