J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2013 Apr;48(2):96-103. 10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.2.96.

Analyses of Timing of Single Heel Raise and Muscle Power after Achilles Tendon Repair

• Cha SM
• Chang BH
• Suh JS

• KMID: 1424093
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.2.96

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to analyze the progress of muscle rehabilitation for patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture, who underwent Achilles tendon repair, checking capable time of single heel raise and isokinetic plantar flexion power.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From March 2006 to June 2011, 42 of 81 patients were excluded and the other 39 patients, who underwent surgery due to acute Achilles tendon rupture in our institute, were enrolled in this study. The operation and rehabilitation were constantly performed according to the author's method. Isokinetic plantar flexion power was measured at three months post-operation, capable time of single heel raise was assessed, and clinical results of the last follow up were measured and analyzed.
RESULTS
Single heel raise was possible at an average of 14 weeks and three days, and repetitive single heel raise more than 10 times was possible at an average of 20 weeks. The peak torque of 30degrees/s plantar flexion was mean 69 Nm. The peak torque of 120degrees/s was 41 Nm. Assessment at three months post-operation showed 69% power, compared to the contralateral leg. The group of patients who were able to perform single heel raise within three months, showed better Achilles tendon total rupture score and foot and ankle outcome score at last follow up, and showed better plantar flexion power at three months post-operation.
CONCLUSION
At the last follow up, we can expect better clinical results and muscle power in patients who are able to perform single heel raise early treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Keyword

Achilles tendon rupture; Achilles tendon repair; rehabilitation of Achilles tendon

MeSH Terms

Achilles Tendon
Animals
Ankle
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Heel
Humans
Leg
Muscles
Rupture
Torque

Figure

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  Figure 1 Capable single heel raise was defined as a heel lift more than two finger breadths for 3 seconds.

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  Figure 2 Patient's leg was held with knee flexed at 90°, then ankle plantar flexion power was measured using the CYBEX770® system (CYBEX, USA).

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  Figure 3 Scatter diagrams (y axis: variables of results, x axis: date of single heel raise [SHR]). (A) Peak torque of 30° plantar flexion at three months after the operation. (B) Peak torque of 120° plantar flexion at three months after the operation. (C) Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) of the last follow-up. (D) Foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) function in daily living (ADL) of the last follow-up.

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