Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in recently diagnosed type II diabetes: role of body mass index

Leptin promotes tendon stem/progenitor cell senescence through the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway

Dysregulated adipokine production is an influencing factor for the homeostatic imbalance of tendons. High levels of serum leptin may be a potential link between increasing adiposity and tendinopathy, while the detailed mechanistic explanation was not well-defined. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of leptin in the tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) and the molecular mechanism within, and determined the effect of high levels of leptin on tendon recovery. We demonstrated that leptin reduced the viability of isolated rat TSPCs in a dose-dependent way, accompanied with increased transdifferentiation and altered gene expression of a series of extracellular matrix (ECM) enzymatic modulators. Also, we found that leptin could dose-dependently promote TSPCs senescence, while exhibiting limited effect in apoptotic or autophagic induction. Mechanistic study evidenced that leptin treatment increased the AKT/mTOR signaling activity and elevated the expression of leptin receptor (LEPR) in TSPCs, without marked change in MAPK or STAT5 activation. Further, we confirmed that rapamycin treatment, but not AKT inhibition, effectively reduced the leptin-promoted TSPCs senescence. In a rat model with Achilles wounding, exposure to leptin profoundly delayed tendon healing, which was effectively rescued with rapamycin treatment. Our results suggested that leptin could cause intrinsic cellular deficits in TSPCs and impede tendon repair through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings evidenced for an important role of elevated leptin levels in the care of tendinopathy and tendon tears.

Ultrasonographic measurements of gastro-soleus fascia thickness in midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The Achilles tendon is one of the thickest, largest, and strongest tendons in the human body. Biomechanically, the AT represents the conjoint tendon of the triceps surae muscle, placed in series with the plantar fascia (PF) to ensure force transmission from the triceps surae toward the toes during walking, running, and jumping. Commonly encountered in the diagnostic evaluation of heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy (AT) refers to a combination of pathological changes affecting the tendon itself often resulting from excessive repetitive stress and overuse. Nevertheless, increasing evidence demonstrates that structural alterations due to overuse or abnormal patterns of skeletal muscle activity are not necessarily restricted to the muscles or tendons but can also affect the fascial tissue. At the same time, there has been recent discussion regarding the role of the fascial tissue as a potential contributor to the pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of several musculoskeletal disorders including tendinopathies. To the best of our knowledge, ultrasound (US) imaging studies on the fascial structures related to the triceps surae complex, as well as their possible correlation with Achillodynia have never been presented in the current literature.

METHODS

In the present study, a comparative US imaging evaluation of textural features of the suro-Achilleo-plantar complex was performed in 14 healthy controls and 14 symptomatic subjects complaining of midportion AT. The thickness of the Achilles tendon, paratenon, intermuscular fascia, and PF has been assessed with US. In addition, both groups underwent the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), a disease-specific questionnaire that measures the severity of symptoms of AT. Correlations between quantitative ultrasound measures and VISA-A scores were determined through Pearson or Spearman's rho correlations.

RESULTS

Our ultrasonographic findings revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in Achilles tendon and paratenon thicknesses between AT patients and controls. No significant differences were observed between groups in PF at the calcaneal insertion as all mean measures were within the expected range of a normal PF on US imaging. In contrast, in tendinopathic subjects, the deep intermuscular fascia between medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles is significantly (p<0.01) and considerably thickened compared to those of healthy subjects. Moderate correlations exist between tendon and paratenon thicknesses (r= 0.54, p= 0.04) and between MG-SOL fascia and tendon thicknesses (r= 0.58, p= 0.03). Regarding symptom severity and US morphological findings, the Spearman ρ test showed no correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that, in symptomatic subjects, US alterations are not restricted to paratenon and intratendinous areas, but also affect upstream structures along the myofascial chain, resulting in thickening of the fascia interposed between MG and SOL muscles. Moreover, positive correlations were found between MG-SOL fascia thickening and abnormalities in AT, paratenon, and symptom severity. Thus, US alterations in the fascial system should be interpreted within the clinical context of patients with AT as they may in turn represent important predictors of subsequent clinical outcomes and could help healthcare professionals and clinicians to refine non-operative treatment strategies and rehabilitation protocols for this disease.

Metabolic Syndrome and Tendon Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifaceted pathological condition characterized by the atypical accumulation of various metabolic components such as central obesity or excess weight, hyperlipidemia, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), hypertension, and insulin resistance. Recently, MS has been recognized as a notable contributor to heart and circulatory diseases. In addition, with increasing research, the impact of MS on tendon repair and disease has gradually emerged. Recent studies have investigated the relationship between tendon healing and diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and other metabolic disorders. However, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and various metabolic disorders often coexist and together constitute MS. At present, insulin resistance is considered the major pathological mechanism underlying MS, central obesity is regarded as the predominant factor responsible for it, and dyslipidemia and other metabolic diseases are known as secondary contributors to MS. This review aims to evaluate the current literature regarding the impact of various pathological conditions in MS on tendon recovery and illness, and to present a comprehensive overview of the effects of MS on tendon recovery and diseases, along with the accompanying molecular mechanisms.

Crural and Plantar Fasciae Changes in Chronic Charcot Diabetic Foot: A Cross-Sectional Ultrasound Imaging Study-An Evidence of Fascial Continuity

Crural fascia (CF) and plantar fascia (PF) are biomechanically crucial in the gait and in the proprioception, particularly in the propulsion phase of the foot during the gait cycle and in the dissipation of forces during weight-bearing activities. Recent studies have revealed an association between increases in PF thickness and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare by ultrasound (US) imaging the thickness of the CF and PF at different regions/levels in chronic Charcot diabetic foot patients (group 1) and in healthy volunteers (group 2). A cross-sectional study was performed using US imaging to measure the CF with Pirri et al.'s protocol and PF with a new protocol in a sample of 31 subjects (15 patients and 16 healthy participants). The findings for CF and PF revealed statistically significant differences in the poster region of CF (Post 1: group 1 vs. group 2: p = 0.03; Post 2: group 1 vs. group 2: p = 0.03) and in PF at two different levels (PF level 1: group 1 vs. group 2: p < 0.0001; PF level 2: group 1 vs. group 2: p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that chronic Charcot diabetic foot patients have CF and PF thicker compared to healthy volunteers. The US examination suggests that fascial thicknesses behavior in these patients points out altered fascial remodeling due to diabetes pathology and biomechanical changes.

Compromised neuromuscular function of walking in people with diabetes: a narrative review

AIM

This review summarizes recent studies that have investigated the neuromuscular dysfunction of walking in people with diabetes and its relationship to ulcer formation.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic search in the database (Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and PubMed) was performed for articles pertaining to diabetes and gait biomechanics.

RESULTS

The Achilles tendon is thicker and stiffer in those with diabetes. People with diabetes demonstrate changes in walking kinematics and kinetics, including slower self-selected gait speed, shorter stride length, longer stance phase duration, and decreased ankle, knee, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint range of motion. EMG is altered during walking and may reflect diabetes-induced changes in muscle synergies. Synergies are notable because they provide a more holistic pattern of muscle activations and can help develop better tools for characterizing disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes compromises neuromuscular coordination and function. The mechanisms contributing to ulcer formation are incompletely understood. Diabetes-related gait impairments may be a significant independent risk factor for the development of foot ulcers.

The Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with the Risk of Achilles Tendon Problems: A Nationwide Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with the risk of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) or Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), using data from a nationwide population-based cohort. We hypothesized that higher BMI and WC would be independently associated with the increased risk of AT or ATR. In addition, a higher WC may potentiate the association between BMI and the risk of Achilles tendon problems.

Methods

We used the National Health Insurance database that covers the entire South Korean population to follow up subjects who participated in the National Health Screening Program (NHSP) from January 2009 to December 2010. The NHSP data include subjects' BMI, WC, blood test results, blood pressure, and information about lifestyle. Among the subjects, those who were newly diagnosed as having AT or ATR before December 31, 2017, were selected. To examine the association of the variables with the risk of AT or ATR and determine whether the effect of higher BMI varied according to WC, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used.

