THE IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION PROGRAMS SOON AFTER ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR

Irfan Halimi¹, Dafinë Ibrahimi-Kaçuri², Kushtrim Zhjeqi¹

¹UBT College - Higher Education Institution, Republic of Kosovo; Royal Medical Hospital, Republic of Kosovo; ReActive Physiotherapy Clinic, Republic of Kosovo - ²Fehmi Agani University of Gjakova, Rr. "Ismail Qemali", n.n., 50 000 Gjakova, Republic of Kosovo

Inroduction: Post-operative regimens after Achilles ligament rupture can be broadly categorized as postponed restoration or early useful recovery.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the importance of programs of rehabilitation soon after Achilles tendon repair.

Method: A prospective study on 20 patients after Achilles tendon repair in the Royal Medical Hospital in the period January 2018 - January 2020. The rehabilitation program started from 3 weeks postoperatively. Patients received 15-20 therapeutic sessions with each one lasting 30-60 minutes. The treatment used the protocol for following Achilles tendon repair from the Stone Clinic in San Francisco. The average American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was used for evaluation. 

Results: No re-ruptures were identified in 8-12 months post-operative follow-up. 80% of patients were able to return to their previous sporting activities 6-8 months post-operation, 20% were not able to return to their previous sporting activities from fear of re-injury. The average American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at six months was 96, with 16 patients rated ‘excellent’ and four patients ‘good’. The average time to return to work was 28 days.

Conclusion: Start of early rehabilitation is a key factor for return to previous work and sporting activities. Rehabilitation of athletes is faster than of those who are not active in sports activities.