Immediate mobilization after repair of Achilles tendon rupture may increase the incidence of re-rupture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a significant injury that can require surgery and can have the risk of re-rupture even after successful treatment. Consequently, to minimize this risk, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the rehabilitation protocol and the impact of different rehabilitation approaches on preventing re-rupture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent team members searched several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on operative treatment of ATR. We included articles that covered open or minimally invasive surgery for ATR, with a detailed rehabilitation protocol and reports of re-rupture. The study protocol has been registered at PROSPERO and has been reported in the line with PRISMA Guidelines, Supplemental Digital Content 1, https://links.lww.com/JS9/C85, Supplemental Digital Content 2, https://links.lww.com/JS9/C86 and assessed using AMSTAR Tool, Supplemental Digital Content 3, https://links.lww.com/JS9/C87.

RESULTS: A total of 43 RCTs were eligible for the meta-analysis, encompassing a combined cohort of 2553 patients. Overall, the postoperative incidence of ATR patients developing re-rupture was 3.15% (95% CI: 2.26-4.17; I2=44.48%). Early immobilization group patients who had ATR had a 4.07% (95% CI: 1.76-7.27; I2=51.20%) postoperative incidence of re-rupture; Early immobilization + active range of motion (AROM) group had an incidence of 5.95% (95% CI: 2.91-9.99; I2=0.00%); Early immobilization + weight-bearing group had an incidence of 3.49% (95% CI: 1.96-5.43; I2=20.06%); Early weight-bearing + AROM group had an incidence of 3.61% (95% CI: 1.00-7.73; I2= 64.60%); Accelerated rehabilitation (immobilization) group had an incidence of 2.18% (95% CI: 1.11-3.59; I2=21.56%); Accelerated rehabilitation (non-immobilization) group had a rate of 1.36% (95% CI: 0.12-3.90; I2=0.00%). Additionally, patients in the immediate AROM group had a postoperative re-rupture incidence of 3.92% (95% CI: 1.76-6.89; I2=33.24%); Non-immediate AROM group had an incidence of 2.45% (95% CI: 1.25-4.03; I2=22.09%).

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests the use of accelerated rehabilitation intervention in early postoperative rehabilitation of the Achilles tendon. However, for early ankle joint mobilization, it is recommended to apply after one to two weeks of immobilization.