Results

Among a total of 16,830,532 subjects, 125,814 and 31,424 developed AT and ATR, respectively. A higher BMI showed a greater association with the increased risk of ATR than AT (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.49 vs. 1.96). A higher WC was associated with the increased risk of AT (adjusted HR, 1.22), but not ATR. In a separate analysis, the association between BMI and the risk of AT was higher when subjects had higher WC as compared to those with lower WC, being most significant in individuals with both higher BMI and higher WC.

Conclusions

Higher BMI was more associated with the increased risk of ATR than AT. Moreover, a high central fat distribution played an independent and potentiating role in the development of AT. This implies the greater importance of a high central fat distribution contributing to the development of AT in obese people.

Effect of Diabetes on Tendon Structure and Function: Not Limited to Collagen Crosslinking

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with musculoskeletal complications-including tendon dysfunction and injury. Patients with DM show altered foot and ankle mechanics that have been attributed to tendon dysfunction as well as impaired recovery post-tendon injury. Despite the problem of DM-related tendon complications, treatment guidelines specific to this population of individuals are lacking. DM impairs tendon structure, function, and healing capacity in tendons throughout the body, but the Achilles tendon is of particular concern and most studied in the diabetic foot. At macroscopic levels, asymptomatic, diabetic Achilles tendons may show morphological abnormalities such as thickening, collagen disorganization, and/or calcific changes at the tendon enthesis. At smaller length scales, DM affects collagen sliding and discrete plasticity due to glycation of collagen. However, how these alterations translate to mechanical deficits observed at larger length scales is an area of continued investigation. In addition to dysfunction of the extracellular matrix, tendon cells such as tenocytes and tendon stem/progenitor cells show significant abnormalities in proliferation, apoptosis, and remodeling capacity in the presence of hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end-products, thus contributing to the disruption of tendon homeostasis and healing. Improving our understanding of the effects of DM on tendons-from molecular pathways to patients-will progress toward targeted therapies in this group at high risk of foot and ankle morbidity.

Diabetic foot ulcers: Classification, risk factors and management

Diabetic foot ulceration is a devastating complication of diabetes that is associated with infection, amputation, and death, and is affecting increasing numbers of patients with diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of foot ulcers is complex, and different factors play major roles in different stages. The refractory nature of foot ulcer is reflected in that even after healing there is still a high recurrence rate and amputation rate, which means that management and nursing plans need to be considered carefully. The importance of establishment of measures for prevention and management of DFU has been emphasized. Therefore, a validated and appropriate DFU classification matching the progression is necessary for clinical diagnosis and management. In the first part of this review, we list several commonly used classification systems and describe their application conditions, scope, strengths, and limitations; in the second part, we briefly introduce the common risk factors for DFU, such as neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, foot deformities, diabetes complications, and obesity. Focusing on the relationship between the risk factors and DFU progression may facilitate prevention and timely management; in the last part, we emphasize the importance of preventive education, characterize several of the most frequently used management approaches, including glycemic control, exercise, offloading, and infection control, and call for taking into account and weighing the quality of life during the formulation of treatment plans. Multidisciplinary intervention and management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) based on the effective and systematic combination of these three components will contribute to the prevention and treatment of DFUs, and improve their prognosis.

Presurgical Perspective and Postsurgical Evaluation of the Plantar Fascia

The plantar fascia is an important structure in the foot that acts as a major stabilizer of the longitudinal arch, along with the midfoot ligaments and intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. It is composed predominantly of longitudinally oriented collagen fibers that vary in thickness and are organized into bundles closely associated with the interstitial tissues of the foot. This composition enables the plantar fascia to withstand the weight-bearing forces concentrated on the foot while standing, jumping, walking, or running. This article discusses the normal anatomy and the various pathologies that affect the plantar fascia with an emphasis on presurgical and postoperative appearances on magnetic resonance and ultrasonography imaging.

Impact of plantar fasciitis on postural control and walking in young middle-aged adults

PURPOSE

To assess if plantar fasciitis has an impact on postural control and walking pattern from gait analysis across different experimental conditions.

METHODS

Thirty participants (n = 15 with plantar fasciitis) performed 5 different balance tasks on a force platform, and the center of pressure (COP) was computed for postural control analysis. Participants were also asked to walk at 3 different speeds on a gait analysis system to compute the spatial-temporal parameters. Clinical foot measurements (pain, mobility) were also collected through all participants.

RESULTS

Clinical foot measurements showed no significant difference between the two groups; except for pain palpation in plantar fasciitis group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups for COP area displacement sway (p < 0.01; d = 0.08) and velocity (p = 0.022; d = 0.04), where the fasciitis group reported poorer postural control than control mainly during more challenging balance tasks (semi-tandem, unipodal). Plantar fasciitis group reported a decrease of gait velocity (p < 0.01; d = 0.12), step length (p < 0.01; d = 0.16) and step width (p < 0.01; d = 0.18) when compared to the healthy group across walking speed tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with plantar fasciitis report poor postural control and changes in walking pattern across three speeds performance.

A high-fat diet has negative effects on tendon resident cells in an in vivo rat model

BACKGROUND

Tendinopathy is a major complication of diet-induced obesity. However, the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on tendon have not been well characterised. We aimed to determine: [1] the impact of a HFD on tendon properties and gene expression; and [2] whether dietary transition to a control diet (CD) could restore normal tendon health.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into three groups from weaning and fed either a: CD, HFD or HFD for 12 weeks and then CD thereafter (HF-CD). Biomechanical, histological and structural evaluation of the Achilles tendon was performed at 17 and 27 weeks of age. Tail tenocytes were isolated with growth rate and collagen production determined. Tenocytes and activated THP-1 cells were exposed to conditioned media (CM) of visceral adipose tissue explants, and gene expression was analysed.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the biomechanical, histological or structural tendon properties between groups. However, tenocyte growth and collagen production were increased in the HFD group at 27 weeks. There was lower SOX-9 expression in the HFD and HF-CD groups at 17 weeks and higher expression of collagen-Iα1 and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in the HFD group at 27 weeks. THP-1 cells exposed to adipose tissue CM from animals fed a HFD or HF-CD had lower expression of Il-10 and higher expression of Il-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

In this rodent model, a HFD negatively altered tendon cell characteristics. Dietary intervention restored some gene expression changes; however, adipose tissue secretions from the HF-CD group promoted an increased inflammatory state in macrophages. These changes may predispose tendon to injury and adverse events later in life.

Morphological and functional changes in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Changes in the skeletal muscle are common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These changes impair your motor skills.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to investigate changes in skeletal muscle in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

The search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until December 1, 2021. Observational studies that evaluated musculoskeletal changes in people with T2DM were included. The review was based on PRISMA recommendations. The primary parameters analyzed were muscle strength, muscle mass, muscle power, and muscle endurance.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies were included, with a total of 26,042 participants. The results revealed that T2DM is associated with a reduction in handgrip [-2.64 (CI 95% = -3.33 to -1.95, Z = -7.50, p < .0001], and knee extension muscle strength [-0.56 (CI 95% = -0.76 to -0.36, Z = -5.64, p < .0001)], a higher percentage of type II fibers [11.74 (CI 95% = 6.24 to 17.25, Z = 4.18, p < .0001)], and a lower percentage of type I fibers [-15.69 (CI 95% = -18.22 to -13.16, Z = -12.16, p < .0001], in addition to a greater thickness of the calcaneus tendon (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with T2DM present skeletal muscle impairments, mainly reduced muscle strength, mass, and endurance; increase in the thickness of the calcaneus tendon, and alteration in the proportion of type I and II fibers, even in the initial stage of the disease.

