Background: In the early period after ruptured Achilles tendon the ankle can be either fully immobilized or subject to physiotherapy with joint and soft-tissue mobilization. The present literature review aimed to compare published data on efficiency of immobilization with those of early mobilization after a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon. Methods: The literature search was performed within the following databases: Medline, Science Direct, CINAHL, Scopus, Proquest, Cochrane Library and Wiley Online Library. Only randomized controlled studies that were published from 2005 to 2015 were considered relevant. Results: Of nine studies analysed, eight investigated efficiency of both protocols in the early period after surgical tendon suture and one in the same period during purely conservative treatment. Short-term effects of early mobilization after a surgical procedure comprise enhanced muscle strength gains, less restrictions in sport participation, faster return to work and better subjective ratings of the outcome. However, the long-term results of treatment by the two protocols are most likely very similar. Conclusions: It cannot be elucidated from published evidence whether the enhanced short-term effects are brought about by the early mobilization itself, or the weight-bearing of the joint plays more important role. Future studies should determine optimal parameters of mobilisation progression with or without concomitant weight-bearing.
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