This Cochrane-based meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (1,085 patients) asks whether surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture reduces rerupture and improves function compared with nonoperative care, and whether open repair differs from percutaneous or augmented techniques in outcomes.
When counseling an active patient with acute Achilles rupture, the key variable is rehabilitation protocol: if accelerated functional rehab is planned, surgery's rerupture advantage is statistically lost, shifting the risk-benefit calculus toward nonoperative care.
If surgery is chosen, percutaneous technique significantly reduces wound complications without sacrificing rerupture protection.
This Cochrane-based meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (1,085 patients) asks whether surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture reduces rerupture and improves function compared with nonoperative care, and whether open repair differs from percutaneous or augmented techniques in outcomes.
When counseling an active patient with acute Achilles rupture, the key variable is rehabilitation protocol: if accelerated functional rehab is planned, surgery's rerupture advantage is statistically lost, shifting the risk-benefit calculus toward nonoperative care.
If surgery is chosen, percutaneous technique significantly reduces wound complications without sacrificing rerupture protection.