Irregularity in Plantar Fascia, Muscle Edema and Tendon Thickness in Patients with High-Risk for Diabetic Foot

AIM

To investigate the alterations in the plantar fascia (PF), intrinsic muscles, and tendons in the feet of patients at high risk for developing diabetic foot.

METHODS

The healthy feet of 22 patients with type 2 diabetes, who had developed diabetic foot ulcers on a single foot without any pathology on the contralateral extremity, and those of 22 healthy volunteers were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. The volume of the Achilles tendon (AT), the surface area of the PF, the thickness of AT, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior, and peroneus longus tendons, irregularity in the PF, and edema of intrinsic foot muscles were examined.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (86%) had irregularity in the PF, whereas none of the healthy controls had any (p<0.001). Intrinsic muscle edema was more common in the group with diabetes (p=0.006). The volume of AT and the surface area of PF were decreased in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (p<0.05). Patients with diabetes mellitus but without PAD had a larger surface area of PF than that of controls (p<0.05). There were no differences in the volume of AT, the surface area of the PF, and other tendon thickness between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Irregularity in the PF and muscle edema may indicate a high risk for the diabetic foot. The presence of PAD may lead to regression in the structure of AT and PF.

High-fat diet, adipokines and low-grade inflammation are associated with disrupted tendon healing: a systematic review of preclinical studies

BACKGROUND

The aetiopathogenesis of tendinopathy is uncertain, but inflammation may play a role in the early phase of tendinopathy and in tendon healing response. We investigated the most up-to-date evidence about the association between obesity, high-fat diet and tendinopathy, focusing on the role of adipokines, inflammatory pathways and molecular changes.

SOURCES OF DATA

A systematic review was performed searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases following the PRISMA guidelines. We included studies of any level of evidence published in peer-reviewed journals. The risk of bias (SIRCLE) was assessed, as was the methodological quality (CAMARADES) of the included studies. We excluded all the articles with a high risk of bias and/or low quality after the assessment. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 14 studies of medium or high quality.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

A high-fat diet negatively affects tendon quality, increasing the risk of rupture and tendinopathy.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Controversial evidence exists on both tendon fat infiltration secondary to a dysregulation of the lipid metabolism and of a molecular effect of inflammatory pathways.

GROWING POINTS

The secretion of adipokines is strictly related to fat ingestion and body composition and can potentially act on tendon physiology and injury.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Adipokines, low-grade inflammation and fat intake play a role in disrupting tendon healing and setting up tendinopathy. Further high-quality research is needed to better define the molecular pathways involved.

Qualitative study of musculoskeletal tissues and their radiographic correlates in diabetic neuropathic foot deformity

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) with peripheral neuropathy (PN) results in foot deformity increasing ulceration, joint dislocation, and amputation risk. This study describes the frequency and severity of foot and ankle musculoskeletal abnormalities and their relationship to radiographic alignment in people with DMPN with (DMPN + MCD) and without (DMPN - MCD) medial column deformity (MCD) compared to age- and body mass index-matched controls without DMPN or MDC.

METHODS

DMPN + MCD (n = 11), DMPN - MCD (n = 12), and controls (n = 12) were studied. A radiologist scored foot and ankle magnetic resonance images (MRI) for abnormalities in tendons/fascia, ligaments, muscles, joints, and bones. Higher scores represent greater abnormalities. Foot alignment was measured from lateral weightbearing radiographs. Frequency of abnormalities between groups and relationships between abnormalities and foot alignment in the combined group (n = 35) were examined.

RESULTS

DMPN + MCD had higher total muscle, joint, and bone scores compared to controls and higher total joint scores than DMPN - MCD. DMPN - MCD had higher total muscle scores than controls. DMPN + MCD higher bone and joint scores were driven by increased frequency of osteophytes, cartilage damage, focal bone marrow edema, new bone formation, and subchondral cysts. Significant correlations included cuboid height and total bone and joint scores (ρ = -0.37 and ρ = -0.40, respectively) and talar declination angle and total joint score (ρ = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

High contrast resolution MRI allowed identification of structural lesions of the foot affecting the cartilage surfaces, bone marrow, and soft tissue supports in patients with DMPN + MCD. As expected, the presence of bone and joint lesions on MRI were strongly associated with DMPN + MCD; surprisingly, although the sample is small, lesions of the soft tissue supports were not associated with MCD. While MRI is not done routinely to investigate MCD, opportunistic use of the information from MRI done for the common clinical indications may allow early identification of the structural lesions associated with MCD and facilitate early, aggressive therapy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Plantar soft tissues and Achilles tendon thickness and stiffness in people with diabetes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is associated with changes in soft tissue structure and function. However, the directionality of this change and the extent to which either tissue thickness or stiffness contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes-related foot ulcerations is unclear. Hence, this systematic review aims to summarise the existing evidence for soft tissue structural differences in the feet of people with and without diabetes.

METHODS

In compliance with MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines, AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest Health & Medical Collection, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Database, and Web of Science electronic databases were systematically searched for studies published from database inception until 1st October 2020 [Prospero CRD42020166614]. Reference lists of included studies were further screened. Methodological quality was appraised using a modified critical appraisal tool for quantitative studies developed by McMaster University.

RESULTS

A total of 35 non-randomised observational studies were suitable for inclusion. Within these, 20 studies evaluated plantar tissue thickness, 19 studies evaluated plantar tissue stiffness, 9 studies evaluated Achilles tendon thickness and 5 studies evaluated Achilles tendon stiffness outcomes. No significant differences in plantar tissue thickness were found between people with and without diabetes in 55% of studies (11/20), while significantly increased plantar tissue stiffness was found in people with diabetes in 47% of studies (9/19). Significantly increased Achilles tendon thickness was found in people with diabetes in 44% of studies (4/9), while no significant differences in Achilles tendon stiffness were found between people with and without diabetes in 60% of studies (3/5).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review found some evidence of soft tissue structural differences between people with and without diabetes. However, uncertainty remains whether these differences independently contribute to diabetes-related foot ulcerations. The heterogeneity of methodological approaches made it difficult to compare across studies and methodological quality was generally inadequate. High-quality studies using standardised and validated assessment techniques in well-defined populations are required to determine more fully the role of structural tissue properties in the pathogenesis of diabetes-related foot ulcerations.

On the morphological relations of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia via the calcaneus: a cadaveric study

Current treatments of plantar fasciitis are based on the premise that the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) are mechanically directly linked, which is an area of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological relationship between the AT and PF. Nineteen cadaveric feet were x-ray imaged, serially sectioned and plastinated for digital image analyses. Measurements of the AT and PF thicknesses and cross-sectional areas (CSA) were performed at their calcaneal insertion. The fiber continuity was histologically assessed in representative subsamples. Strong correlations exist between the CSA of the AT and PF at calcaneal insertion and the CSA of PF's insertional length (r = 0.80), and between the CSAs of AT's and PF's insertional lengths. Further correlations were observed between AT and PF thicknesses (r = 0.62). This close morphological relationship could, however, not be confirmed through x-ray nor complete fiber continuity in histology. This study provides evidence for a morphometric relationship between the AT and PF, which suggests the presence of a functional relationship between these two structures following the biological key idea that the structure determines the function. The observed morphological correlations substantiate the existing mechanical link between the AT and PF via the posterior calcaneus and might explain why calf stretches are a successful treatment option for plantar heel pain.

Reliability in ultrasound measurements of plantar aponeurosis thickness

PURPOSE

Given the increasing research interest in ultrasound plantar aponeurosis (PA) thickness measurements, this study aimed to analyze the inter and intra-rater reliability of independent sonograms and to identify the error related to the image analysis procedure.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy men participated in this study. Imaging of PA consisted of two independent sonograms per subject. Two raters (R1 and R2) evaluated each sonogram twice using standardized steps. Precision of the image analysis procedure was analyzed using the Bland and Altman plot and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Agreement estimates and ICC were used to assess absolute and relative inter and intra-rater reliability.

