What is the most common complication of non-surgical treatment of Achilles rupture?

What is the most common complication of non-surgical treatment of Achilles rupture?

• A. Wound infection
• B. Deep vein thrombosis
• C. Re-rupture
• D. Tendon elongation

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that healing without surgery relies on the tendon ends reconnecting and scar tissue forming to restore continuity. Under nonoperative management, the most common problem is the ends separating again under load, leading to a re-rupture. This risk exists because there isn’t a surgical repair to hold the ends together, so even with protected rehab the tendon can fail to maintain full continuity. Wound infection is not typical here since no incision is made. Deep vein thrombosis can occur with immobilization, but it’s not as frequent as rerupture in this context. Tendon elongation can affect strength and length, but rerupture is the more common complication observed with non-surgical treatment.

The key idea is that healing without surgery relies on the tendon ends reconnecting and scar tissue forming to restore continuity. Under nonoperative management, the most common problem is the ends separating again under load, leading to a re-rupture. This risk exists because there isn’t a surgical repair to hold the ends together, so even with protected rehab the tendon can fail to maintain full continuity. Wound infection is not typical here since no incision is made. Deep vein thrombosis can occur with immobilization, but it’s not as frequent as rerupture in this context. Tendon elongation can affect strength and length, but rerupture is the more common complication observed with non-surgical treatment.