Achilles Night Splint — Trade & Distribution
Thetis Medical®

Achilles Tendon Rupture Splint

Would you sleep in rain boots?

  • The world's only plantarflexion splint
  • Patented design
  • Designed with and loved by foot & ankle surgeons
Partnership enquiry

Applicable to both conservative and surgical treatment

Thetis Achilles rupture night splint — plantarflexion for sleep

B2B · Manufacturers & distributors

Achilles rupture night splint

A CE-marked medical device for overseas distribution and licensing. Complements walking boots — same 30° healing angle, ~90% lighter for sleep and hygiene.

  • 2,000+

    Splints sold per year

  • 30°

    Plantarflexion

  • ~200g

    Device weight

  • 4

    SKU variants

Patient need — sleep in the boot

In a survey of 195 patients with Achilles tendon rupture, sleep quality was a major unmet need during boot immobilisation.

  • 77%

    Reported sleep difficulty in the boot

  • 35%

    Took off or adjusted the boot at night

  • Didn't sleep well · 78 (40%)
  • Took off the boot · 51 (26%)
  • Used custom splint · 3 (2%)
  • Adjusted the boot at night · 18 (9%)
  • Slept fine · 45 (23%)

Thetis Medical patient survey (n=195, Achilles tendon rupture).

Growing market

National registries report rising incidence (about 8 → 42 per 100,000, 1994–2021), linked to active ageing and sport.

  • Large boot cohort in the first 12 weeks post-injury
  • Strong night-splint attach — boot sleep is a common pain point
  • Highest rates in Scandinavian and Western European data

Global incidence trends (interactive report)

Priority markets — incidence

Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Nordics are primary targets for national distribution. Incidence figures are from published registries and research in our global incidence report; where no national registry exists we show a conservative estimate.

Market Incidence Est. annual ruptures
Nordics (SE, DK, FI) ~35 / 100k ~7,700
Germany ~25 / 100k ~21k
France ~21 / 100k ~14.3k
Spain ~19 / 100k ~9,120
Italy ~20 / 100k ~11.8k
Poland ~16 / 100k ~6,270

Annual ruptures ≈ population × incidence per 100,000 (midpoint where a range is shown). Incidence from published registries; Spain, Italy, and Poland estimated where no national rupture registry is in our dataset.

Pricing & commercial terms

Reference price points from our current channels. Full wholesale price lists are shared after partner qualification.

Patient retail (RRP)

Typical consumer list price in target EU markets (Amazon / clinic): €79.99 in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Nordics; 349 zł in Poland (~€80 equivalent).

Hospital / NHS supply

£28–£60 per unit — historic range we have sold to NHS hospitals and trusts, depending on volume and contract terms.

Distributor margin

Gross margin vs local patient RRP on standard wholesale for qualified partners. Volume and exclusivity affect buy price; price lists after qualification.

~50%

gross margin vs local RRP

Manufacture under licence

License Thetis IP for in-region production (see intellectual property) — lower landed cost, stronger margins, and shorter lead times than import-only. Regulatory, quality, and brand support included.

Clinical pathway — complements your boot line

Patients are typically immobilised in a walking boot (e.g. VACOped, Aircast) during the day. The Thetis splint is prescribed for night-time and rest — not a replacement for the boot.

Day

Walking boot — mobilisation & protection

Night / rest

Thetis splint — sleep, hygiene, boot compliance

Aligns with early protected weight-bearing and night-time immobilisation protocols used in modern Achilles rupture care.

Athletes

Lighter at home than the boot — even used it in the pool

After my Achilles rupture, I used the Thetis splint when I was home instead of wearing the heavy boot all the time. It made recovery easier, feeling a little more normal, while keeping the tendon safe. Also later I used it while swimming as it's light and easy in the water.

Holger Rune

Holger Rune

Professional Tennis Player

The Thetis splint was an absolute saviour

After my Achilles tendon rupture surgery, I was advised by a specialist to invest in a Thetis splint as the best product to use as part of my recovery. The difference between sleeping in a big bulky boot and the Thetis splint was an absolute saviour. It made sleeping at night so much better and easier, and helped with my recovery as I was fresh because of better sleep. It kept my foot at the right angle and was light enough that I didn't notice it while asleep! I would and have recommended this product to my other teammates who have ruptured their Achilles tendon!

Steff Evans

Steff Evans

Welsh Rugby Union Player

Great for physio and a game changer for sleep!

The Thetis splint was really helpful for staying safe when doing my rehab exercises. I've also been sleeping in it since I came out the cast which has been an absolute game changer.