RESULTS

Reliability of PA thickness was found to depend strongly on the number of images acquired per subject. Intra-rater agreement for single measurements were 0.696 (R1) and 0.495 (R2), whereas average measurements yielded values of 0.821 (R1) and 0.662 (R2), respectively. Precision within a sonogram varied from ICC values of 0.873 to 0.960 (intra-rater) and 0.670 to 0.822 (inter-rater).

CONCLUSION

Most part of the error in PA thickness measurements seems to be related to the sonogram acquisition process and not to the visual inspection of the image. To minimize error, average values of a minimum of two images per subject should be used. The moderate agreement between raters found in this study ratifies the need of all measurements being made by the same rater or group of raters. If a single rater evaluates all subjects, performing multiple measurements over one image does not seem to affect ICC as much as acquiring multiple images.

Achilles tendon degeneration on ultrasound in type 2 diabetic patients

Aim of study

The main goal of this study was to compare the various degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon of type 2 diabetic patients to that of controls. The influence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, duration of diabetes mellitus, age, and body mass index on the occurrence of degenerative changes was also evaluated.

Materials and methods

The Achilles tendons of both limbs were evaluated with high-resolution ultrasound in 80 type 2 diabetics and 80 age/sex-matched controls. A 10 g Semmes Weinstein monofilament was used to examine for peripheral neuropathy. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical assessment of glycemic control (fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin) were also done.

Results

The mean age of type 2 diabetic subjects and healthy controls was 60.9 ± 10.3 years (range 41–79 years) and 61.0 ± 10.3 years (range 40–79 years), respectively (p = 0.963). The median duration of diabetes mellitus was 42.0 months (range = 1–456 months). The prevalence of degenerative changes (calcifications, disorganized fibers and/or hypoechoic foci) was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic subjects than controls in both the right (55.0% vs. 18.8%, p <0.001) and left (52.5% vs. 18.8%, p <0.001) feet.

Conclusion

The Achilles tendons of type 2 diabetic subjects have significantly more degenerative changes than their age/sex-matched controls in our locality. Disorganized Achilles tendon fibers occur significantly more often among male than female type 2 diabetic subjects. Disorganization of Achilles tendon fibers and hypoechoic foci are significantly more prevalent in type 2 diabetic subjects with peripheral neuropathy than those without peripheral neuropathy. Body mass index did not affect the occurrence of degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon of participants.

Nesfatin-1 Promotes the Osteogenic Differentiation of Tendon-Derived Stem Cells and the Pathogenesis of Heterotopic Ossification in Rat Tendons via the mTOR Pathway

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological condition involved in tendinopathy. Adipokines are known to play a key role in HO of tendinopathy. Nesfatin-1, an 82-amino acid adipokine is closely reportedly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), which, in turn, is closely related to tendinopathy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of nesfatin-1 on the osteogenic differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) and the pathogenesis of tendinopathy in rats. In vitro, TDSCs were incubated in osteogenic induction medium for 14 days with different nesfatin-1 concentration. In vivo, Sprague Dawley rats underwent Achilles tenotomy to evaluate the effect of nesfatin-1 on tendinopathy. Our results showed that the expression of nesfatin-1 expression in tendinopathy patients was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects. Nesfatin-1 affected the cytoskeleton and reduced the migration ability of TDSCs in vitro. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 inhibited the expression of Scx, Mkx, and Tnmd and promoted the expression of osteogenic genes, such as COL1a1, ALP, and RUNX2; these results suggested that nesfatin-1 inhibits cell migration, adversely impacts tendon phenotype, promotes osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs and the pathogenesis of HO in rat tendons. Moreover, we observed that nesfatin-1 suppressed autophagy and activated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway both in vitro and in vivo. The suppression of the mTOR pathway alleviated nesfatin-1-induced HO development in rat tendons. Thus, nesfatin-1 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of TDSC and the pathogenesis of HO in rat tendons via the mTOR pathway; these findings highlight a new potential therapeutic target for tendinopathy.

Comparison between customised foot orthoses and insole combined with the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in plantar fasciitis, medium-term follow-up results: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical results of custom-made foot orthoses versus placebo flat cushioning insoles combined with an extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain and foot functionality in patients with plantar fasciitis.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A randomised controlled clinical trial with follow-up at six months. Faculty of Podiatry and Centre Clinical private of Physiotherapy, Seville, Spain.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Patients with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to either group A (n = 42), which received custom-made foot orthoses, or group B (n = 41), which received placebo insoles. All the participants received active extracorporeal shock wave therapy including stretching exercises. Recruitment period was from Mach 2019 to July 2020.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome was foot pain, measured by visual analogue scale and the secondary outcome measures were recorded by Roles and Maudsley scores respectively, at the beginning and at one week, one month and six months.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were assessed for eligibility. Eighty-three patients were recruited and randomised. This study showed significant differences between both groups according to the visual analogue scale. In control group, the difference was at baseline (P 0.01) and, in the experimental group was at the one- and six-month follow-up (P 0.001). The mean (SD) visual analogue scale at baseline were Control group 6.31 (1.69) and Experimental group 5.27 (1.64); and at six months were 7.52 (3.40) and 3.29 (4.26), respectively. The custom-made foot orthosis was perceived as 'good' (85%) and 'excellent' (97.5%) at medium-long term.

CONCLUSION

Wearing a custom-made foot orthosis leads to a improvement in patients with plantar fasciitis; it reduced foot pain and improved foot functionality.

Sonoelastographic Evaluation of the Achilles Tendon in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic foot is one of the dreaded complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Alterations of the Achilles tendon (AT) may contribute to development of foot ulcers in diabetic patients. We evaluated the sonoelastographic abnormalities of the AT in 61 healthy volunteers and 81 patients with type 2 DM. The patients were further divided into those with and without peripheral neuropathy (PN). The AT thickness was measured in the proximal, middle and distal portions. Alterations in echo pattern were noted. The patients were found to have thicker tendons than the healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). Alterations in the echo pattern of the AT were more common in patients compared with healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). The shear wave velocity in the distal one-third of the AT was measured using shear wave elasticity imaging. Mean shear wave velocity values obtained were lower in patients compared with healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the sonoelastographic findings of the AT in patients with and without PN. We conclude that there is softening, thickening and alterations in echo pattern of the AT in the form of hypoechogenicity, loss of fibrillar pattern and calcification at insertion in patients with type 2 DM, and these alterations could occur independent of onset of PN.

Obesity Increases the Risk of Tendinopathy, Tendon Tear and Rupture, and Postoperative Complications: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and mechanical demands play a role in the development of tendon conditions and the dysregulation of tendon healing. In patients with obesity, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a high mechanical demand promote chronic low-grade inflammation. Although controversial results have been reported, we aimed to summarize current evidence while highlighting the role of obesity in tendinopathy.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Do patients with obesity have a greater risk of tendinopathy, stratified by upper and lower extremity sites, than patients who do not have obesity? (2) Is obesity associated with a higher risk of upper and lower extremity tendon tear and ruptures? (3) Is obesity associated with an increased risk of complications after upper and lower extremity tendon surgery?

METHODS

We performed a systematic review by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, combining the term "tendon" with common terms for tendinopathy and rupture such as "tendon injury OR tendinopathy OR tendon rupture" and "obese" OR "obesity." We included studies with any level of evidence published from January 2000 to July 10, 2019 in peer-reviewed journals reporting clinical results. After we removed the duplicates, there were 365 records. Two independent authors screened these records and excluded 320 based on abstract and title screening. Of the remaining 45 studies, 23 were excluded because the topic did not address the research questions (n = 19), the article was outdated (n = 3), or because there was a serious risk of bias (n = 1). Finally, we included 22 studies with 49,914 participants (5984 with obesity), 31,100 (1884 with obesity) of whom had upper-extremity tendinopathy, while 18,814 (4010 with obesity) had lower-extremity tendinopathy. Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m according to the WHO's criteria. Data were extracted and analyzed critically. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were applied, and the risk of bias (ROBINS tool) of the studies was assessed, as was the methodological quality (Coleman score). The assessment was performed independently by two authors. Inter-rater agreement for the assessments of the risk of bias and methodological quality were 89% and 94%, respectively. All studies were observational, and most were retrospective case-control studies. Any discrepancy was discussed and solved by consensus. The articles had a moderate risk of bias (eight articles) or a low risk of bias (fourteen articles). We excluded one article because of a serious risk of bias. The mean (range) Coleman score was 53.5 (42-74).

