Single-Row vs Double-Row Repair for Achilles Tendinopathy

(STRIDE Trial)

Overseen By Didem Bozak

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Women's College Hospital

Must not be taking: Steroids, Oxycodone

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Pregnancy, Smoking, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: Surgery day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Achilles insertional tendinopathy may require surgical debridement and tendon reattachment when non-operative treatment fails. Single-row and double-row repairs are used, with biomechanical studies favoring double-row, but clinical evidence of improved outcomes is lacking and costs are higher. This multi-center randomized trial will use the VISA-A score to compare outcomes and inform cost-effective, evidence-based surgical care.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Si-Hyeong Sam Park, MD, FRCPC

Principal Investigator

Women's College Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-75 with chronic Achilles insertional tendinopathy, unresponsive to non-operative treatments like physiotherapy and NSAIDs for at least 3 months. Participants must understand the study, agree to its procedures, follow a post-op rehab protocol, and commit to follow-ups for up to 2 years.

Inclusion Criteria

I have signed the informed consent form.

I am willing to follow all study procedures.

I have completed preoperative x-ray and MRI scans.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo either single-row or double-row surgical repair for Achilles insertional tendinopathy

Surgery day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for clinical outcomes using the VISA-A score and other measures

24 months

Regular follow-up visits

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Double-row repair of the Achilles tendon at its calcaneal insertion
• Single-row repair of the Achilles tendon at its calcaneal insertion

Trial Overview

The trial compares two surgical techniques for reattaching the Achilles tendon after debridement: single-row versus double-row repair. It aims to determine which method provides better outcomes using the VISA-A score in a cost-effective manner.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Single-row repair Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Single-row repair will involve 2 suture anchors (2 anchors total)

Group II: Double-row repair Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Double-row repair will involve 2 suture anchors for the proximal row and 2 suture anchors for the distal row (4 anchors total)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Women's College Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

108

Recruited

43,700+

The Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

165

Recruited

31,700+

Unity Health Toronto

Collaborator

Trials

572

Recruited

470,000+

University of Toronto

Collaborator

Trials

739

Recruited

1,125,000+

University Health Network, Toronto

Collaborator

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+