Ollie Lawrence

Ollie Lawrence

English Rugby Union Player

Revolutionary splint - comfortable sleep with no fear of injury

I recently began using the Thetis Splint overnight. My regular boot is good for daily use but very heavy and uncomfortable to sleep in - the splint has been revolutionary for me! It keeps my foot perfectly in place but without being bulky, meaning I can sleep more comfortably with no fear of hurting my Achilles tendon. I would highly recommend everyone and anyone to use this product during your recovery from Achilles rupture.

Andrew Lawrence

Andrew Lawrence

Team GB Basketball

Slimmer, lightweight, and allows free movement while protecting the tendon

The Thetis Splint is a lot slimmer and far more lightweight than the orthopaedic boot I was sleeping in. It allows me to move my leg more freely but still stops me from flexing my toes beyond a certain point, which is ideal whilst the tendon heals. The splint even comes in my favourite colour, so I was sold the minute I saw it!

Olivia Blatch

Olivia Blatch

Team GB Weightlifter

Simple design that allows better sleep and wound breathing

The Thetis Splint has a simple design that is perfectly fit for purpose. It has allowed me to get the sleep that is so vital as I recovered from achilles tendon rupture and surgery whilst also feeling secure and protected. Apart from being less bulky than the orthopaedic boot, it also gives the surgical wounds a chance to breath and has made the recovery period a lot more bearable. I would highly recommend this product!

Kim Daybell

Kim Daybell

Team GB Table Tennis and Doctor

Product summary

Thetis Medical Achilles Rupture Splint (night splint). Designed specifically for complete Achilles tendon rupture — not general ankle instability or tendinopathy.

  • Maintains ~30° plantarflexion for tendon protection
  • ~200g — approximately 90% lighter than a walking boot
  • Open design — breathability and hygiene vs sleeping in a boot
  • Quick application — adjustable straps, left/right and two sizes
  • Used by hospitals, foot & ankle centres, and distributors internationally

Patients

Excellent service and delivery

Excellent service and delivery. Loved the recovery tips. Love how this company has attention to detail, and looks after you.

Verified customer

Total game changer for sleeping while recovering!

Finally got the restful sleep I needed. The cast and heavy dirty boot made sleep tough. If you're recovering from an achilles rupture buy this immediately.

Verified customer

It literally takes a few secs to put on and remove. Its comfortable as well. Highly recommend.

Works great to keep the achilles tendon in relaxed state when recovering from a achilles injury or post-op. It literally takes a few secs to put on and remove. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and its working well. I take my boots off for the night and wear this while sleeping. Its comfortable as well. Highly recommend if you are in the recovery stage of an achilles rupture post-op and out of the cast.

Verified customer

Life Saver!

This worked great and kept me from having to wear my big clunky walking boot to bed! So glad I found this. I couldn't sleep with that walking boot at night!! Great product.

Verified customer

Eine absolute Erleichterung!

Nach der OP an der Achillessehne war diese Schiene eine Erleichterung in der Nacht! Würde ich auf alle Fälle empfehlen wenn man wieder durchschlafen möchte!

Verified customer

Superb

Really useful after my dreadful Achilles tendon tear when I didn't want to wear the boot in bed!

Verified customer

This is a saviour for night time wearing. So much easier than the big boot. Five weeks down and another five or six to go. Would have struggled with the full boot.

This is a saviour for night time wearing. So much easier than the big boot. You need to be careful of getting up. I started using a crutch initially but as confidence grew just tried to ensure that I was careful. Five weeks down and another five or six to go. Would have struggled with the full boot.

Verified customer

Peace of mind for Achilles injuries

A great alternative to wearing the walking boot to bed, without worrying about inadvertently straightening or knocking your foot.

Verified customer

Wonderful device and splendid service

Brilliant device. Arrived the day after it was ordered. Delighted in all respects.

Verified customer

Well designed product.

This product is well designed. It gives good protection to injured Achilles' tendon whilst sleeping. Allows much better sleep compared to the pressure boot.

Verified customer

Works well for sleeping and is definitely better than sleeping in the boot.

I have the largest left splint, it works well for sleeping and is definitely better than sleeping in the boot — but your sizes are insane and there's no way it would ever fit properly. If I was based in the UK I'd have prob sent it back for being too small. There needs to be an XL at least. Anyway, keep up the good work.

Verified customer

Verified customer

Indications & contraindications

Intended use

  • Achilles tendon rupture (complete tear)
  • Surgical or conservative (non-operative) treatment pathways
  • Within 12 weeks of injury or surgery
  • Night-time and rest immobilisation alongside walking boot care

Not intended for

Achilles tendinitis or tendinopathy alone

Clinical evidence & NHS pathways

Our products are supported by clinical quality improvement work and real-world safety data — summarised on our public evidence page.