RESULTS

Obesity was associated with a greater risk of upper extremity tendinopathy (rotator cuff: odds ratio 1.25 [95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.40]; p < 0.001; medial epicondylitis: OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.0 to 3.7]; p < 0.05) and lower-extremity tendinopathy (Achilles tendon: OR 3.81 [95% CI 2.57 to 5.63]; OR 3.77 [95% CI 2.24 to 6.34]; OR 6.56 [95% CI 3.18 to 13.55], for obesity Classes I, II and III, respectively; patellar tendon: OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.90]; p = 0.001; plantar fascia: OR 2.97 [95% CI 1.64 to 5.37]; p = 0.004). Obesity was associated with a greater risk of upper extremity tendon tear (rotator cuff: OR 2.35 [95% CI 1.62 to 3.40]; p < 0.001) and rupture leading to tendon surgery (rotator cuff in men: OR 3.13 [95% CI 1.29 to 7.61]; p < 0.001 and women: OR 3.51 [95% CI 1.80 to 6.85]; p < 0.001). However, no association was found between BMI and lower extremity rupture (Achilles mean BMI: 27.77 kg/m [95% CI 26.94 to 28.49] versus control: 26.66 kg/m [95% CI 26.06 to 27.27]; p = 0.047). Upper extremity complications (n = 359) after tendon repair surgery had a weighted incidence of 13.27% and 8.13% for rotator cuff surgery in patients with and without obesity, respectively. In the lower extremity (n = 21,152), the weighted incidence for Achilles tendon surgery was 11.28% and 8.6% in patients with and without obesity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is associated with a higher risk of tendinopathy, tendon tear and rupture, and complications after tendon surgery than non-obesity. However, the high heterogeneity and observational nature of the studies highlight the need to be cautious about the results of our study. We encourage researchers to perform clinical and preclinical studies to explore pathways related to the metabolic state of this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic study.

Plantar Fasciitis in Diabetic Foot Patients: Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common degenerative disorder and a frequent cause of heel pain, mostly affecting patients in their fourth and fifth decades. Diabetic patients are particularly at risk due to the presence of common risks and co-morbidities such as obesity or a sedentary lifestyle. The diagnosis of PF is mainly clinical. Imaging is not recommended for the initial approach. The initial management is conservative and should include physiotherapy, off-loading, stretching exercises, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucocorticoid injections or surgery is an option at a later stage in recalcitrant cases. The overall management of PF does not differ between patients with diabetic foot problems and non-diabetic patients, although the details can differ. This narrative review summarizes the state of the art in terms of the risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, assessment, and management of PF in diabetic patients.

Prevalence of abnormal findings in 230 knees of asymptomatic adults using 3.0 T MRI

OBJECTIVE

To identify abnormalities in asymptomatic sedentary individuals using 3.0 Tesla high-resolution MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cohort comprised of 230 knees of 115 uninjured sedentary adults (51 males, 64 females; median age: 44 years). All participants had bilateral knee 3.0 T MRIs. Two senior musculoskeletal radiologists graded all intraarticular knee structures using validated scoring systems. Participants completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaires at the time of the MRI scan.

RESULTS

MRI showed abnormalities in the majority (97%) of knees. Thirty percent knees had meniscal tears: horizontal (23%), complex (3%), vertical (2%), radial (2%) and bucket handle (1%). Cartilage and bone marrow abnormalities were prevalent at the patellofemoral joint (57% knees and 48% knees, respectively). Moderate and severe cartilage lesions were common, in 19% and 31% knees, respectively, while moderate and severe bone marrow oedema in 19% and 31% knees, respectively. Moderate-intensity lesion in tendons was found in 21% knees and high-grade tendonitis in 6% knees-the patellar (11% and 2%, respectively) and quadriceps (7% and 2%, respectively) tendons being most affected. Three percent partial ligamentous ruptures were found, especially of the anterior cruciate ligament (2%).

CONCLUSION

Nearly all knees of asymptomatic adults showed abnormalities in at least one knee structure on MRI. Meniscal tears, cartilage and bone marrow lesions of the patellofemoral joint were the most common pathological findings. Bucket handle and complex meniscal tears were reported for the first time in asymptomatic knees.

Plantar fasciitis in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A contemporary cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Hyperglycemia leads to increase advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Subsequently, formation of AGEs can cause increased plantar fascial thickness (PFT), an imaging feature of plantar fasciitis (PF). This study evaluates the prevalence of PF in a contemporary cohort of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients managed according to current standards, compared to patients without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a five-year prevalence study in a large tertiary health system (approximately 535,000 patients/visits/year) with a single electronic medical record (EMR), applying a cohort discovery tool and database screen (Data Direct) with use of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. All patients with a PF diagnosis between 01/01/2011 and 01/01/2016 were included and divided into 3 groups: type 1 diabetes (7148 patients), type 2 diabetes (61,632 patients), and no diabetes (653,659 patients). Prevalence rates were calculated, accounting for other risk factors including BMI and gender using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of PF in the entire study population was 0.85%. Prevalence rates were higher in patients with diabetes, particularly with type 2 diabetes (42% and 64% higher compared with patients with type 1 diabetes and no diabetes respectively). Individually, PF rates were 0.92% in type 1 diabetes and 1.31% in type 2 diabetes compared with 0.80% in patients with no diabetes (Type 1 vs. no diabetes p = 0.26; Type 2 vs. no diabetes p ≪ 0.0001; Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes p = 0.0054). Females in all groups had higher prevalence of PF than males (p ≪ 0.0001 for all), with those patients with diabetes having higher prevalence rates than those without diabetes. Patients with higher BMI levels (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were also more likely to have PF in all categories except males with type 1 diabetes (p = 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large contemporary population managed in a tertiary health system, prevalence rates of PF were substantially higher in patients with diabetes compared with no diabetes, particularly in type 2 diabetes. Female gender and higher BMI were also associated with higher prevalence of PF in this cohort.

Vertical displacement of the centre of mass during walking in people with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy does not explain their higher metabolic cost of walking

People with diabetes display biomechanical gait alterations compared to controls and have a higher metabolic cost of walking (CoW), but it remains unknown whether differences in the vertical displacement of the body centre of mass (CoM) may play a role in this higher CoW. The aim of this study was to investigate vertical CoM displacement (and step length as a potential underpinning factor) as an explanatory factor in the previously observed increased CoW with diabetes. Thirty-one non-diabetic controls (Ctrl); 22 diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy (DM) and 14 patients with moderate/severe Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), underwent gait analysis using a motion analysis system and force plates while walking at a range of matched speeds between 0.6 and 1.6 m/s. Vertical displacement of the CoM was measured over the gait cycle, and was not different in either diabetes patients with or without diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared to controls across the range of matched walking speeds examined (at 1 m/s: Ctrl: 5.59 (SD: 1.6), DM: 5.41 (1.63), DPN: 4.91 (1.66) cm; p > 0.05). The DPN group displayed significantly shorter steps (at 1 m/s: Ctrl: 69, DM: 67, DPN: 64 cm; p > 0.05) and higher cadence (at 1 m/s: Ctrl: 117 (SD1.12), DM: 119 (1.08), DPN: 122 (1.25) steps per minute; p > 0.05) across all walking speeds compared to controls. The vertical CoM displacement is therefore unlikely to be a factor in itself that contributes towards the higher CoW observed recently in people with diabetic neuropathy. The higher CoW in patients with diabetes may not be explained by the CoM displacement, but rather may be more related to shorter step lengths, increased cadence and the associated increased internal work and higher muscle forces developed by walking with more flexed joints.

