Achilles Tendon Rupture Patient Outcomes at 12 Months

Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that can significantly impact strength, function, and quality of life. While non-surgical management using structured rehabilitation protocols such as the Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) protocol is increasingly adopted, there is limited evidence on long-term recovery outcomes, particularly beyond six months. This study aims to evaluate recovery at 12-15 months following non-surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture in an NHS population. Participants will attend a single study visit during which plantarflexor muscle strength will be assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, and patient-reported outcomes will be collected using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Achilles Tendon Resting Angle (ATRA) will also be measured to provide an estimate of tendon elongation. The primary objectives are to quantify plantarflexor strength recovery and self-reported functional outcomes. Secondary analyses will explore associations between strength, tendon elongation, quality of life, return to sport, and pre-injury symptoms. This cross-sectional observational study will recruit adult patients managed non-surgically with the SMART protocol from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Findings will provide clinically relevant data on long-term recovery following conservative treatment and may inform rehabilitation strategies and return-to-activity decision-making.

NCT Number	NCT07391553
Lead Sponsor	Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Conditions	Achilles Tendon Rupture
Enrollment	115 participants
Start Date	2026-10-01
Primary Completion	2028-06-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2029-01-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-06