UK public healthcare — A&E and acute pathways

In UK NHS settings, the Achilles rupture splint is used in emergency and acute pathways to maintain plantarflexion while patients move from A&E to specialist review — reducing reliance on plaster rooms and speeding the pathway to a definitive boot and treatment plan. In other deployments it is supplied alongside our patient recovery course and educational materials (companion to the printed recovery guide where hospitals use it).

Time from A&E to specialist assessment

Plaster cast

Average wait time 8.7 days
Maximum wait time 23 days

Thetis splint

Average wait time 2.9 days
Maximum wait time 6 days

67% faster assessment

Mean wait 8.7 → 2.9 days

74% shorter maximum waits

Max wait 23 → 6 days

Night-time safety vs walking boot

Recovery-period safety assessment across 5,000+ patients recorded: with 95% confidence, risk of injury while using the Thetis splint at night is less than 0.1% — comparable protection to a walking boot with substantially better comfort for sleep (see Sleeping safe and sound, BOFAS 2024). Patient experience and satisfaction in recovery is reported separately in Mother Knows Best (BOFAS 2023).

Patient wearing the Achilles rupture night splint in bed

5,000+

patients recorded

Zero

reported injuries

Safety statistical analysis

Sample size adequacy 99.9%
Statistical power 99.7%
Confidence level 95%

With 95% confidence, night-time injury risk is <0.1% — comparable to a walking boot with better sleep comfort.

Source: Sleeping safe and sound — BOFAS 2024. No difference in complication rates or functional outcomes vs control; 95% CI injury risk with splint at night less than 0.1%.

Published sources

Full evidence & studies

Clinicians

When I tore my own Achilles tendon, the hardest part was wearing the hospital boot in bed. This splint is certain to improve the recovery experience for patients.

When I tore my own Achilles tendon, the hardest part of the recovery was having to wear the hospital boot in bed at night for many weeks. My only option was to make myself a splint using plaster-cast materials and make-shift straps. It is fantastic that Thetis Medical have produced this night-splint. It is certain to improve the recovery experience for patients.

Mr James Davis

Mr James Davis

Past President of the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society

A game-changer in my practice. The splint's design prioritizes both comfort and functionality, enabling controlled, progressive recovery.

As a foot and ankle specialist, I am always on the lookout for innovative tools that can improve patient outcomes. The Thetis Medical Achilles Repair Splint has proven to be a game-changer in my practice. It is truly unique, being the only splint of its kind on the market, and I have used it with great success in the rehabilitation of my patients following Achilles tendon ruptures. The splint's design prioritizes both comfort and functionality, enabling controlled, progressive recovery. My patients consistently report reduced discomfort and better sleep as they really appreciate the accelerated removal of immobilisation at night time. The adjustable features allow for a customized fit, which is essential for addressing the specific anatomical shape of each individual patients leg. I have found the Thetis splint particularly effective in bridging the gap between immobilization and active recovery. It provides the necessary support to allow early removal of immobilisation at night, helping to reduce complications of uncontrolled movement and accelerate healing. Its durability and ease of use also make it a practical choice for both patients and clinicians. I highly recommend the Thetis Medical Achilles Repair Splint to colleagues and patients alike. It has become an indispensable part of my treatment protocol, and I am confident it will continue to set a new standard in Achilles tendon rehabilitation.

Dr Robbie Ray

Dr Robbie Ray

Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Patients sometimes find sleeping in a boot uncomfortable, and having an alternative, more lightweight option is well received.

I have been recommending the Achilles rupture splint to my patients for over a year. The feedback has been excellent. Patients sometimes find sleeping in a boot uncomfortable, and having an alternative, more lightweight option is well received. My patients have also used it to protect the foot and enable some time outside of the boot. I think it is an excellent piece of equipment that can make recovery from a difficult condition more user-friendly.

Professor Matthew Welck

Professor Matthew Welck

Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Worth every penny as it stops the misery of trying to get good nights sleep in an uncomfortable boot!

I've been recommending the Thetis night time splint for all my ruptured Achilles patients for two years now. It is worth every penny as it stops the misery of trying to get good nights sleep in an uncomfortable boot !

Mr Ian Gill

Mr Ian Gill

Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Lightweight and effective, it provides relief during sleep and protects the foot outside the boot.

Thetis night-time splint are excellent tools for enhancing recovery and patient comfort. My patients have had a very positive experience. Lightweight and effective, it provide relief during sleep and protect the foot outside the boot. Highly recommended to improve compliance and recovery outcomes.

Mr Sohail Yousaf

Mr Sohail Yousaf

Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Makes complete sense to use something like this and I highly recommend this product. Comfort and usability all round.