Effect of Surgical Weight Loss on Plantar Fasciitis and Health-Care Use

BACKGROUND:

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Obesity is recognized as a major factor in PF development, possibly due to increased mechanical loading of the foot due to excess weight. The benefit of bariatric surgery is documented for other comorbidities but not for PF.

METHODS:

A retrospective medical record review was performed for patients with PF identified from a prospectively maintained database of the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Age, sex, surgery, excess weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and health-care use related to PF treatment were abstracted. Comparative analyses were stratified by surgery type.

RESULTS:

Two hundred twenty-eight of 10,305 patients (2.2%) had a documented diagnosis of PF, of whom 163 underwent bariatric surgery and were included in the analysis. Eighty-five percent of patients were women, mean ± SD age was 52.2 ± 9.9 years, and mean ± SD preintervention BMI was 45 ± 7.7. Postoperatively, mean ± SD BMI and excess weight loss were 34.8 ± 7.8 and 51.0% ± 20.4%, respectively. One hundred forty-six patients (90%) achieved resolution of PF and related symptoms. The mean ± SD number of treatment modalities used for PF per patient preoperatively was 1.9 ± 1.0 ( P = .25). After surgery, the mean ± SD number of treatment modalities used per patient was reduced to 0.3 ± 0.1 ( P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

We present new evidence suggesting that reductions in BMI after bariatric surgery may be associated with decreasing the number of visits for PF and may contribute to symptomatic improvement.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Lower Extremity Entheseal Sites in Diabetic Patients Using Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System Score

Objective

The prevalence of musculoskeletal complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) increases with the duration of disease and with poor glycemic control. Our aim was to evaluate lower extremity musculoskeletal complications in patients with DM using the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System, and to reveal the relationship between clinical and sono-graphic findings.

Materials and methods

A total of 67 patients (25 men, 42 women) with DM were included in the study. All the diabetic patients were selected if they did not have any symptom of muscu-loskeletal system in the lower extremities. They were divided into four groups. Ultrasonographic assessment was performed according to the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System with an Esaote MyLab 5 device equipped with a 5-13 MHz linear transducer. Correlation between diabetes duration and lower extremity enthesopathy scores were evaluated.

Results

There was a significant correlation between duration of DM and total Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System scores (p < 0.001). In addition, duration of DM was significantly correlated with enthesophyte scores and erosion scores (both p < 0.001). There was a significant difference among Groups 1 -4 for the mean enthesophyte score and mean erosion score (both, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is an effective, inexpensive, and useful tool without radiation for evaluating diabetic patients for the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal complications.

Altered Achilles tendon function during walking in people with diabetic neuropathy: implications for metabolic energy saving

The Achilles tendon (AT) has the capacity to store and release elastic energy during walking, contributing to metabolic energy savings. In diabetes patients, it is hypothesized that a stiffer Achilles tendon may reduce the capacity for energy saving through this mechanism, thereby contributing to an increased metabolic cost of walking (CoW). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) on the Achilles tendon and plantarflexor muscle-tendon unit behavior during walking. Twenty-three nondiabetic controls (Ctrl); 20 diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy (DM), and 13 patients with moderate/severe DPN underwent gait analysis using a motion analysis system, force plates, and ultrasound measurements of the gastrocnemius muscle, using a muscle model to determine Achilles tendon and muscle-tendon length changes. During walking, the DM and particularly the DPN group displayed significantly less Achilles tendon elongation (Ctrl: 1.81; DM: 1.66; and DPN: 1.54 cm), higher tendon stiffness (Ctrl: 210; DM: 231; and DPN: 240 N/mm), and higher tendon hysteresis (Ctrl: 18; DM: 21; and DPN: 24%) compared with controls. The muscle fascicles of the gastrocnemius underwent very small length changes in all groups during walking (~0.43 cm), with the smallest length changes in the DPN group. Achilles tendon forces were significantly lower in the diabetes groups compared with controls (Ctrl: 2666; DM: 2609; and DPN: 2150 N). The results strongly point toward the reduced energy saving capacity of the Achilles tendon during walking in diabetes patients as an important factor contributing to the increased metabolic CoW in these patients. NEW & NOTEWORTHY From measurements taken during walking we observed that the Achilles tendon in people with diabetes and particularly people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was stiffer, was less elongated, and was subject to lower forces compared with controls without diabetes. These altered properties of the Achilles tendon in people with diabetes reduce the tendon's energy saving capacity and contribute toward the higher metabolic energy cost of walking in these patients.

Plantar fascia enthesopathy is highly prevalent in diabetic patients without peripheral neuropathy and correlates with retinopathy and impaired kidney function

BACKGROUND

Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of plantar fascia (PF) enthesopathy in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without distal peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

METHODS

We recruited 50 T2DM patients without DPN and 50 healthy controls. DPN was excluded using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). All patients underwent a bilateral sonographicevaluation of the enthesealportion of the PF.

RESULTS

PF thickness was significantly higher in T2DM patients (p<0.0001). T2DM patients presented a higher prevalence of entheseal thickening (p = 0.002), enthesophyte (p = 0.02) and cortical irregularity (p = 0.02). The overall sum of abnormalities was higher in T2DM patients (p<0.0001), as was the percentage of bilateral involvement (p = 0.005). In a logistic regression analysis, retinopathy predicted entheseal thickening (OR 3.5, p = 0.05) and enthesophytes (OR 5.13, p = 0.001); reduced eGFR predicted enthesophytes (OR 2.93, p = 0.04); body mass index (BMI) predicted cortical irregularity (OR 0.87, p = 0.05); mean glucose predicted enthesophyte (OR 1.01, p = 0.03); LDL cholesterol predicted cortical irregularity (OR 0.98, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that T2DM is associated with PF enthesopathyindependently of DPN.

High Prevalence of Achilles Tendon Enthesopathic Changes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Without Peripheral Neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Metabolic disorders are known to alter the mechanical properties of tendons. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic Achilles tendon enthesopathic changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

We recruited 43 patients with T2DM and 40 controls. Neuropathy was excluded with the Michigan Neuropathy Scoring Instrument. Bilateral ultrasonography of the Achilles tendon enthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Patients with T2DM had a higher prevalence of hypoechogenicity (26.7% versus 2.5%; P = .0001), entheseal thickening (24.4% versus 8.7%; P = .007), and enthesophytes (74.4% versus 57.5%; P = .02). No differences were found in the number of patients with erosions (1.2% versus 0%; P > .99), cortical irregularities (11.6% versus 3.7%; P = .09), bursitis (5.8% versus 3.7%; P = .72), or tears (2.3% versus 1.2%; P > .99). The mean ± SD sum of abnormalities was higher in patients with T2DM (1.5 ± 1.1 versus 0.7 ± 0.6; P < .0001), as was the percentage of bilateral involvement (72.1% versus 45.0%; P = .01). Mean ± SD thickness did not differ between patients and controls (4.4 ± 1.1 mm versus 4.2 ± 0.8 mm; P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our data, there is an elevated prevalence of asymptomatic Achilles tendon enthesopathic changes in patients with T2DM independent of peripheral neuropathy.

