The purpose of the present study is to measure whether a new technique of double row suturing of a ruptured Achilles tendon will result in a normalization of the length of the Soleus part (primary outcome) and of the superficial Gastrocnemius part of the tendon (secondary outcome) one-week post-operative. Results will be compared to that of a participants group that underwent the same operation but with a standard operative technique and the same rehabilitation regime recently completed (NCT04263493). The investigators hypothesize that the new suturing technique will result in an elongation of the Soleus part of the Achilles tendon (primary outcome) by 8.9 mm or less relative to the uninjured contralateral side one week (primary endpoint) after surgery compared to retrospective data from a recently completed randomized controlled trial
This study is an ambidirectional cohort study with a retrospective part based on a recently completed trial (NCT04263493) and this prospective registered trial.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
23
The ruptured Achilles tendon will be sutured in two-layer.
Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen
Copenhagen, NV, Denmark
Tendon length
The distance between the distal muscle fibers of the Soleus muscle and the posterior most superior part of the calcaneus.
Time frame: One week after surgery.
Tendon length Soleus
The distance (mm) between the distal muscle fibers of the gastrocnemius muscle and the posterior most superior part of the calcaneus.
Time frame: One week after surgery.
Tendon length Triceps Surae
The soleus and gastrocnemius tendon length (mm).
Time frame: 6 months.
Plantar flexion function
Heel-rise test
Time frame: 6 and 12 months.
Patient perception
Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). The ATRS consist of 10 items, with a total score range from 0 to 100, and a low score indicate more limitations in physical activity and worse symptoms.
Time frame: 12 months
Vascularisation
Doppler flow (area in mm2)
Time frame: 6 months.
Muscle architecture fascicle length
Gastrocnemius and soleus muscle fascicle length (mm).
Time frame: 6 months.
Muscle architecture pennation angle
Gastrocnemius and soleus muscle pennation angle (°).
Time frame: 6 months.
Muscle cross sectional area
Gastrocnemius and soleus tendon and lower limb muscle cross-sectional area (mm2).
Time frame: 6 months.
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