Operative Versus Non-operative Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Multicentre, Prospective Randomized Study.

Methodology This study is a multi-centre prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. This study will be conducted at five tertiary care centres by orthopaedic surgeons with an interest in soft tissue trauma. All subjects will be recruited over a one year period. Subjects who meet the following inclusion and exclusion criteria and who consent to involvement in the study will be randomized to either operative or non-operative arms of the study. All patients who enter the study will receive a pre-treatment ultrasound to document that the tear is complete and to document the location of the tear. Prior to obtaining consent for the study the risks and benefits of each treatment option will be clearly explained along with the current state of knowledge concerning treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. It will be explained to each study participant that involvement in the study is voluntary and that they are free to discontinue their involvement at any point in their treatment .

Inclusion Criteria

• Complete Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Less than 7 days from date of injury
• Age 18-70 years of age
• Ability to follow rehab protocol

Exclusion Criteria

• Inability to Speak English
• Significant ipsilateral injury
• Open injury to Achilles tendon
• Neurological disease (ie stroke, cerebral palsy)
• Collagen Disease (ie Ehlers Danlos disease)
• Pregnancy
• Fluoroquinolone associated rupture (rupture within 2 weeks of taking medication)
• Unfit for surgery
• Diabetes
• Peripheral Vascular disease
• Avulsion of Achilles tendon from calcaneus