Imaging of plantar fascia disorders: findings on plain radiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

Plantar fascia (PF) disorders commonly cause heel pain and disability in the general population. Imaging is often required to confirm diagnosis. This review article aims to provide simple and systematic guidelines for imaging assessment of PF disease, focussing on key findings detectable on plain radiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sonographic characteristics of plantar fasciitis include PF thickening, loss of fibrillar structure, perifascial collections, calcifications and hyperaemia on Doppler imaging. Thickening and signal changes in the PF as well as oedema of adjacent soft tissues and bone marrow can be assessed on MRI. Radiographic findings of plantar fasciitis include PF thickening, cortical irregularities and abnormalities in the fat pad located deep below the PF. Plantar fibromatosis appears as well-demarcated, nodular thickenings that are iso-hypoechoic on ultrasound and show low-signal intensity on MRI. PF tears present with partial or complete fibre interruption on both ultrasound and MRI. Imaging description of further PF disorders, including xanthoma, diabetic fascial disease, foreign-body reactions and plantar infections, is detailed in the main text. Ultrasound and MRI should be considered as first- and second-line modalities for assessment of PF disorders, respectively. Indirect findings of PF disease can be ruled out on plain radiography.

Teaching Points

• PF disorders commonly cause heel pain and disability in the general population.

• Imaging is often required to confirm diagnosis or reveal concomitant injuries.

• Ultrasound and MRI respectively represent the first- and second-line modalities for diagnosis.

• Indirect findings of PF disease can be ruled out on plain radiography.

Hormones and tendinopathies: the current evidence

BACKGROUND

Tendinopathies negatively affect the quality of life of millions of people, but we still do not know the factors involved in the development of tendon conditions.

SOURCES OF DATA

Published articles in English in PubMed and Google Scholar up to June 2015 about hormonal influence on tendinopathies onset. One hundred and two papers were included following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

In vitro and in vivo, tenocytes showed changes in their morphology and in their functional properties according to hormonal imbalances.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Genetic pattern, sex, age and comorbidities can influence the hormonal effect on tendons.

GROWING POINTS

The increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders prompts to investigate the possible connection between metabolic problems and musculoskeletal diseases.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

The influence of hormones on tendon structure and metabolism needs to be further investigated. If found to be significant, multidisciplinary preventive and therapeutic strategies should then be developed.

Acquired midfoot deformity and function in individuals with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus related medial column foot deformity is a major contributor to ulceration and amputation. However, little is known about the relationship between medial column alignment and function and the integrity of the soft tissues that support and move the medial column. The purposes of this study were to determine the predictors of medial column alignment and function in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

23 participants with diabetes and neuropathy had radiographs, heel rise kinematics, magnetic resonance imaging and isokinetic muscle testing to measure: 1) medial column alignment (Meary's angle--the angle between the 1st metatarsal longitudinal axis and the talar head and neck), 2) medial column function (forefoot relative to hindfoot plantarflexion during heel rise), 3) intrinsic foot muscle and fat volume, ratio of posterior tibialis to flexor digitorum tendon volume, 4) plantar fascia function (Meary's angle change from toes flat to extended) and 5) plantarflexor peak torque. Predictors of medial column alignment and function were determined using simultaneous entry multiple regression.

FINDINGS

Posterior tibialis to flexor digitorum tendon volume ratio and intrinsic foot muscle volume were significant predictors of medial column alignment (P<.05), accounting for 44% of the variance. Intrinsic foot fat volume and plantarflexor peak torque were significant predictors of medial column function (P<.05), accounting for 37% of the variance.

INTERPRETATION

Deterioration of medial column supporting structures predicted alignment and function. Prospective research is required to monitor alignment, structure, and function over time to inform early intervention strategies to prevent deformity, ulceration, and amputation.

How Obesity Affects Tendons?

Several epidemiological and clinical observations have definitely demonstrated that obesity has harmful effects on tendons. The pathogenesis of tendon damage is multi-factorial. In addition to overload, attributable to the increased body weight, which significantly affects load-bearing tendons, systemic factors play a relevant role. Several bioactive peptides (chemerin, leptin, adiponectin and others) are released by adipocytes, and influence tendon structure by means of negative activities on mesenchymal cells. The ensuing systemic state of chronic, sub-clinic, low-grade inflammation can damage tendon structure. Metabolic disorders (diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and dislipidemia), frequently associated with visceral adiposity, are concurrent pathogenetic factors. Indeed, high glucose levels increase the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products, which in turn form stable covalent cross-links within collagen fibers, modifying their structure and functionality.Sport activities, so useful for preventing important cardiovascular complications, may be detrimental for tendons if they are submitted to intense acute or chronic overload. Therefore, two caution rules are mandatory: first, to engage in personalized soft training program, and secondly to follow regular check-up for tendon pathology.

TENDINOPATHY AND OBESITY

Introduction

Tendinopathies and tendon tears account for over 30% of all musculoskeletal consultations. Obesity, which is becoming one of the world´s most prevalent public health issues, may be associated with this condition.

Objective

To review the literature about tendinopathies and obesity association.

Methods

This is a descriptive exploratory study using the portal Medline. Literature in English language from 2006 to 2014 were reviewed.

Results

The pathogenesis of tendinopathies includes inflammatory, regenerative and degenerative processes that happen simultaneously from early to late phases of the disease. Mechanical stress upon tendons seems to be one of the most important factors to initiate the inflammatory response, but it´s not the only one that can deflagrate it: there are other extrinsic, genetic and metabolic factors that may be involved. Therefore, tendinopathies in obese patients can be due to tendon overload because of the excess of weight, but also because of increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators related to fat tissue such as adipokines. This pro-inflammatory state that obese people can suffer is known as adiposopathy, or sick fat syndrome. Weight loss is associated with decrease in adipokines and improvement of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Conclusion

The relation of obesity and tendinopathies is supported by evidences of recent studies, exemplified in this review of literature.

Real-time sonoelastography and ultrasound evaluation of the Achilles tendon in patients with diabetes with or without foot ulcers: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disease characterized by metabolic abnormalities and long-term complications. The Achilles tendon (AT) plays an important role in foot biomechanics. We aimed to investigate the effect of DM on the Achilles tendon, which may contribute to long-term complications in the foot-ankle complex.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with diabetes, with (35 patients, group I) or without (43 patients, group II) foot ulcers were recruited from the endocrinology clinic. Thirty-three age-, gender-, and BMI-matched healthy individuals were selected as controls. All participants underwent ultrasonography and sonoelastography of their AT in order to evaluate Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and stiffness (ATS). Each patient was also tested for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) as a measure of diabetes control. Other chronic complications were also evaluated in all patients with diabetes.

RESULTS

The AT was significantly thicker in group I compared to group II and the controls. HbA1C, FPG, and duration of diabetes were higher in group I. We observed that ATT was positively correlated with neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral arterial disease and coronary arterial disease in group II while this correlation was not detected in group I. ATS was reduced in group I more than group II and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the structure of the AT may precede foot ankle disorders in patients with diabetes. This is the first study that reported the results of sonoelastosonography of AT in patients with diabetes and revealed the correlation between ATT and other chronic complications of diabetes.

High Prevalence of Obesity and Female Gender Among Patients With Concomitant Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis

The link between increased body weight and hindfoot complaints is largely based on correlation to single foot pathology. We retrospectively reviewed 6879 patients with tibialis posterior tendonitis (TPT), plantar fasciitis (PF), or both. Among patients with either TPT or PF, 1 in 11 (9%) had both. We then compared age, gender, and body mass index among these groups. Patients with both diagnoses were neither statistically older nor more obese than patients with single diagnoses. However, they were statistically more female. Given the overall high prevalence of obesity in the study population, we feel these data support the link between obesity and multiple foot pathology.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, Level IV: Case series.

Achilles tendons in people with type 2 diabetes show mildly compromised structure: an ultrasound tissue characterisation study

BACKGROUND

Musculotendinous overuse injuries are prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes. Non-enzymatic glycosylation of collagen resulting in tendon stiffening may play a role. In this case-control study we determined whether patients with diabetes had poorer ultrasonographic structure in their Achilles tendons compared to age-matched controls.

METHODS

People with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and age-matched controls, had computerised ultrasound tissue characterisation of both Achilles tendons. In contiguous ultrasonographic images of the tendon, echopatterns were quantified and categorised into four echo-types. Tendon abnormality was quantified as sum of echo-types III+IV. Furthermore, skin autofluorescence (AF) of the forearm (AF-value) was gathered.

