Summary

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a serious and disabling condition. Current epidemiological data suggests an incidence of 18 per 100,000 per year. This incidence is increasing. The condition typically affects young active adults and is associated with prolonged periods off work and much longer abstinence from sporting activity. Prolonged hospital stay and delayed rehabilitation therefore have significant financial and health implications for both the NHS and society as a whole.

This study is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing operative with non-operative management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. One-hundred and forty-eight patients will be randomised over a two year period and followed up at two, six, twelve weeks and six months. The principal outcome will be measured at nine months using validated outcome measures.

Chief Investigator: Matt Costa, Associate Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery

Ruptured Achilles Tendon Trial Coordinator: Dr Juul Achten
Telephone: 02476 968614
Email: J.Achten@warwick.ac.uk

Address: Ruptured Achilles Tendon Trial
Clinical Sciences Research Institute
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry, CV2 2DX

Other Principal Unit Participants: Becky Hardcastle, Research Associate.

Collaborating Investigator

• Professor Damian Griffin, Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University of Warwick
• Mr Simon Donell, Consultant Trauma and Orthopedic Surgeon, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
• Mr Fred Robinson, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge

Collaborating Centres

• The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

• Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge

Other Details

Status: Recruitment has started in Coventry

Funded by: Pilot study funded by British Orthopaedic Foundation

Central Office for Research Ethics Committees approval reference number: 06/Q1604/168