I came across this device, not too long ago and feel it has really helped my patients recover from Achilles tendon ruptures. Makes complete sense to use something like this and I highly recommend this product. Comfort and usability all round.

Mr Andy Roche

Mr Andy Roche

Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Technical overview

Device type
Night splint / orthosis (Achilles rupture)
Regulatory
Class I · CE / UKCA · EUDAMED · EC-REP · UDI — see Regulatory & quality above
Manufacture
Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Thetis Medical Ltd (UK)

Sizing

Location Small Large
EU < 42 ≥ 42
UK < 8 ≥ 8
US Men < 9 ≥ 9
US Women < 10.5 ≥ 10.5

Ordering & SKUs

Four sellable variants (Small / Large × Left / Right). Contact us for territorial pricing, MOQ, and pack sizes.

ProductSKUGTIN / EAN
Achilles Tendon Rupture Splint Right Large TM-ATRNS-LR B09N5MVY1Q
Achilles Tendon Rupture Splint Left Large TM-ATRNS-LL B09N5HBBKQ
Achilles Tendon Rupture Splint Right Small TM-ATRNS-SR B09N58H79F
Achilles Tendon Rupture Splint Left Small TM-ATRNS-SL B09N5KH4F3

For initial stock, we suggest ordering roughly 2 large splints for every 1 small — Achilles rupture is more common in men, who typically need the large size. Adjust for your customer mix and left/right balance.

Intellectual property

Thetis Medical owns a growing patent and design portfolio covering the Achilles rupture night splint - relevant for distribution, white-label, and in-region manufacturing under licence. UK and US design protection is in place; US and European utility patents are in late-stage examination.

Portfolio at a glance

  • UK registered designs

    3 registrations — granted 2023

  • US design patents

    3 patents — granted 2025

  • US utility patent

    Application filed 2024 · examination ongoing

  • European patent (EP)

    Pan-European utility application filed 2024 · examination ongoing

Regulatory & quality

Key registration and documentation points for distributor due diligence. Full technical file available to qualified partners on request.

  • Class I medical device · CE / UKCA marked under EU MDR
  • EUDAMED registered
  • EU Authorised Representative (EC-REP) appointed
  • UDI assigned (GS1) — traceable per unit
  • Declaration of Conformity, IFU, and labelling artwork on request
  • Medical-grade materials; biocompatible patient-contact components
  • Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom
  • MHRA-registered manufacturer (UK responsible person)
  • Post-market surveillance and vigilance processes in place

Declaration of Conformity, technical documentation, risk management summary, and quality agreements are shared with qualified distribution partners on request (NDA if required).

Partnership models

  • National distribution

    Exclusive or non-exclusive import and resale in your territory. We support marketing, training, and patient materials.

    Partnership enquiry
  • License / white label

    License Thetis IP to manufacture locally (or co-brand) for foot & ankle or trauma portfolios — reduces unit cost and can lift margin above import-only distribution.

    Partnership enquiry

Current sales channels

We sell direct-to-consumer online (UK, US, and other regions) and through named distribution partners. National distribution is open for Germany, France, Spain, Poland, the Nordics, and Italy.

  • SwiftBrace / Ortho Active

    Canada

  • Ortho Direct

    Portugal

  • Club Warehouse

    Australia

UK and Ireland: mix of NHS hospital supply, clinician wholesale, and direct patient orders. We also work with hospital trusts and foot & ankle centres.

Territories

Exclusive distribution available

  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Nordics (SE, DK, FI, NO)
  • Italy

See current sales channels above. No national distributor yet in DE / FR / IT.

What we provide partners

  • IFU, brochures, patient flier, and clinician leave-behinds (downloads below)
  • Quality improvement and patient education PDFs
  • Regulatory documentation pack (on request under NDA if required)
  • Training on fitting, sizing, and pathway positioning
  • Co-marketing for launch in your territory
  • Reimbursement and insurance coding support where applicable (e.g. Germany)
  • Dedicated B2B contact and quarterly business reviews

Reimbursement & insurance codes

In markets where the splint is prescribed or claimed through statutory or private insurance, we help partners secure appropriate reimbursement. In Germany, we can support obtaining Hilfsmittel (aid) codes and payer-specific listing — including documentation for hospital, outpatient, and retail pharmacy channels. Similar pathways may be appropriate in other EU territories; ask us for advice on your market.

Standard distributor terms target ~50% gross margin at local RRP. Wholesale price lists, exclusivity, and logistics are shared after qualification.

Downloads

Full regulatory dossier (DoC, IFU, UDI data, labelling) available to qualified distribution partners on request.

More clinical resources →

Next steps

Meet us at OT World or book a call. We will send commercial terms before your internal review meeting.