RESULTS

Twenty four type 2 diabetes patients, 24 controls, 24 type 1 diabetes patients and 20 controls were included. AF-value was higher in type 1 diabetes (1.55±0.17) than in their controls (1.39±0.18, p<0.001) and in type 2 diabetes (2.28±0.38) compared to their controls (1.84±0.32, p<0.001) Achilles tendons of type 2 diabetes patients contained more echo-types III+IV (14.1±7.9%) than matched controls (8.0±5.4%, p<0.001). There was a trend towards a difference in echo-types III+IV between type 1 diabetes patients (9.5±5.3%) and their controls (6.5±3.7%, p=0.055). In a stepwise linear regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) was moderately associated with tendon abnormality in patients with diabetes and controls (β=0.393, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2, and possibly type 1, diabetes patients showed poorer ultrasonographic Achilles tendon structure that may be a risk factor for tendinopathy. Although markers for accumulation of advanced glycation end products were elevated in both diabetes populations, only BMI was associated with these abnormalities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR2209.

Ultrasound morphology of the Achilles in asymptomatic patients with and without diabetes

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of tendinopathies is increased in subjects with diabetes mellitus. However, there are few data on the structural abnormalities of Achilles tendons in asymptomatic diabetic patients. The aim of the study was to assess the morphologic characteristics of the Achilles tendon in subjects with diabetes in comparison with controls without diabetes.

METHODS

Participants were consecutively recruited from an outpatient population. Ultrasound longitudinal and transverse scans were performed bilaterally along the full length of Achilles tendon from the musculotendinous junction to the insertion. Degenerative features (abnormal fibrillar pattern, hypo-hyperechoic areas), signs of enthesopathy (bony erosion, enthesophytes, and bursitis), and intratendinous neovessel formation were recorded.

RESULTS

Asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities (ASA) were significantly increased in subjects with diabetes (35/136 [25.7%] vs 32/273 [11.7%], P = .0003). Sixty tendons with ASA were observed in the first group and 45 in the latter because ASA were bilateral in 25 and in 13 subjects, respectively. ASA were more frequently localized at the enthesis (32/60 [53.3%] vs 9/45 [20%], P = .0005) in the diabetes group, whereas, on the contrary, they were more prevalent at the midportion in controls (38/45 [84.4%] vs 36/60 [60%], P < .006).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes may predispose to Achilles tendinopathy and particularly to Achilles enthesopathy. Longitudinal studies, evaluating the progression of the lesions not only in the midportion of the tendon but also at the insertion are needed to support this conclusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative series.

Revisiting physical examination: Abadie's sign and Achilles intratendinous changes in subjects with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not the positivity of Abadie's sign could be an indicator of asymptomatic Achilles intratendinous changes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 18 patients (36 tendons) suffering from diabetes, with at least 1 Achilles tendon positive to Abadie's sign, were compared to matched subjects with diabetes bilaterally negative to Abadie's sign. Anthropometric measures and the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score were registered. Echotexture was evaluated and degenerative features classified as absent, mild, moderate and severe. The frequencies of structural abnormalities, according to both Abadie's sign and the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score, were determined.

RESULTS

In the first group 26 out of 36 tendons (72.2%) showed positive Abadie's sign and a significantly higher frequency of moderate and severe (65.3%) structural abnormalities compared to Achilles tendons with negative sign (4.3%; p < 0.0001). This frequency was similar to that observed in the subjects with the highest Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (64.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that Abadie's sign was a useful tool for assisting in the diagnosis of asymptomatic Achilles intratendinous changes, which, when detected early, could help prevent unexpected tendon rupture. The concordance between Abadie's sign and Achilles sonographic abnormalities needs to be evaluated in a larger sample to consider it useful for practical purposes.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on surgical outcomes in sports medicine

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects a significant proportion of the patients evaluated and treated by orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine. Sports-medicine-related conditions associated with DM include tendinopathy, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and articular cartilage disease. This article reviews the current literature adressing the effect of DM on surgical outcomes in sports medicine. In general, patients with DM undergo operations more frequently and experience inferior surgical outcomes compared with patients without DM. Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased rates of complications from sports medicine procedures, such as infection, delayed healing, and failure of the operation. However, additional research is needed to determine the full impact of DM on patient outcomes in sports medicine. Surgeons should be cognizant of special considerations in the population of patients with DM and aim to tailor the surgical management of this growing patient population.

Body mass index and achilles tendonitis: a 10-year retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

High body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as an etiologic agent in Achilles tendonitis (AT) and may contribute to poorer treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to better elucidate the role of BMI in both the development and treatment of AT.

METHODS

A matched case-control (1:1) study design was used. Matching criteria were age, gender, and year of presentation. Consecutive patients who presented with a diagnosis of AT between 2002 and 2011 at a single foot and ankle specialty clinic were identified. Patients who presented with other foot pain at the same clinic served as controls (CG). The AT group was further stratified into treatment responders and nonresponders. The main effect measure for both analyses was an adjusted odds ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 944 patients (472 AT; 472 CG) were included. AT patients had higher BMI than those in the CG (30.2 ± 6.5 vs 25.9 ± 5.3, P < .001). Overweight and obese patients were 2.6 to 6.6 times more likely than those with a normal BMI to present with Achilles tendonitis (P < .001). There was also elevated risk of presenting with AT at higher BMI categories (Mantel-Haenszel χ (2) = 8.074, P = .004). However, only age, not BMI, correlated with having failed conservative treatment among the AT group, with patients older than 65 years at the greatest risk (odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.5 to 4.1, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

BMI plays a role in the development of AT but does not appear to influence patient response to conservative treatment.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, Level II.

Occurrence of tendon pathologies in metabolic disorders

This article reviews the pathogenetic role of metabolic disorders, which are of paramount relevance to the progression of tendon damage. In diabetes, the prevalence of rheumatological diseases is high, mainly because of the deleterious effects of advanced glycation end products that deteriorate the biological and mechanical functions of tendons and ligaments. In heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, most patients develop Achilles xanthomatosis, a marker of high risk for cardiovascular disease caused by cholesterol deposition in the tendons. Tendon degeneration has also been observed in non-familial hypercholesterolaemia. Monosodium urate crystal deposition in soft tissues is a hallmark of chronic gouty arthritis. In this group of diseases, the mobilization of cholesterol and uric acid crystals is presumably followed by low-grade inflammation, which is responsible for tendon degeneration. Adiposity may contribute to tendon disorders via two different mechanisms: increased weight on the load-bearing tendons and systemic dysmetabolic factors that trigger subclinical persistent inflammation. Finally, tendon abnormalities have been observed in some rare congenital metabolism disorders such as alkaptonuria.

Management of limited joint mobility in diabetic patients

Several rheumatologic manifestations are more pronounced in subjects with diabetes, ie, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, Dupuytren's contracture, trigger finger, cheiroarthropathy in the upper limb, and Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis in the lower limb. These conditions can limit the range of motion of the affected joint, thereby impairing function and ability to perform activities of daily living. This review provides a short description of diabetes-related joint diseases, the specific pathogenetic mechanisms involved, and the role of inflammation, overuse, and genetics, each of which activates a complex sequence of biochemical alterations. Diabetes is a causative factor in tendon diseases and amplifies the damage induced by other agents as well. According to an accepted hypothesis, damaged joint tissue in diabetes is caused by an excess of advanced glycation end products, which forms covalent cross-links within collagen fibers and alters their structure and function. Moreover, they interact with a variety of cell surface receptors, activating a number of effects, including pro-oxidant and proinflammatory events. Adiposity and advanced age, commonly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, are further pathogenetic factors. Prevention and strict control of this metabolic disorder is essential, because it has been demonstrated that limited joint motion is related to duration of the disease and hyperglycemia. Several treatments are used in clinical practice, but their mechanisms of action are not completely understood, and their efficacy is also debated.