Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Tendon elongation and muscle function after repair of Achilles tendon rupture

1992; Wiley; Volume: 2; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1600-0838.1992.tb00334.x

1600-0838

Torsten Wredmark, C. A. Carlstedt,

Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

Thirty‐four recreational atlethes with a mean age of 40 years were operated for a fresh subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon with an approximating suture of the tendon in combination with 8 weeks in an equinus below‐knee plaster. The elongation of the tendon during the rehabilitation was measured radiographically with implanted steel‐wire indicators. The residual muscle function and the range of motion were recorded 1 year after the operation in 30 of the patients. There was no change in the passive range of motion and no elongation of the tendon during the primary healing period. The muscle function, measured with a special dynamic step test, was significantly impaired compared with the healthy side. Although the function was reduced in 17% of the patients, there was no subjective discomfort.