Table 1

Search queries and number of hits for each step

Search #QueryMEDLINECINAHL
1Achilles27 3502960
2ruptur319 13512 456
3surg5 253 953371 089
4operat2 411 23791 666
53 or 46 576 349414 642
61 and 2 and 53644608
7mobili568 51926 561
8immobili210
9cast67 1527947
10rehab3056125 715
11weight-bearing57 0786188
127 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11687 415160 037
136 and 12878190
14Limit 13 to randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials or clinical trials187
15Limit 13 to Randomized controlled trials10
16Limit 14 and 15 to English language16510
17Limit 16 to human trials1619
18Removes duplicates from 17113